Simple Screenprinting: Basic Techniques & Creative Projects

[...]Have you ever tried the silkscreen printing process? An excellent, well thought out book that can get you started is Simple Screenprinting (Basic Techniques & Creative Projects) by Annie Stromquist, published by Lark books in 2004. (ISBN 1-57990-490-4). The eye of an artist is evidenced throughout this book, which is a visual joy, filled with clear, colorful photographs and appropriate use of "white space." Assuming the reader is a total novice to screen printing, Ms. Stromquist begins with a brief history of screen-printing, then describes the tools and inks that are used. Next, selection and preparation of the screen itself is clearly described. This is followed by an illustration showing attachment of the frame to special hinges and backboard. As the method is further developed, a paper stencil for defining the printed image is shown and the first project, a stenciled postcard, is begun. The more advanced printmaker will find later in the book that photo emulsion preparations allow a simple and accurate means to create a screen that offers the ability to print photographically derived images. The reader is shown how to register the print so that multiple screens may be used in order to print with different colors and to ensure the image is properly aligned. A very clearly descriptive section shows exactly how to use registration pins and tabs to maintain correct and accurate image registration. The reader quickly discovers that many parallels exist between overcoming screen-printing problems and intaglio or lithographic printing problems that use multiple color plates. This book goes beyond printing only on paper by exploring and explaining how screen-printing is done on fabric. One such project shows how to create place mats or even how to print aprons for a group (maybe even Maryland Printmakers print shop aprons!) Traditionally, this method had been called "silk screen" printing, but polyester material is now used in place of silk simply because polyester is more readily available and far less costly. Density of the weave of the fabric will dictate the screen's ability to register detail and the system of grading the screen fabric densities is also explained. Opaque or transparent inks used for screen-printing may be either water- or oil-based. Ms. Stromquist explains how to test the inks using colors with different levels of transparency and shows how the colors combine to create different color results when they are printed one color over another. There are twenty-six screen-printing projects included in the book. Each one uses a different method to produce the image. The projects begin with a simple single color stenciled post card. This teaches the basic skills and acquaints the user with the tools and technique. Each project requires using a new technique, and as the artist proceeds through the book, competency is developed as the level of sophistication in printmaking increases. Each new technique becomes the basis for

I recently decided to take up screen printing and bought this book to help me learn the techniques. I've been very pleased with it so far. The instructions are simple to follow and explained well. There are also images illustrating most steps described in the text, useful for visual people. The author goes through the basics, such as choosing a suitable screen and paint and the equipment necessary, so it's easy to get started right away. The specific projects outlined in the book are fun and interesting, though perhaps best used as inspiration for your own designs. Best of all, the author describes several different ways to make prints, including some that don't involve any toxic chemicals. This book might not be appropriate for advanced screen printers as I'm sure the information contained in it is pretty simplistic. However, it's great for someone like me who knew nothing about screenprinting before I bought this book. I've created some really great images following the instructions of the authors, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

This book was so helpful! My husband and I are trying to start a t-shirt company and we didn't know were to start. This book showed us all of the different techniques and really spelled out how to do each of them. It was very easy to understand, gave us some great ideas and it even showed us how to make our screen from scratch. I would recommend getting this book if you are wondering how to screen print.

This book is exceptional. It is a sophisticated approach to using screenprinting for a variety of applications. Everything is explained in clear and logical ways and color photographs are provided for every step. I teach a summer workshop and plan to use this book as my text.

Wow! You really CAN learn something on your own! This book has it all: over a hundred full color step-by-step photographs showing how to prepare photo, paper, and brushed stencils and how to print. The focus is on professional quality results on paper or fabric using water-based inks. There are lots of extras, too, like how to do monoprints, how to blend colors and how to do repeat printing on fabric. Even a side bar on those classic screenprinted rock and roll posters from the sixties! I think one of the book's strengths is its practicality. It shows you how to register and print perfectly using a simple frame screen -- no expensive vacuum table needed -- and how to set up an inexpensive exposure unit using household supplies. I think this book speaks to several different audiences. I'm an artist who primarily paints, but I've long wanted to learn how to do serigraph editions without having to take a class and this book is perfect for me. My sister, who designs cards and linens, loves it,too.