Screen Printing at home

So I have been planning to try my hand at screen printing for a while. A few months ago I indulged in some retail therapy and bought the screen and squeegee and a pot of Permaset paint.  Its been sitting on my desk ever since and I've been desperate to find some time to give it a go.

During the last few weeks I choose a design. I traced it on to a cardboard manilla folder and using a craft knife, carefully cut out the design.

This weekend, and a few U-tube video’s later, I thought I might give it a go.

Using masking tape I attached the design to the flat side of the screen. I masking taped the rest of the screen to prevent any paint getting though.

I then turned the screen and placed on a piece of calico.

At this point you have: flat surface – fabric – stencil – screen.

 

And then for the paint application:  

• I dolloped some paint along the top seciton of the screen,
• took the squeegee,
• swipe down, up, down, and
• carefully peeled the screen away.

 Just like that – there’s paint on the fabric. How nifty!

I was delighted with the outcome.  I made three of the same and let them dry.

 

.... and then it all went wrong.  
 

The aim is to let it air dry and then 'heat cure' the paint (as per the intructions of the jar). You can use an iron or the oven. Here’s today’s lesson folks – if using the oven, do not assume that all is well.  Do not walk away and start some other chore or get distracted. When it says on the jar: 2-3 minutes, that is all!  Not 3-4 0r 4-5.  Only a short spell.  It may be that you need a lower temperature. Because otherwise .... lo and behold, your fabric will burn!

Yes, the lovely designs now have a browned aesthetic and indeed smell somewhat of caramel. You have to laugh.

Might go for the iron next time.