stencil making

 

Screen printing is essentially a stencil method for producing images. Various stencil techniques are used to block out areas of the screen: the areas left open will print.

Blocking out can be achieved with a variety of materials, including paper, glue, shellac, commercial block-out, film stencils, and photographic processes.

Combining glue with a resist material such as tusche, wax crayon, or Maskoid can produce interesting results.

Other methods have been developed by individual artists for their personal use. It is impossible to cover each one.

In discussing  the water-based  processes, I will list the methods most commonly used by artists. Experiment with different stencil methods to find the one that best suits your imagery. Combinations of methods can, of course, be used.



Overview of Stencil Techniques

MATERIALS AND TOOLS FOR WATER METHODS

Techniques are specific to the particular image you are looking for an of course the resulting stencil must be compatible with the choice of ink you work with (oil or water.)

That being said, there are certain materials and tools common to both processes.

The following list contains recommended materials, but is not exhaustive. Experiment with other materials and compare notes with other classmates.

  1. BulletX-Acto knife and assorted blades

  2. BulletStencil knife (available from screen-printing suppliers)

  3. BulletSingle-edge razor blades

  4. BulletMasking and Scotch Magic tape (¾ or 1 inch)

  5. BulletBlack china marker

  6. BulletKorn’s liquid and stick tusche for screen printing

  7. BulletOil Base Ink

  8. BulletWax crayons

  9. BulletRubber cement

  10. BulletMaskoid or E-Z liquid frisket

  11. BulletAlcohol or Mineral spirits (used minimally with water-based methods)

  12. BulletTracing or bond paper

  13. BulletSponges

  14. BulletFingernail brush (to clean screen)

  15. BulletOld Tooth Brush

  16. BulletQ-Tips

  17. BulletPaper towels,

  18. BulletNewspapers, and rags

  19. BulletRubber gloves