FabLab 9507023 Create FAB Screen Printing Design Instructions
- June 7, 2024
- FabLab
Table of Contents
Instructions
Screen Printing
Creare FAB Screen Printing Designs
WARNING!
Only for use by children over 8 years old.
**** Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts that may
represent a choking hazard.
Adult supervision is recommended. Read the instructions before use, follow
them and keep them for reference.
Do not apply to
the skin, or close to the eyes or mouth.
Do not swallow or inhale the contents.
Use contents within 6 months of opening the individual containers.
The paints in the kit are water-soluble but may stain carpets, furnishings, clothes or surfaces. Please take care to avoid accidents.
INGREDIENTS : Acrylates Copolymer; Aqua; Paraffin Wax; Mineral Oil;
Aqueous Ammonia; Urea; Propylene Glycol;
May contain +/-: Copper Phthalocyanine; Pigment Yellow 14; Pigment Red 57:1.
Contents
3 x Pots of Non-Toxic Paint to Mix
(Pink, Blue, Yellow)
Mesh Screen Frame & Holding Piece
1 x Squeegee
1 x Paint Stirrer
10 x Sticker Stencils
1 x Elastic Band
1 x Pair of Gloves
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a method of printing where you apply paint through a fine-
mesh screen onto a surface. The image is a result of blocking parts of the
screen with a stencil or by creating an image directly on the screen with
drawing fluid or screen filler. You can print on a variety of surfaces such as
fabric, paper and cardboard.
FabLab’s Screen Printing kit provides you with the tools and stencils to
create your own unique prints. Just add your favourite fashion items and let
your creativity run free!
How to Use (on a T-Shirt)
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To start, set up a work area by putting down a newspaper or a plastic tablecloth away from any furniture or carpet.
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Choose a t-shirt, we recommend using 100% cotton materials, as they absorb paint better than synthetics and will therefore produce a more vibrant finish. Wash, dry and iron your t-shirt before beginning as it’s much easier to print on clean, wrinkle-free materials.
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Prepare your screen by peeling the stencil carefully from it’s back and press it flat onto the underside of the screen (this is the blue side), ensuring there are no air bubbles.
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Before applying paint you’ll need to determine where you want to position your design. You can do this by placing the holding piece inside your t-shirt (under the front) and move it around, the square base indicates the size of the design.
If you want the image top/centre on your t-shirt place it 10cm down from the neckline. The holding piece will ensure that the paint does not leak through to the back of your t-shirt and provides a sturdy base to print on. -
Line up the screen on top of the holding piece when positioned.
5a. If you’re creating a design with two or more stencils pull the elastic band around your t-shirt with the holding piece inside, the lip on the holding piece should keep the band in place.
This ensures the holding piece doesn’t move when you take the screen on and off and will keep the multiple stencils aligned. -
Put on your gloves when handling the paint.
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Use the paint colours provided or mix your own to create your desired colour.
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Using the paint stirrer place a generous amount of paint along the side or top of the screen.
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Firmly hold the screen down with one hand (or ask someone else to hold the screen down) while you scrape the paint across the stencil with the squeegee.
Be sure to press hard on the squeegee so that all of the paint goes through the screen and through the stencil. You may have to repeat scraping one or more times to ensure an even application of paint. -
Hold your t-shirt down with one hand as you lift the screen up with the other to reveal your print!
If you’re only printing one design with a single stencil you can print several t-shirts/items in a row. Do this by adding more paint if necessary and swapping items over. Work quickly so that the paint doesn’t dry on the screen (you’ll see why this is so important later).
If you’re printing with two or more stencils, remove the stencil and clean the screen immediately (more details on page 8). Keep the elastic band on your t-shirt. Wait until the screen is completely dry and the paint on the t-shirt is dry to touch before repeating the next printing process.
**Cleaning
**
Once finished peel off and dispose of the stencil and clean the screen
immediately. It’s also important that the holding piece is kept under the
screen when washing.
(If the holding piece is still in use when using multiple stencils find
something roughly the same size to lean on when washing).
Run the screen under warm water and rinse off the paint. Use a toothbrush and
soap to gently scrub away any remaining paint (make sure to take care so you
don’t damage the mesh). If the paint is left to dry on the screen, it can be
very difficult to remove and may diminish the quality of future prints. Rinse
the squeegee and paint stirrer under warm water. Let all materials dry before
printing again. When drying try not to let the mesh touch any surface, such as
leaning against a wall, this means it will dry quicker.
**Fabric Care
**
Once your t-shirt is completely dry (24 hours is best), you can heat-set your
cool design onto your t-shirt and make it machine washable. Set your iron to
the cotton setting with no steam and place another piece of cloth or paper on
top of the shirt. Iron over the printed image on both sides (inside and out)
for 3-5 minutes on each side.
It’s best to take care with your screen printed clothes, we recommend a
delicate cycle at 30 degrees to maintain their vibrancy.
Stuck for Ideas?
Here are a few of our favourite variations:
Other Fab Projects
Greeting Cards
To make cute cards to give to friends or family cut a 29 x 14.5cm rectangle of
cards and fold down the middle (ask an adult to help with this!). Put the card
on top of the holding piece, apply the stencil to the screen and print as you
would with a T-shirt.
Framed Print
To create a cool print to hang up in your room, find a 14.5 x 14.5cm square
picture frame, cut out a piece of card the same size, print and frame!
DIY Hanging Wall Tapestry
Why not upcycle? If you have an old plain pillowcase ask an adult to cut
one side off so you’re left with a rectangle of material, using one of the
simple stencils, such as the star, screenprint onto this as you would with a
T-shirt but move the stencil to create rows of stars. Once you’ve left it to
dry use bulldog clips and string to hang up your wall tapestry!
Ran Out Of Stencils?
Don’t worry – you can create your own screen print designs simply with paper
and masking tape!
Cut a 13 x 13cm square piece of paper, draw on your design and ask an adult to
cut out carefully. Use masking tape to attach the design onto the screen,
making sure you keep the paper completely flat and there are no gaps between
the tape and paper. Print and enjoy!
Mobile Phone Holder
Included in your FabLab kit is a mobile phone holder, which lets you easily
view our cool “how-to” videos packed with exciting content to discover new
techniques and styles.
Simply place your phone into the holder and go to our channel at
youtube.com/fablabuk.
Share your favourite designs!
We would love to see your creations! Share your cool screen print designs with
us on social media by mentioning or tagging @fablabuk
Also in the FabLab range:
See our full range of toys and gifts at:
www.playmonster.co.uk
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PlayMonster UK Ltd. Artisan, Hillbottom Road, High Wycombe. HP12 4HJ.
Please retain our address for future reference.
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