Knowing your Materials and Equipment
It is important to understand what is needed for your session and have everything to hand. You will need: Vacuum Table, Screen, Squeegee, Printing Paste, Spoon, Acetate and Masking Tape.
Step 1 To set up the vacuum table, adjust the bars so the screen can fit between them. The bars can be moved by loosening the large black screws at the top and bottom. Turn anti-clockwise to loosen and clockwise to tighten once in position.
Step 2 When the large black screws are loose you can slide the bars across.
Step 3 Tighten one bar so it does not move, leave the second bar loose for now. Place the screen mesh side down onto the vacuum table, between the bars, making sure it sits on top of the metal runners.
Step 4 When screen is in position, tighten all the screws so the bars and screen are secure.
Step 5 To prevent the screen sliding up and down add the extra clamps, one on each side of the screen.
Step 6 Acetate is located under the vacuum tables. Position the acetate under your screen and secure on one side with masking tape.
Step 7 The table is now set up ready for printing. Lower the screen and switch on the vacuum table, the switch is located on the right hand side of the table.
Step 8 Add the print paste to the top of the design.
Step 9 Holding the squeegee at a 45 degree angle, apply firm pressure and pull towards you to screen print onto the acetate.
Step 10 Lift the screen and check the print.
Step 11 Push the print paste back up the screen.
Step 12 Your design should now be printed onto the acetate.
Step 13 Use the printed acetate to position your paper ready for printing.
Step 14 Fold back the acetate and lower the screen ready to print. Spoon extra colour across the top of the design if needed. Screen print onto the paper, you can check your print after the first pull and decide if further pulls are needed.
Step 15 When you are happy with your print, lift the screen and move to the drying rack.
Step 16 When you have finished printing wash your screen and clean up your work space.