STEP 1: USE A GOOD SCREEN
PUT DOWN THAT STAPLE GUN! It’s not welcome here. If you want to create a beautiful, smooth and silky screen print, then you need a good coat of emulsion. If you want a good coat of emulsion, then you need a good screen. Simple.
We consider a good screen to have these attributes:
- Even tension
- Aluminium frame
- Clean mesh
You can pick up a quality screen pretty cheap now. Here is a link to our recommended screens: http://45.56.66.224/customers/72376/product/screen-printing-screens/
STEP 2 : DEGREASE YOUR SCREEN!
Even if your screen is brand new, YOU STILL NEED TO DEGREASE IT! The aim is to eliminate all imperfections, remove dust, grease, old ink and even if you think your screen looks clean. It is not. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
The benefit of degreasing a screen is:
- Eliminate pin holes (areas where dust have been trapped under the emulsion)
- Create a mesh which will adhere to the emulsion. If you have greasy finger prints on your screen, the emulsion will struggle to hold in place.
Tip: Hoover your dark room. Henry is your best friend.
We have a pretty awesome supplier for our degreaser AND we have a discount code for you to use if you purchase! Use code: CRP5 at the checkout. https://screenprintworld.co.uk/product/easiway-screen-perfect-degreaser/
STEP 3: PICK AN APPROPRIATE SCOOP COATER
The BEST TIP we could ever give you; make sure your scoop coater fits the INSIDE of your screen before you pour your emulsion. This seems like a given but when you make this mistake, you WILL kick yourself.
You also need to choose a clean coater with no nicks/dents in the coating edge.
STEP 4: DON’T USE NASTY EMULSION
There are LOADSSSS of emulsions to choose from. We like to mix our own and we have a video on how to do that here: UPLOADING SOON.
STEP 5: COAT IN CONFIDENCE
Just go for it. Take your time and use plenty of pressure. From our experience most people struggle with this step because they over think it. If you spend your time perfecting every other step in this blog then the coating will come naturally!
STEP 6: DRY YOUR SCREENS THE PROFESSIONAL WAY
Did we mention you need to Hoover your drying room? This is important. And dry your screens flat side down. This is also important.
STEP 7: CLEAN THE F*CK UP!
If you don’t clean your scoop coater properly, you’re going to f*ck it up next time. Be kind to your future self.
STEP 8: GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS VIDEO AND BECOME A PRO!
