MATERIALS

1. All you need is a screen and a drawing implement that won’t damage the screens - so no pointy pencils, etc. The rounded end of a paint brush is a safe bet. You won’t be able to achieve super fine lines and detail with this process.

PROCESS

1. Flood your screen with an even layer of ink. The thickness of the ink will affect the marks. Heavy ink = thicker marks. The wetness of the ink also affects the marks. Wetter ink will also transfer some of the ink around the marks, which can give them a fuzzy look.

2. Press your drawing tool against the mesh of the screen to draw. It will push the ink out onto the paper below. Be careful, if you lay your hand down as you draw it will press the ink onto your paper in that area. The action can be a bit awkward at first. As you get closer to the frame of the screen, you may find that you need to use more pressure to span the gap between the mesh and the paper. But don’t get too aggressive, it’s not hard to puncture the mesh of the screen.

3. When finished printing, wash your screen with a gentle cleaner such as Fantastik or Simple Green.

ADVANCED MOVES

1. Once you’re done drawing, the negative image left on the screen can also be printed. Use a squeegee 1-2” wider than the image. If your ink has been sitting and drying for a while, you made need to use extra pressure to print the image fully. Running the squeegee over the image multiple times or adding transparent base to the screen can help. The transparent base will push out any stubborn or dried ink and create a rich image.

2. The screen can be ‘naked’ or it can contain a stencil (hand-drawn or photo-mechanical) that confines the marks.

3. You can use a bridge to help steady your hand as you draw. It could be as simple as laying a board across the frame of the screen to let your hand rest on as you draw.