gaby, have you ever tried print screening a shirt? i wanna make my own shirts, but i fear it's too complicated. especially with so many colors! any advice?
Yes! Well, I should say upfront that it definitely isn't easy, so if you want to do it
1) get familiar with the process (tons of tutorials on YouTube)
2) know that the list of materials, equipment you need to set up is HEFTY. I'm talking silkscreens, film - the gooey blue kind in a jar, a squeegee, and textile paint (all available at National) + you will also need:
- a lightbox (literally a big box with a glass top and lights in it for exposing your screens. I had my dad build one for me, but I know some people use the sun. Haven't tried that so I can't say it works for me personally)
- a dimly-lit workspace or darkroom close to a big sink or faucet. When screen printing, you have to avoid external lights that can keep your design from developing clearly on your screen, and you're gonna need high-pressure water from a hose or faucet to rinse off your screen
- a large sturdy tabletop
Typically you can't really print something with many colors, since 1 color = 1 screen and so much has to be done to make 1 screen, so keep in mind that when printing a multi-color design, keep it at 4-5 colors :)
It can be discouraging, but if you commit to it and know that it's really something you want to get into, do it!
1) get familiar with the process (tons of tutorials on YouTube)
2) know that the list of materials, equipment you need to set up is HEFTY. I'm talking silkscreens, film - the gooey blue kind in a jar, a squeegee, and textile paint (all available at National) + you will also need:
- a lightbox (literally a big box with a glass top and lights in it for exposing your screens. I had my dad build one for me, but I know some people use the sun. Haven't tried that so I can't say it works for me personally)
- a dimly-lit workspace or darkroom close to a big sink or faucet. When screen printing, you have to avoid external lights that can keep your design from developing clearly on your screen, and you're gonna need high-pressure water from a hose or faucet to rinse off your screen
- a large sturdy tabletop
Typically you can't really print something with many colors, since 1 color = 1 screen and so much has to be done to make 1 screen, so keep in mind that when printing a multi-color design, keep it at 4-5 colors :)
It can be discouraging, but if you commit to it and know that it's really something you want to get into, do it!