Why screen print?
Screen printing is a multi-step process that allows you to print graphics onto T-shirts, posters, hats and other items. Have you ever thought of a concept for a T-shirt that you couldn’t buy anywhere? With screen printing, you can create a design and print one T-shirt or 100 T-shirts.
To begin the process of screen printing, you will first need to find a studio or business that has the necessary equipment. For the purposes of this Web site, all screen printing was done at the University of Florida's Arts and Crafts Center in the Reitz Union.
- Some of the tools you will be using (see picture at left):
- A emulsion tray/trough, used to coat the screen with emulsion
- B emulsion remover, used to clean or "reclaim" your screen after use
- C scrubber, also used to reclaim your screen
- D spatula, can be used to scoop ink onto screen before printing
- E squeegee/paddle, used to push ink through screen when printing
Some other supplies that you will need are a screen, emulsion, screen printing ink, and T-shirts or other materials to be printed on. Many of these supplies can be purchased or rented at the facility where you will be printing. All other equipment should be available for use, at some cost, by the facility.