My Journey Into Screen Printing: From Fear to Fun
I recently embarked on an exciting new creative adventure: screen printing at home! It’s something I had dreamed about for years but never dared to try. Why? Well, I had a list of doubts:
• Would I even manage to pull it off in a home setting?
• What about all the technical stuff like screen exposure and the chemicals involved?
• And, the space—did I even have enough for this kind of setup?
Because of these fears, I stuck with linocut printing. It’s compact, convenient, and has a much lower barrier to entry. Plus, I was comfortable with it, and honestly, I didn’t believe I had what it took to make screen printing happen.
But then Instagram stepped in. I started seeing ads from a German screen-printing supplier called Siebdruckversand. Their videos were targeted at beginners like me and made the whole process look surprisingly simple—even doable in a home DIY setting. Curious, I followed them to their YouTube channel, where they had a treasure trove of beginner tutorials.
These videos were a game changer. They broke down every step of the process in such a clear and motivating way that, for the first time, I thought, Hey, maybe I can actually do this! I felt a spark of excitement, and before I knew it, I was checking out their starter kit. Spoiler: I bought it.
And Then the Fun Began
A few weeks ago, I dove in headfirst. I’m completely hooked! Full transparency—it wasn’t quite as easy as it looked in those tutorials. But here’s the surprising part: my first attempt at the entire process actually worked!
Here’s what I managed to pull off on my very first try:
1. Created a design and printed it on film.
2. Degreased the screen.
3. Coated the screen.
4. Dried the screen.
5. Exposed the screen.
6. Printed on the screen.
7. Reclaimed the screen.
Was it perfect? Nope. But it worked! I even ended up with some decent prints, and that was enough to fuel my excitement.
Lessons, Challenges, and Burned Screens
Since then, I’ve learned a lot. Every time I think I’ve mastered something, a new challenge pops up. I’ve burned through 10 screens already, but instead of feeling discouraged, I’m more determined than ever.
And yes, I’ve spent more money than I expected. The starter kit was affordable, but once you’re in, the temptation to upgrade your supplies and tools is real. Still, every cent has been worth it.
The Best Decision of 2024
Screen printing has already become one of my favorite creative outlets. It was hands-down the best decision I’ve made this year, even if it means putting linocut on the back burner for a while.
If you’re curious about my screen-printing journey or want to see my latest creations, I’d love for you to follow me on Instragram. It’s where I share all my updates, process videos, and finished pieces. Let’s connect!
I also added all the screenprints I already created to my Etsy Shop if you are curious.
Here’s to creativity, new challenges in 2024! 🎨
