Screen Printing 101: Constructing a screen

Screen Printing 101: Constructing your first screen!

You'll need:

• A preconstructed or DIY frame (either wood or aluminum is preferred).
• A stapler or non water-soluble glue.
• Scissors.
• Mesh to put on your screen.  A higher mesh number indicates a finer screen and is best for detailed designs.

Tacos and beer are always optional. Don't get crazy with the staple gun.

• Leave about four inches of extra mesh on each side of the frame.
• Staple once on one side of the frame, then the opposite, then the right and the left. Be careful not to pull the mesh too tight at this point.
• Continue adding staples one by one, rotating the screen in the same way, while increasing the tautness of the mesh.

After you finish stapling and your screen is extremely taut, trim the excess mesh.

Optional: Add duct tape to protect your wooden frame and to make your construction look cleaner.

Your first screen.

Further resources:
You don't have money and want to silk screen (a solid video)

Building a silk screen with staples (video)

Building a silk screen using glue (video)

Building a silk screen using glue (second video)

Fancy schmancy screen stretching I (video)

Fancy schmancy screen stretching II (video)