MATERIALS

1. There are a variety of materials that can be added to the ink, either during printing or after, that create unique effects.

2. Powders can be added directly to the ink or to the screen before printing, as long as they are fairly fine. Graphite powder comes in large quantities or can be home-made (i.e. pencil + sandpaper) - charcoal powder as well. Sanding chalk pastels give you a range of colors to worth with.

3. Water can be applied to the screen to create a range of textures. It can be used alone or enhanced with other liquids such as dish soap, cleaners like Fantastik, , etc.)

PROCESS

1. If using a powder, make sure it is very fine or it will not make it through the mesh. It can be added directly to the ink, which will result in a streaking affect. It can also be applied to the screen (sprinkling, brushing on, etc.) and then printed with opaque ink or transparent base. If applied to heavily, it may take several passes with the squeegee or re-flooding of the screen to push the powder through.

2. You can apply water (or other liquids) to the screen using a spray bottle, brush, or any other tool of your choosing. The amount of water you apply will change the look of the texture. Water usually works best when there is minimal ink residue on the screen - rather than with a fully flooded screen. Too much water will just smear the image, so keep it light.

ADVANCED MOVES

1. You can lift and rotate the screen to let the water make patterns and drips and other effects.

2. You can wet the paper rather than the screen for a different effect. I have found that very absorbent papers, like Arches 88, work very well for this. The ink reacts differently to wet paper. Spraying it with water will cause raised bumps to appear on the paper. The wet, raised areas will take ink differently than the dry paper.