Q&A for How to Make Silk Screen Stencils

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Do I need a vinyl cutter for this?

Nicole Bolin
Crafts & DIY Specialist
Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle.

Nicole Bolin

Crafts & DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

Not necessarily. A vinyl cutter will make a more precise cut, but you can also cut out your design by hand.

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Question

For the first method, can I use a window screen?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't use a window screen, because the holes are way too big. You should use a silk screen.

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Question

I'm running a screen printing workshop for children using simple stencils. What is the best material to cut stencils out of?

Community Answer

If everyone is creating their own stencils, freezer paper works well for this. After a pass or two of ink, it will partially stick itself in place to the screen. Transparencies are a little harder to cut, but make good stencils also.

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Question

Is it necessary for the screen to be made from silk?

Community Answer

No, very few people use silk these days. A fine nylon mesh is fine for screen printing.

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Question

Can the emulsion be applied to the screen in the light or must it take place in a darkroom?

Community Answer

You could apply it in a light room, but be really quick to get the screen to a really dark room.

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Question

Am using a light brown glass instead of clear glass. Would it be the reason why I cant expose my emulsion properly?

Community Answer

This could be part of the reason. Your emulsion needs direct UV light contact to develop at the intended time. Shaded glass can change or otherwise delay this time. Use clear glass to accurately track the right time.

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Question

How to wash away the emulsion after am done using example 1?

Community Answer

Use cool or lukewarm water to gently wash away the emulsion. Hot water can warp the silk screen.

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Why should the screen be placed in dark for only 2 hours? What can I do if after the two hours it is not yet dry?

Community Answer

You should place the screen in the dark room for at least 2-5 days. If you remove your screen before this time, you risk ruining the emulsion gel.

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Question

Can I use normal paper instead of transparency paper?

Aija Hall

Community Answer

No, the light needs to pass through the transparency in order to burn the image on the screen. The areas that have your image printed will be what gets washed away when you rinse.

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