Silk Screening Process
Overview
Silkscreen printmaking (also called Serigraphy) is a multi-stage process which involves creating an image, exposing this image onto a silkscreen and using this screen to print the image, in ink, onto a substrate, such as paper or fabric.
Image Creation
Image creation can incorporate drawing, painting and photographic techniques, all applied to a surface that is transparent or translucent, to allow for selective passing or blocking of light. Frosted or clear Mylar (plastic film) is most often the base on which the images are created. Opaque markers, ink, paper, paint, fabric, graphite pencil, and thin objects can all be used to build the image. Photographic images printed on positive or negative film or acetate can also be incorporated.
Screen Preparation
A silkscreen is created by stretching fabric (originally silk, now synthetic) tightly over a sturdy wood or aluminum frame. A thin coat of photo-emulsion is applied to the screen and left to dry in the dark until ready for exposure. The image is placed under the screen and exposed to bright light for the amount of time required to react with the emulsion and harden it in the screen. All of the areas of the image which allowed light through would be hardened and the parts which were opaque would remain soft and wash out with water after the exposure is complete. These open areas on the screen are identical to the image created.