down and dirty screenprinting for under 10$

Step 7: Mixing Ink.

Depending on humidity, temperature, paint quality, age, etc., ink will have to be mixed differently.
Too dry, and the ink will dry up in the screen in between passes.
Too wet, and the ink will run through the screen and ruin our substrates.

It will probably take some time to get the perfect consistency, be patient.

Here in the very dry desert, I mix about 1 part retarder for 10 parts paint.

Dark colors printed on light colors work best for this method because there is only one opportunity to pull the prints before moving the screen, and no way to layer lighter colored inks.

Everything is ready.....

Comments

[darkstar1]

Haha, retarder...

[revanwhitt]

I just need to know what type of paInt was used. [e-mail]

[woodenshoespress]

water based latex enamel. it happened to be good stuff because thats what the mistint shelf gave me, but it could be anything.

[Dimitrios]

I would like to know too. I see it's 'enamel' paint, but isn't that oil? I thought we should look for 'latex'?

[Moto13]

Dimitrios, Yep enamels are oil-based, latex is water-based... and you need solvent to cleanup the oil-based.. but they usually launder better, less washout. just make SURE whatever you use, to heat-set (ironing works) the print before washing, or it will fade quick.. jesusfreakgirl93, tight weaves print detail and edges better, but for simple images loose is ok, but wont look as good... Happy printing! ;)

[woodenshoespress]

not all enamels are oild based. enamel refers more to a finish or consistancy of pigment. there are water based enamels as well.

[dano27]

I have a question if the paint is water based does not erase the image when the garment is washed? [e-mail]

[woodenshoespress]

water based paint/ink is permanent once dry

[woodenshoespress]

enamel paint can be either water based or oil based. i only use water based paints.