Silk Screen Printing Procedures for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Dyeing and Bleaching Techniques
Previous Lesson: Tools, Materials and Equipment
Topic: Silk Screen Printing Procedures
Subject Matter: Procedures for silk screen printing, e.g mesh, construction of mesh, fixing of mesh, creating of design/pattern, method of transfer unto the mesh, printing, dyeing, fixing

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the materials used in silk screen printing.
• Enumerate the steps involved in silk screen printing.
• Describe the process of constructing and fixing a mesh.
• Explain different methods of transferring a design onto the mesh.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of following safety guidelines during printing.
• Value precision and neatness in creating designs and printing.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the construction of a simple silk screen mesh.
• Illustrate the transfer of a design onto a mesh.
• Perform basic silk screen printing steps.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group activities related to silk screen printing.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
• A suitable Textile Arts textbook for SS 3

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A pre-constructed silk screen frame with mesh
• Various mesh fabrics (e.g., nylon, polyester)
• Wooden or metal frame
• Staple gun or adhesive
• Squeegee
• Fabric dyes/printing paste
• Fabric samples (e.g., cotton, linen)
• Design templates/stencils
• Drawing materials (pencil, paper)
• Photographic emulsion kit (optional, for advanced demonstration)
• Water and cleaning materials

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it provides students with practical knowledge and skills in silk screen printing, a versatile and widely used textile decoration technique. Understanding these procedures enables students to create their own printed fabrics, fostering creativity and potentially opening avenues for entrepreneurial ventures in textile design. It also builds a foundation for more advanced textile arts studies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of different types of fabrics, colours, and simple textile decoration methods.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Silk Screen Printing Procedures

Introduction to Silk Screen Printing

Silk screen printing is a stencilling method of printing that involves pushing ink or dye through a mesh screen onto a substrate (like fabric). Areas not to be printed are blocked off on the screen, creating a stencil. It is a popular method for printing designs on textiles, paper, and other materials.

Materials for Silk Screen Printing

Key materials required for silk screen printing include:

1. Mesh: A woven fabric (originally silk, now commonly polyester or nylon) stretched over a frame. The mesh count determines the fineness of the print.
2. Frame: A rigid structure, usually made of wood or aluminium, to which the mesh is attached.
3. Squeegee: A rubber blade with a handle used to force ink through the mesh onto the printing surface.
4. Printing Paste/Dye: Special inks or dye pastes formulated for screen printing on fabric.
5. Substrate: The material to be printed on, such as fabric, paper, or plastic.
6. Stencil Material: Used to block out areas of the mesh where ink should not pass (e.g., paper, film, photo emulsion).

Procedures for Silk Screen Printing

1. Mesh Preparation

The mesh is the screen material through which the dye will pass. It needs to be clean and free from any grease or dust to ensure proper adhesion of the stencil.

2. Construction of Mesh (Screen Frame)

This involves stretching the mesh tightly over a rigid frame. A well-stretched mesh is crucial for a clear and sharp print.

1. Select a sturdy wooden or metal frame of the desired size.
2. Cut the mesh fabric slightly larger than the frame.
3. Lay the mesh over the frame, ensuring it is centred.
4. Begin stapling or gluing the mesh to one side of the frame, pulling it taut as you go.
5. Continue stapling/gluing around the frame, pulling the mesh very tightly in all directions to eliminate wrinkles and sagging.
6. Trim any excess mesh.

3. Fixing of Mesh (Stretching and Securing)

Once constructed, the mesh must be securely fixed to the frame to maintain tension. This prevents distortion of the design during printing.

1. Ensure all staples or adhesive points are firm and secure.
2. Check the tension of the mesh by gently tapping it; it should feel drum-tight.
3. Apply screen tape around the inner edges of the frame where the mesh meets the frame to seal any gaps and prevent ink leakage.

4. Creating of Design/Pattern

The design is the image or text that will be printed. It can be created manually or digitally.

1. Manual Design: Draw or sketch the design on paper. This can then be cut out to form a paper stencil or used as a guide for drawing directly onto the screen.
2. Digital Design: Create the design using graphic software. This design is then printed onto a transparent film, which will be used for photographic emulsion methods.

5. Method of Transfer Unto the Mesh (Stencilling)

This is the process of blocking out areas of the mesh that should not print, creating the stencil.

1. Paper Stencil Method: Cut the design out of paper or film. Place the stencil directly onto the fabric under the screen. When the squeegee passes, the ink goes through the open areas of the mesh and around the stencil.
2. Direct Emulsion Method (Photo Emulsion):
   1. Coat the mesh evenly with a light-sensitive photo emulsion.
   2. Allow the emulsion to dry completely in a dark room.
   3. Place the transparent film with the design (which is opaque) onto the coated screen.
   4. Expose the screen to a strong light source (UV light). The light hardens the emulsion in the areas not covered by the design.
   5. Wash out the unhardened emulsion from the screen with water. The areas where the design was will now be open, allowing ink to pass through.
   6. Allow the screen to dry.

6. Printing

This is the actual application of the dye or ink to the fabric.

1. Place the fabric to be printed on a flat, firm surface.
2. Position the prepared screen frame over the fabric, ensuring the design is correctly aligned.
3. Pour a line of printing paste/dye across the top edge of the screen, above the design.
4. Using the squeegee, pull the dye firmly and evenly across the screen in a single stroke, applying pressure to force the dye through the open areas of the mesh onto the fabric.
5. Lift the screen carefully to reveal the printed design.

7. Dyeing (Application of Colour)

In silk screen printing, “dyeing” refers to the application of the specific dye paste or ink during the printing step. The choice of dye depends on the fabric type and desired effect. Fabric dyes or pigments are mixed with a binder to create a printable paste.

8. Fixing

After printing, the dye needs to be fixed to the fabric to make it permanent and washable. This prevents the design from washing out or fading.

1. Allow the printed fabric to air dry completely.
2. Heat-set the printed design. This can be done by:
   1. Ironing the fabric on the reverse side or through a pressing cloth for several minutes at the recommended temperature for the fabric and dye.
   2. Using a heat press machine.
   3. Baking in an oven at a low temperature (for certain dyes and fabrics, follow manufacturer’s instructions).
3. Once fixed, the fabric can be washed according to its care instructions.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall previous lessons on textile decoration. The teacher then introduces silk screen printing as another method of decorating fabrics and states the lesson topic.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Introduction to topic

Step 2: Discussion of Mesh and Frame Construction

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a mesh is and its importance. Using a prepared frame and mesh, the teacher demonstrates or explains the steps for constructing and fixing the mesh to the frame, highlighting the need for tension.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take mental notes on mesh construction.

Learning Point: Mesh construction and fixing

Step 3: Creating Designs and Transfer Methods

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses different ways to create designs (manual, digital) and explains the various methods of transferring these designs onto the mesh to create a stencil, focusing on the paper stencil and direct emulsion methods.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe examples of designs, and ask questions about stencil creation.

Learning Point: Design creation and transfer

Step 4: Practical Demonstration of Printing

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the actual printing process using a prepared screen, fabric, and printing paste. The teacher guides students through the steps of positioning the screen, applying dye, and using the squeegee.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the printing demonstration closely, noting the technique and pressure applied.

Learning Point: Practical printing demonstration

Step 5: Understanding Dyeing in Silk Screen Printing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clarifies that “dyeing” in this context refers to the application of the dye paste during printing, explaining the types of dyes/pigments used and their binders.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the role of dye paste in the printing process.

Learning Point: Role of dye paste

Step 6: Fixing the Printed Design

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of fixing the printed design and describes various methods for heat-setting the dye to make it permanent (e.g., ironing, heat press).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils learn about the different methods for fixing printed designs.

Learning Point: Fixing printed designs

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. List three essential materials for silk screen printing.
2. Describe how to construct a simple silk screen frame.
3. Mention two methods for transferring a design onto the mesh.
4. Why is it important to fix the printed design after printing?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on silk screen printing procedures into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key steps of silk screen printing and encourages students to practice the techniques learned. The teacher also reminds students about the importance of safety.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidation of procedures

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions and prepare for a practical session on silk screen printing next week.

1. Draw and label the components of a silk screen frame.
2. Research and write a short paragraph on the safety precautions to observe when handling screen printing chemicals.
3. List three common problems encountered during silk screen printing and suggest solutions.

Lesson Keywords

• Mesh – A woven fabric (e.g., polyester, nylon) stretched over a frame, through which ink passes.
• Frame – The rigid structure (wood or metal) that holds the mesh.
• Squeegee – A rubber blade used to push ink through the mesh.
• Stencil – The blocked-out areas on the mesh that define the design.
• Photo Emulsion – A light-sensitive liquid used to create stencils photographically.
• Printing Paste – The dye or ink formulated for screen printing.
• Fixing – The process of heat-setting the printed dye to make it permanent.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research advanced stencil methods like photographic emulsion in more detail. For students needing more support, provide simplified diagrams of each step and allow them to work in pairs during practical demonstrations to reinforce understanding.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of silk screen printing procedures, search on YouTube for: silk screen printing procedures SS3 nigeria