Screen Printing and Prospects for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Painting and Decoration
Topic: SCREEN PRINTING AND PROSPECTS; -Framing of screen.
Subject Matter: Introduction to screen printing, what is screen printing, uses, materials, stages in screen printing: Transfer of design unto the screen and fixing display of finished work; PROSPECTS; Banner production; T-shirts; Handkerchiefs, Wears, Stickers etc
Previous Lesson: Stencilling, History, Stencil Preparation and Printing

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define screen printing.
• List the materials used in screen printing.
• Describe the stages involved in screen printing.
• Identify various commercial prospects of screen printing.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the commercial value and versatility of screen printing.
• Show interest in learning practical screen printing techniques.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the process of transferring a design onto a screen.
• Demonstrate the process of printing a design onto a fabric.
• Display finished screen-printed work.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively during practical group activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Painting and Decoration textbook for SS 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Screen frame with mesh
• Squeegee
• Photosensitive emulsion and sensitizer
• Light source (e.g., exposing unit or strong sunlight)
• Transparent film with design (positive)
• Fabric samples (e.g., t-shirts, handkerchiefs)
• Screen printing ink
• Water and washing facilities
• Drying rack
• Examples of finished screen-printed items (banners, stickers, wears)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces students to screen printing, a versatile and commercially viable printing technique. Understanding this process provides students with practical skills and insights into potential entrepreneurial opportunities in the creative industry. It also enhances their appreciation for design reproduction and material application.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of art and design principles, including drawing and colour mixing. They may also have some familiarity with other basic printing methods.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

SCREEN PRINTING AND PROSPECTS

Introduction to Screen Printing

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a stencil method of printmaking in which a design is imposed on a screen of polyester or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance, and ink is forced into the mesh openings by a squeegee onto the printing surface during the squeegee stroke.

Uses of Screen Printing

1. Printing on textiles like t-shirts, hoodies, and bags.
2. Creating posters, banners, and signs.
3. Decorating ceramics, glass, and metal.
4. Producing electronic circuit boards.
5. Making stickers and decals.
6. Printing on various flat surfaces for artistic and commercial purposes.

Materials for Screen Printing

1. Screen Frame with Mesh: A wooden or aluminium frame stretched tightly with a fine mesh fabric (e.g., polyester). The mesh count varies depending on the detail of the design and type of ink.
2. Squeegee: A tool with a rubber blade used to push ink through the screen onto the substrate.
3. Photosensitive Emulsion: A light-sensitive liquid applied to the screen to create the stencil.
4. Sensitizer: A chemical added to the emulsion to make it light-sensitive.
5. Transparent Film (Positive): A clear film with the design printed in opaque black, used to block light during exposure.
6. Screen Printing Ink: Special inks formulated for screen printing, suitable for different substrates (e.g., textile ink, paper ink).
7. Substrate: The material to be printed on (e.g., t-shirts, paper, banners).
8. Exposing Unit/Light Source: A light source (UV light box or direct sunlight) used to harden the emulsion.
9. Water: Used for washing out the unexposed emulsion and cleaning the screen.

Stages in Screen Printing

1. Screen Preparation: Cleaning and degreasing the screen.
2. Emulsion Coating: Applying a thin, even layer of photosensitive emulsion to both sides of the screen in a dark room.
3. Drying the Emulsion: Allowing the coated screen to dry completely in a dark, dust-free environment.
4. Transfer of Design onto the Screen (Exposure):
   1. Place the transparent film (positive) with the design onto the emulsion-coated side of the screen.
   2. Place the screen and film in an exposing unit or under a strong light source (e.g., sunlight).
   3. Expose the screen to light for a specific duration. The light hardens the emulsion in areas not covered by the design.
5. Washing Out (Developing):
   1. After exposure, wash the screen gently with water. The unexposed emulsion (areas covered by the design) will wash away, creating the stencil.
   2. Allow the screen to dry.
6. Blocking Out: Filling any pinholes or unwanted open areas on the screen with block-out tape or liquid.
7. Registration: Aligning the screen correctly with the substrate for accurate printing.
8. Printing:
   1. Place the substrate (e.g., t-shirt) on the printing surface.
   2. Position the screen over the substrate.
   3. Pour ink onto the top edge of the screen.
   4. Using a squeegee, pull the ink across the design area with firm, even pressure, forcing it through the mesh onto the substrate.
9. Drying: Allowing the printed item to dry completely. For textile inks, heat curing may be required to make the print permanent.
10. Fixing Display of Finished Work: Presenting the dried, finished screen-printed items for viewing, sale, or further use. This involves proper handling, packaging, and arrangement of the printed products.

Prospects of Screen Printing

Screen printing offers numerous commercial opportunities, including:

1. Banner Production: Creating custom banners for events, businesses, and advertisements.
2. T-shirt Printing: Producing custom t-shirts for fashion, events, brands, and souvenirs.
3. Handkerchiefs and Wears: Printing designs on various apparel items like handkerchiefs, caps, uniforms, and other clothing.
4. Stickers and Decals: Manufacturing custom stickers for branding, promotions, and decorative purposes.
5. Signage: Producing durable outdoor and indoor signs.
6. Art Prints: Creating limited edition art prints for artists and galleries.
7. Promotional Items: Printing on bags, umbrellas, and other merchandise for corporate branding.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Practical Activity, Explanation, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them if they have seen any printed designs on t-shirts, banners, or stickers. The teacher then introduces screen printing as a method used to create such designs and outlines the lesson’s focus.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to screen printing

Step 2: What is Screen Printing and Its Uses

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines screen printing, explaining it as a stencil method for transferring ink. The teacher then discusses various uses of screen printing, providing examples like t-shirts, banners, and stickers.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions for clarification, and contribute examples of screen-printed items they have seen.

Learning Point: Definition and uses

Step 3: Materials for Screen Printing

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays and names the various materials used in screen printing, such as the screen frame, mesh, squeegee, emulsion, sensitizer, transparent film, and ink. The teacher briefly explains the function of each material.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the materials, identify them, and ask questions about their functions.

Learning Point: Screen printing materials

Step 4: Stages in Screen Printing – Design Transfer

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the stages of screen preparation, emulsion coating, drying, and specifically focuses on the transfer of design onto the screen (exposure and washing out). The teacher guides students through the process, explaining each step.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration carefully and, where possible, participate in guided practice of exposing a design onto a screen/mesh.

Learning Point: Design transfer process

Step 5: Stages in Screen Printing – Printing and Display

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the actual printing process onto a fabric using the prepared screen. This includes ink application, squeegee technique, and proper handling of the printed item. The teacher also shows how to fix and display the finished work.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the printing demonstration and participate in transferring designs onto fabric and displaying their finished work.

Learning Point: Printing and display techniques

Step 6: Prospects of Screen Printing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Brainstorming

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the commercial prospects of screen printing, highlighting areas like banner production, t-shirt printing, handkerchiefs, general wears, and stickers. The teacher encourages students to think about entrepreneurial opportunities.

Pupils’ Activity: Students contribute ideas for commercial applications and discuss potential business ventures related to screen printing.

Learning Point: Commercial applications

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is screen printing?
2. Mention three materials used in screen printing.
3. Describe the main steps involved in transferring a design onto a screen.
4. List three commercial prospects of screen printing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Screen printing understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on screen printing definition, uses, materials, stages, and prospects into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Note-taking practice

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the key aspects of screen printing and its importance, encouraging students to explore it further.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and practical application.

1. Identify and list five businesses in your local community that utilise screen printing.
2. Design a simple one-colour graphic suitable for printing on a t-shirt. Draw this design on an A4 paper.
3. Find out the cost of setting up a small-scale screen printing business in your area.

Lesson Keywords

• Screen printing – A printing technique using a mesh to transfer ink onto a substrate.
• Squeegee – A tool with a rubber blade used to force ink through a screen.
• Emulsion – A light-sensitive coating used to create a stencil on a screen.
• Sensitizer – A chemical that makes the emulsion light-sensitive.
• Mesh – The fabric (e.g., polyester) stretched across a screen frame.
• Stencil – The design created on the screen that allows ink to pass through.
• Prospects – Potential commercial opportunities or future possibilities.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide pre-prepared screens and simpler designs for printing. Focus on understanding the basic steps and identifying materials. For faster learners, encourage them to experiment with multi-colour designs (theoretically) or research advanced screen printing techniques like halftones or different ink types.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “Screen printing process SS3 Nigeria”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure all screen printing materials are gathered and in good working condition. Prepare a screen with a simple design beforehand if a full demonstration of emulsion coating and exposure is not feasible within the time limit. Emphasise safety precautions when handling chemicals and sharp tools. Begin by engaging students with familiar examples of screen-printed items. Systematically demonstrate each stage of screen printing, allowing students to observe closely and participate in hands-on activities like transferring designs and actual printing. Encourage questions and discussions throughout the lesson, especially when discussing the commercial prospects. Guide students to copy the Board Summary notes during the designated note-taking time. Check for understanding through oral questions and practical observation of their work. Provide individual support to students struggling with the practical steps and challenge advanced learners with more complex design ideas or research tasks.