Introduction to Screen Printing with Photo Emulsion Stencils
April 11, 2025 @ 10:00 am – April 12, 2025 @ 4:00 pm
- This event has passed.
with Patsy Rathbone
Screen printing is sometimes called serigraphy or silk screen printing but all these names refer to the same basic method of creating an image on paper or fabric by pushing ink through a screen mesh with areas blocked off by stencils.
Photo emulsion is a light sensitive coating used to create accurate detailed stencils from drawings or photographs.
On this course you will create and print a multi coloured image. You will deconstruct your image into its separate colour layers and use these to create positives to expose onto the screen to make the stencils. You will prepare and expose your own images onto a screen. You will also learn how to set up the equipment, mix inks and register each colour layer, reconstructing the layers to create the final image on paper. By the end of the course, you will have created a variable edition of at least 8x A4 prints. It is not necessary to come with a final image in mind as you will assisted throughout the process, however it is useful to come with some ideas as starting points.
Course structure
- Explanation of the process and looking at examples.
- Introduction to the equipment and how to set it up.
- Identifying and planning the layers of the image.
- How to create artwork suitable for making a light sensitive emulsion stencil.
- How to prepare screens for light sensitive emulsion stencils.
- How to put images onto the screen using a UV light exposure machine.
- How to mix inks and importance of opacity and transparency of colours in screen printing.
- Registration with the acetate and on the board.
- How to flood and pull a print.
- Cleaning the screen and setting up for the next layer.
- Trouble shooting.
Pre-course information
Any image preparation notes will be sent prior to the course date.
Beginner–intermediate & refresher course
Non-members – £198
Members – £189
Max. 6 spaces
Book your space now.
Tickets for all Print Workshop Courses can be cancelled up to one month beforehand. Refunds will be given after this date only if the place is re-sold.
About Patsy
Patsy Rathbone is a Cambridge-based artist working primarily in screen print on paper and textiles. She divides her time between Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop, teaching at the Curwen Print Study Centre and her studio.
