Re: Screen printing Gum?

[Ryan Thompson <ryan@anteism.com>]

I would like to add that various screen meshes can be purchased to allow different amounts of ink/gum to be applied. Considering I have never done a gum print I can't tell you the exact mesh because I haven't seen how thick the gum is (can't wait to try). I think a mesh between 160 (Coarse) to 230 (Fine) would work. I screen-print aboriginal artwork for a living. We use oil based inks on 230 mesh screens for printing on paper.  http://www.pacificeditions.ca

For applying gum using a screen I wouldn't bother using emulsion. You can just block out your shape using a good tape. I use water base inks in my home print studio without a problem. The secret is to mist your screen with water before you start the print and to add a retarder to the ink so it doesn't dry in the screen. 

Ryan

On 9-Oct-08, at 7:41 AM, bobwicks@aol.com wrote:

Hi Jacek :

Yes you can pour the emulsion on the screen.  It should be thin enough to Squeegee it thinly on the screen.  If you make it too thin, it will just run right on through the fabric.  I have done this for many years.  I suggest that you use a synthetic fiber screen and then if you find that you have over exposed the emulsion, you can use a dilute solution of Clorox to dissolve or develop the filled in areas and then rinse it with water quickly.  I assume you are using a Dichromate sensitizer.  My first experiences were with Knox Gelatin  with Potassium Dichromate.  The paint you use to make the screen prints must be oil base and not soluble in water.

If you have any trouble with itr just let me know.  It's a great way to get started. 
Bob

Sent: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 5:09 am
Subject: Screen printing Gum?

Hi all, 
 
I was wondering if anyone has tried making their pigment/dichromate mix and then poured it on screen print and squeeged it? I wonder if it would be a better way of a smooth and even coating? Though unsure if the mix would be too thick or watery for it to be used in a screen print? 
 
I've never done screen prints before but I had just watched this fellow who does screen prints Csaba Markus on youtube. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Rq8C914sU&feature=related 
He's got a few videos there and it seems pretty intresting what he's doing.. 
 
Cheers 
Jacek