Just tried screenprinting with paper stencils instead of emulsion, total disaster

I was at a friend's studio in Austin last weekend. He told me to try cutting paper stencils for a one color poster run. I figured it would save time since I didn't have to deal with burning screens. First print looked fine. Second print the stencil shifted and ink bled everywhere. By the third print the paper was completely soaked and tearing. I ruined 12 sheets of nice French paper before I gave up. What I learned is that paper stencils are fine for like 5 prints max if you use heavy cardstock and tape everything down perfect. But for a run of 50? No way. Has anyone else had that lightbulb moment where a shortcut just does not work at all for production?

2 comments

2 Comments

eric_morgan593d ago

Paper stencils are just not built for production runs.

amy_reed794d ago

Check the adhesive on the paper stencils next time. Most people just use tape or spray mount and that's where it fails. I switched to using a TINY bit of screen printing adhesive on the back of the stencil before laying it down. It holds the paper in place way better than tape and doesn't soak through as fast. Also you gotta heat set the adhesive with a hair dryer for like 30 seconds before printing. Makes the stencil last maybe 10-15 prints instead of 5. Still not 50 but it's a BIG improvement.