Note: This Guide will be focusing on the production of the artwork and assumes you have previous knowledge with a design software. If you do not, I recommend checking out some of other workshops (or YouTube) before going forward. I HIGHLY recommend learning Inkscape, as it is a free, open source Illustrator alternative for people who do not have access to Adobe Illustrator. While Canva is a popular software– it is focused to design for web and some print, put not really for the kind of production in the Makerspace.
For this walkthrough, I will be using a vector-based Illustrator design on a Windows Machine. The workflow outside of the design stage will remain the same, as the software works the same on Windows and Macs.
Preparing Your Design:
This can be made in either raster or vector programs, just know vector art tends to come out more crisper and Can be more easily scaled than raster-based artwork. Make sure your file is A4 Sized (8.27 x 11.69 inches) and set to 300 DPI.
For those working in vector, you can download our template for Illustrator [link]or Inkscape [link], or create your own. Once again setting it to A4 size at 300 DPI.
Here is where you can find the preset settings in Photoshop/Illustrator/Inkscape/Procreate. As A4 is a standard size outside of the US, most design softwares should have this size as an option. (For those using other software I didn’t mention like Affinity/Corel/Clip Studio Paint.)
Regardless of program remember to make your design ENTIRELY BLACK AND WHITE/TRANSPARENT. And make sure any text is mirrored!
If you’re using Illustrator, saving as an AI will do. Any other software you will need to export your file as a PDF— if you can’t for any reason– a high resolution transparent PNG or JPG can work. ScreenMaking is one of the rare export software that won’t accept SVG/DXF/EPS files.
If you are using Procreate, you will need to upload it to a computer with the ScreenMaking application.
Once you have your image, open up the ScreenMaking software.
On the far top right select Chose Image File and find your file.
Adjust as needed in the software. Do not send– you need to prepare the screen first.
Setting Up the Screen:
If there are not any pre-stretched screens, you will need to stretch it onto the frame. Depending on the level of detail, you may need to choose a specific grade (70, 120, 200). More on those below. The Makerspace has some pre-cut 120 Mesh provided by our vendor, as well as rolls to cut on your own if they run out.
Make sure the side of your frame with the arrow is facing down and the square hole on the frame is in the bottom left corner.
Apply the double-sided tape to each side but not covering the holes. You want to keep it inside. Once happy with your tape placement, remove the protective layer to apply the screen.
Cut your mesh to size and stretch as tight as possible. You want to apply it with the shiny side down.
(These holes can be used as registration if you are doing layered designs.)
Choosing the Right Mesh:
As stated above, we only have 120 Mesh in the Makerspace, but it’s worth sharing if you are interested in exploring it yourself. They grade of mesh determines the level of detail and substrate use.
- 70 Mesh: Basic Mesh for textiles and fabrics. Good for less detailed designs.
- 120 Mesh: Fine Mesh for textiles, fabrics, ceramics, wood and paper. Good for medium detailed designs.
- 200 Mesh: Ultra-fine Mesh for paper, plastics, glass, metal, textiles, fabrics, cotton, ceramics, and wood. Good for very fine and heavy details.
Setting Up and Operating the MiScreen:
You may need to move the MiScreen to the workbench so it can properly unload.
Once plugged in, turn on Machine and Plug in your computer to the MiScreen. Both the switch and USB port will be in the back. You will know it’s on by the solid green light.
When ready, select Send Image the far bottom right of the Screen Making app. The MiScreen will blink as the data is sent to the machine. You will see an animation on how to operate the MiScreen.
Insert the frame arrow-side up, matching the arrow on the MiScreen. There will be two pins the frame will set the frame into.
Press the cover switch (press with your hands on the logo it needs a lot of pressure ) and hold until the frame stops moving. Let go of the button and remove the frame.
Printing:
Please make sure you are using the right kind of ink, specifically for fabric. At the Makerspace we have Plastisol Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, and White. If you want a particular color (like the glow-in-the-dark ink I am using in my example), you can buy Speedball brand ink from Blick or Amazon, or any screen printing ink sold from specialty shops. Please note there are different kinds of Ink (Plastisol, Acrylic, Water-based and more), so you may need to do a little research depending on your project.
Please make sure your item is ironed and without wrinkles. Putting some butcher paper on the table below, place the ironed item in the center, and align your screen. The screen should be shiny side up/arrow side down. You may want to tape/weigh down to keep it from moving. We want to the surface to be as tight as possible– or use the printing mat provided– it has pegs for you to align your frame properly.
With the spatula, apply the ink onto the screen, and squeegee the screen to spread the ink over the entire design. Keep it to one direction. When satisfied with the coverage remove the screen and let the ink dry. Once dry you can also use the Cricut Heat Press in the lab to seal the ink. (Setting: 320°F 40 seconds). You can also use a heat gun, if you’re working outside the lab as we don’t have one.
If you’re done with your screen, remove it and the tape and remove any residual adhesive. The good news is with the MiScreens, you can re-mount it at anytime, or put it on another MiScreen frame. So make sure your old screen is stored somewhere flat where no creases can occur.
Your print will likely look much better than this– it could have been many other factors but that’s the point of experimenting!
For Further Exploration:
Here’s a video of the walk through for those who would prefer a video!
