Screen Printing at Home

A great way to create multiples of an image is by screenprinting. In this post we’ll create a screen of a vintage “Utrecht Linens” logo that can be screened onto t-shirts, aprons or canvas bags. The easiest way to get started is with a screen printing kit, it will have everything you need to create your image either through the photo emulsion process or by drawing the  image directly on the screen. 

In order to achieve a vintage weathered look we’ve chosen to draw our image directly onto the screen with a brush and drawing fluid. We used push pins to elevate the screen while painting it (remember the screen is mesh, you don’t want the fluid seeping through to your image, they’ll get stuck together!).

Now that the image is painted on it’s time to add the screen filler. The area that is painted is the area where ink will be able to get through to transfer your image.

Cover the image in one pass, then use the excess filler to cover the areas of the screen that do not have the image. Make sure there are no puddles of screen filler and return the extra to the jar. Now you want to let this dry before washing out the drawing fluid.

Here is the screen before and after rinsing. We used a traditional sink sprayer, a hose will work too. Anything that can provide enough water pressure to wash out the drawing fluid. Allow the screen to dry then tape up the edges to prevent any ink getting through gaps that may exist.

We put another image on this screen for another project, since we don’t want it to print we’ll cover it with masking tape on the bottom of the screen (taping on the top, or printing side, of the screen will give you problems when applying ink). Now we’re all set to print and can spoon on some of the ink.

Lift one edge of the screen so it’s not making contact with your printing surface. Make a pass forward with the squeegee and one back to flood your image with ink. Now lay the screen flat on your printing surface.

Applying firm pressure make another pass with your squeegee. This forces the ink through the screen and results in the image transferring to your surface. Now you’re ready to make an entire edition of shirts or fine art prints!

This year we invite you to help us celebrate our 60th year in business, and our 10th year serving the artists of the greater Phoenix area.

From the beginning, our founders’ goals have been clear - to provide the best prices on quality products; along with helpful service from our knowledgeable staff of working artists. While our company has grown and changed, we have always held close to these principles.

Whether buying a tube of Utrecht Oil Color or a roll of Utrecht Imported Linen, artists rely on us as a resource for innovation and information, as well as all the right products. Consistent with our company’s commitment to meeting the needs of the fine art community, our guests greatly value our tradition of sharing proven methods and techniques with all levels of artists from student to professional.

Utrecht’s full product assortment now includes over 15,000 items specifically selected from the most influential resources. We have a robust catalog and web business, and have grown to 37 retail locations; but remain true to our roots as your local supplier.

Six decades after Norman and Harold Gulamerian started importing linens and developing revolutionary new products, the art world is a much larger and more global community. Today, the world is facing new economic and environmental issues, and Utrecht is dedicated to meeting these challenges for the artist community.