Screen printing with bleach involves using a screen and stencil to apply a bleach mixture onto fabric, selectively removing color to create a design.
Bleach screen printing is a creative technique used primarily on dark-colored fabrics to achieve unique patterns and designs by lifting the dye. The process involves preparing a printable bleach solution and applying it through a screen printing stencil onto the fabric.
Here's a breakdown of the process based on a common method, including insights from the provided reference:
1. Preparing the Bleach Mixture
Instead of using straight liquid bleach, which can be too thin and spread uncontrollably, a printable mixture is usually prepared. This often involves thickening the bleach.
- Mixing: You'll need bleach and potentially a thickening agent (like a commercial discharge agent designed for bleach or a household thickener like screen printing opaque base or even certain types of flour/cornstarch, though professional thickeners are recommended for consistency and safety).
- According to the reference: One method shown involves adding a measured amount, specifically "eight tablespoons," to a mixture and stirring "until it was all Incorporated." This suggests a specific ratio is used for the printable bleach solution.
- Container: Once mixed to the desired consistency, the printable bleach solution is transferred into a suitable container for application. As seen in the reference, this can be "put into a squeezy tube" for controlled dispensing onto the screen.
2. Setting Up for Printing
Proper setup ensures the bleach is applied accurately through your design.
- Fabric: Lay your fabric flat and smooth. Place a barrier material (like plastic sheeting) inside garments to prevent the bleach from soaking through to the back.
- Screen/Stencil: Secure your screen or stencil. The reference demonstrates taping an "easy screen stencil into a plastic frame" to create the screen printing setup.
- Positioning: Place the framed screen directly onto the fabric in the desired printing location.
3. The Printing Process
This is where the design is transferred using the bleach mixture.
- Application: Apply the prepared bleach mixture onto the screen, usually along one edge of your design.
- Printing Pass: Using a squeegee, draw the bleach mixture across the screen with firm, even pressure. This action pushes the mixture through the open areas of the stencil onto the fabric below. The reference broadly covers this step by stating "And started printing."
4. Post-Printing & Finishing
After application, the bleach needs time to work and then must be neutralized and removed.
- Waiting: Allow the bleach mixture to sit on the fabric. The time required will vary depending on the bleach concentration, fabric type, and desired level of color removal. Watch the fabric closely as the color begins to lift.
- Neutralization: Once the desired effect is achieved, it's crucial to neutralize the bleach to stop the chemical reaction. A common method is to spray the bleached area with a solution of water mixed with hydrogen peroxide (e.g., 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water). This helps prevent damage to the fabric over time.
- Washing: Thoroughly rinse and wash the fabric to remove all traces of bleach and the thickening agent. Use a mild detergent.
By carefully following these steps, including preparing the mixture and using a screen printing setup as shown in the reference, you can successfully bleach screen print designs onto fabric.
