It is important to stretch your fabric tight on the frame. If it is not tight, has slack and sags, images will blur and close registration will be difficult. If you have stretched canvases for painting, you will find this procedure very similar. On large screens it is especially important to stretch the fabric tight because any looseness will be exaggerated as the squeegee is pulled across a wide expanse. In this case you will find that a pair of pull pliers, like those used for stretching canvas, will help you grip and pull the fabric over the wide expanse. If you are preparing several screens for multicolor printing, be sure you stretch all of them with the same degree of tension to ensure accurate register.

After the fabric is stretched, it should be thoroughly washed to tighten it further and to remove sizing so that all materials and stencils will adhere easily. Mild soap, detergent, powdered cleanser, and powdered pumice can be used with water and a nylon brush for cleaning polyester and nylon fabrics .

There are also special commercially manufactured preparations for cleaning nylon, such as Screen Prep and Mesh Prep, which are scrubbed on with water. Silk requires only a mild soap or detergent.