Silk-screen Infographics

MDI- UPV 2017

01. Overview

This is the graphic summary of the screen printing workshop during the Master in Design and Illustration. The goal was to document and present the full process and the final results using infographics and visual information.

02. Key Insights

Role:

Designer – student

Team:

Individual project

Duration:

3 days

03. Objectives

1. Document the silk-screen process step by step.

2. Show the final results.

3. Use infographics to show the process.

04. Silk-Screen Materials

Shirts and fabric bags ready to be printed on.
Screen frame: A rectangular silk-screen mesh, tightly stretched over a frame, used to transfer the design.
Six containers of ink.
Squeegee or spatula, to spread the ink across the mesh.
Tape and sponge, used for prepping the screen.
Bucket and cleaning cloths for washing the screen.
Printed design on paper, which will be transferred to the screen.

05. Preparation and Masking

Cleaning: The screen is cleaned before applying any emulsion.
Applying emulsion: A light-sensitive emulsion is spread evenly across the screen.
Exposing the design: The printed design is placed on the screen, and the screen is exposed to light, hardening the emulsion where the design is not covered.
Washing: After exposure, the screen is rinsed to remove the unexposed emulsion, revealing the design.
Drying: The screen is dried, making it ready for printing.
Masking: Tape is applied (steps A, B, C) to block areas of the screen where ink should not pass through.

06. Printing Process

Setting up the screen: The shirt is placed under the prepared screen, which is masked off to focus the design area.
Applying ink: Ink is poured onto the screen and spread using a squeegee, pushing the ink through the open parts of the mesh where the design is.
Printing: The ink passes through the screen onto the fabric in the shape of the design.
Drying and cleaning: The printed shirt is left to dry, and the screen is cleaned, ready for reuse.