Using a silk screen medium involves mixing it with a glaze to create a paste that can be pushed through a silkscreen onto a surface. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Preparing the Silkscreen Medium
The key to successful silk screening with a medium is proper preparation. Follow these steps:
- Gather Your Materials: You'll need your chosen glaze, the silk screen medium, a palette knife, and a flat surface for mixing.
- Mixing:
- Place a small amount of glaze onto your flat mixing surface.
- Add a small amount of the silk screen medium.
- Using the palette knife, thoroughly mix the glaze and medium together.
- Continue to mix until the combination is smooth and free of any lumps.
- Achieving the Correct Consistency:
- Add the silk screen medium gradually while mixing.
- The goal is to achieve a consistency that's similar to a thick paste, think peanut butter. This consistency is crucial for good transfer.
Applying the Mixture
Once you have the right paste, you can begin applying it to your design:
- Prepare the Silkscreen: Make sure your designer silkscreen is properly positioned over the material you want to print on.
- Apply the Paste: Place the prepared paste onto the top edge of the screen.
- Push Through the Screen:
- Use a squeegee or even your finger to carefully and firmly push the paste through the silkscreen.
- Make sure to apply consistent pressure.
- The paste will transfer through the open parts of the screen onto the underlying material.
- Remove the Screen: Gently lift the screen away, and you will have your transferred design.
Example
Let's say you want to silk screen a design onto a ceramic tile:
- You mix your chosen glaze with silk screen medium until it's like peanut butter.
- You lay the screen over the tile.
- You then push the paste through the screen using your squeegee.
- The glaze (with the medium) will be transferred to the tile.
Important Notes
- Consistency is Key: If the mixture is too runny, it will bleed. If it's too thick, it won't push through the screen properly.
- Cleanliness: Be sure to clean your screen immediately after using to prevent the paste from drying and clogging the screen.
By following these steps, you will successfully use the silk screen medium in your projects.
