A photo silkscreen is a method of creating a stencil on a screen for the purpose of silkscreen printing. It is a modern evolution of traditional screen printing techniques, allowing for more detailed and photographic images to be reproduced.
Understanding the Photo Silkscreen Process
The core of the photo silkscreen technique involves using light to create the image stencil.
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This printing process uses a light sensitive emulsion applied directly to the silkscreen in order to expose a film positive of the image, using a proper light source.
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Screen Preparation: A screen, typically made of mesh stretched tightly over a frame, is coated with a special light-sensitive liquid called emulsion. This emulsion hardens when exposed to UV light.
- Applying the Film Positive: A film positive (a transparent sheet with the desired image printed in opaque ink) is placed directly onto the emulsion-coated screen. The opaque areas of the film positive block light, while the transparent areas allow light to pass through.
- Exposure to Light: The screen with the film positive is then exposed to a proper light source, typically UV light. The light shines through the transparent parts of the film positive, hardening the emulsion underneath. The areas of emulsion blocked by the opaque parts of the film positive remain soft.
- Washing Out: After exposure, the screen is washed gently. The soft, unexposed emulsion washes away, leaving behind the hardened emulsion in the shape of the image. This hardened emulsion acts as a stencil, blocking ink from passing through the mesh except in the areas where the unexposed emulsion was washed away.
Why Use Photo Silkscreen?
- Detail: Allows for printing images with fine lines, gradients, and even photographic details that are difficult to achieve with hand-cut stencils.
- Repeatability: Creates a durable stencil that can be used to print the same image multiple times consistently.
- Versatility: Can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including fabric, paper, wood, and plastic.
In essence, photo silkscreen printing leverages the power of light and chemistry to accurately transfer complex images onto a printing screen, opening up possibilities for intricate and detailed artwork in silkscreen printing.
