Many art stores now sell pre-made silkscreens as well, so you could purchase a standard screen if you don’t want to make a custom one. Ensure that your frame is big enough for your design. If you don’t know your design yet, or want a versatile frame for multiple designs, aim for 12x18" at the minimum.
For the classic “athletic” or collegiate print that looks worn/speckled, aim for a loose 85 mesh count. For a “do-it-all” mesh, aim for 110-130 mesh count. For paper or plastic printing, go for a mesh count near 200-250. In general, lighter colored objects work best with higher mesh counts. So if you’re doing white paper, aim from 230-250. [2] X Research source
You will likely need an electric staple gun to securely adhere the mesh. You can also use framing nails.
Poster board, thin cardboard, or other thick & sturdy paper. Pencil X-acto knife or another precision knife
You can only print 1 color at a time. High contrast images (like black on white) work the best, as you cannot use shading. For complex designs, you need to make multiple prints, one for each color, and layer them after the ink has dried. [4] X Research source
To make a stencil on Photoshop, for example, you would take a black and white image and click Image → Adjustments → Threshold, then set it up near the highest it can be. [5] X Research source
Your stencil or drawing needs to block light, as this is what etches the design into the screen and allows you to print. Everything covered by a stencil or black ink will not get exposed to light, leaving it “open” and allowing ink to pass onto the shirt or item.
Apply emulsion to the flat side of the frame, not the side surrounded by wood. Do this in as dark a room as possible to prevent the emulsion from hardening before you’re ready. [6] X Research source
If the emulsion calls for 30 minutes at 200 watts, set up a lamp with a 200W bulb 1-2 feet above a table. The screen goes under the light.
You must place your stencil down in reverse to get the right image. Look at your stencil the way you want it, then flip it over before you put it down. Otherwise, you will get a mirror image when you start printing. If there is a breeze, or your stencil is very light, place a clear piece of glass on top of it to keep it from moving. Do not push, prod, or move your screen, light, or stencil once it is placed and set. [8] X Research source
You must place your stencil down in reverse to get the right image. Look at your stencil the way you want it, then flip it over before you put it down. Otherwise, you will get a mirror image when you start printing. If there is a breeze, or your stencil is very light, place a clear piece of glass on top of it to keep it from moving. Do not push, prod, or move your screen, light, or stencil once it is placed and set. [8] X Research source
If you prepared the emulsion correctly, you should see the faint outline of your stencil in the emulsion when the design is removed.
Let the screen dry before moving on to the next step.
If you’re using a shirt, slide some cardboard between the layers of the shirt to prevent the ink from bleeding through.
The harder you press the darker your image will be.
