Screeprinting practise #1

Today I have decided to try my hand at screen-printing once again, as it has been a while since I last tried this fun method out.

As well as this, I also need practise again as I am expressing interest in screen-printing the front and rear cover of the zine, as a way to make the item more desirable.
I decided to choose trialling screen printing using this particular illustration below, of a Dormouse.

My base Dormouse illustration.

In order to print these trials onto paper, I needed to transfer the image onto two separate pieces of acetate, with two identical prints being used to enhance the quality of the print.
I went ahead and bought some sheets, and used the photocopier to apply the image onto the acetate.

The image on acetate.

After this, I then began the process of preparing the mesh screen to later be used for printing.
I coated it with light sensitive emulsion, and then allowed for the screen to dry in the dryer rack.
After this, I place the acetate and the mesh on the vacuum burner, and then applied the image onto the mesh using the specialised machine.

The vacuum machine.

The exposure timer.

Once the image was applied via the exposure, I rushed to the jet-washer to avoid overexposure to the light, and the mesh was delicate, and could easily be damaged by the sunlight.
Once the mesh was rinsed thoroughly, the image was clear on the screen, and once this had dried a second time, I was ready to begin the exciting process of screen-printing.

Drying rack

I used the vacuum table to keep the paper stuck down to avoid movement, as this may result in a blurry print.
With the mesh held over the paper, I used some black ink, and the squeegee tool to pull the ink over the screen, allowing for the transferring process.
After flooding the mesh, I basically repeated the process easily.

Vacuum table, and the mesh screen elevated above ready to print.

I found the process to be very successful, and I am very interested in producing more for my zine.
Jade talked to me about the process of etching ,which may suit my fine style more, as I would be able to produce much greater levels of detail in my prints.
the finished screenprint can be found below.

The final screenprint.

Thomas.