Screen Printing

Objective

The primary aim of this project was to gain hands-on experience in the screen printing process by creating a custom t-shirt featuring the First Order logo from Star Wars. This endeavor sought to deepen my understanding of the intricate techniques involved in screen printing, while also enhancing my practical skills.

Process

  1. Design Creation

    • Developed a vector image of the First Order logo.

  2. Screen Preparation

    • Applied the design to an emulsion-coated screen.

    • Exposed the screen to a bright light, which hardened the emulsion, retaining the stenciled portions in liquid form.

  3. Washing the Screen

    • Washed the screen to remove the unhardened emulsion, creating the stencil.

  4. Printing Setup

    • Positioned the stencil on the printing press with the t-shirt placed underneath.

    • Ensured proper alignment of the shirt with the stencil.

  5. Ink Application

    • Lowered the screen onto the shirt.

    • Manually applied ink to the screen while maintaining even pressure for a consistent coat.

  6. Drying

    • Placed shirt through a quick-drying machine, completing the process.

Conclusion

This project provided valuable insights into the complexity of screen printing. Through the hands-on experience of designing, preparing, and executing the print, I successfully acquired a new skill set that will be beneficial for future creative endeavors. This endeavor not only reinforced the technical aspects of screen printing but also highlighted the importance of precision and patience in the artistic process.