printing on linen

[Liz]

Hi Lena -

I'm trying to screen print invitation wording on linen - a first! - both with the screen printing & the printing on linen. I am getting some globby letters and was wondering if you might know the problem. I've tried easing up on the amt of ink, but that didn't seem to help. Could it be the font size? or the mesh? I really hope it's not the linen since we've got a whole bunch of it:(

Do you have any thoughts? I'm a total novice at this.

Many thanks in advance.

Liz

[[deleted user]]

Hi Liz,
I'm new to screen printing too and have been doing some research before attempting my first screen print on fabric. I have been following this blog http://celestinacarmen.blogspot.com which gives a lot of tips. She recommends printing with the screen slightly off the fabric so it pops up to stop the globbiness. I have asked Lena about this in another post and she does think it is fine to have complete contact but maybe it might be worth a try? The blog also highlights some good videos on the internet about screen printing here http://www.revver.com/video/392152/sc.... I haven't watched them yet so I cant give an opinion.

I hope Lena, you don't mind me passing on other blogs on your book website, I just know I like gathering info and hearing/seeing other peoples experiences!

All the best and good luck with your printing Liz!
Becky

[Lena]

hi liz, hi becky,

becky-- i don't mind at all! i'm glad you chimed to help with the question. i would love for this to be a forum where people can compare notes.

liz-- it's unlikely that the problem is with your fabric, so don't worry too much about that! although it should be washed and ironed before printing because some finishes on fabric can interfere with printing.

it's hard for me to guess what the problem is without seeing your project in person, but i would recommend first trying to get perfect prints on paper. if that isn't possible, the problem might be that the mesh size isn't right for your artwork. if you can get nice prints on paper, but then have a problem on fabric, you might not have the right mesh size for linen.

also, experiment with how much pressure you use with the squeegee, and how many passes back and forth with the squeegee.

let me know how those experiments go!

best,
lena

[Liz]

Thank you Becky & Lena!

I will to print on paper - definitely didn't think of that.

By the way - Lena - the book is fantastic! I specialize in letterpress - but I am so excited to start taking on smaller projects for myself & gifts for others! The book is very well done and very user-friendly. Well done!

And thank you for setting up this forum for us.

Liz

[Lena]

thanks liz! it's so nice to get positive feedback on the book-- especially from another designer!