Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 43: Introductory Screen Process Printing (Core)

Suggested time: 5-10 hours
Level: Introductory
Prerequisite: None

Foundational Objectives

To develop skills associated with the equipment, materials and techniques used in the graphic arts industry.
To increase self-esteem from success with the production equipment, materials and techniques used.
To identify and explain health and safety hazards in the workplace so that the potential for personal injury and damage to the equipment and the environment are minimized.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To understand the basic principles of using a stencil to produce an image (CCT)
To develop students' appreciation of the value and limitations of technology within graphic arts. (IL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
43.1 To identify the equipment and materials used to produce a silkscreen print image by manual methods. (CCT)	The basic equipment includes: screen material, frame, screen board with hinges, stencil material, cutting tools, squeegee, ink and paper. There are a variety of squeegee blades and cutting tools available, each designed for different screen printing applications.
43.2 To prepare a single colour image using a hand-cut stencil. (IL)	Display examples of images that have been completed by other students using this process. Have the students collect examples that could be printed using a stencil and screen process. Magazines might be a source for ideas. Some explanation of the copyright laws may be necessary to inform students of what they may copy and what may be a protected or copyrighted image. A simple stencil can be made from paper using very sharp blades to make sharp edge cuts. Review safety precautions with students about careful use of cutting instruments.
43.3 To explore the advantages and disadvantages of water-based and lacquer-based products. (COM)	Commercially available stencil products have a clear backing layer and a film layer. There are two types of stencils available. One type is water-soluble; the other lacquer-soluble. Water-soluble film stencils are not recommended for use with water based inks as they can damage the prepared stencil. Similarly lacquer-soluble film is not recommended for use with lacquer-based inks. The most popular option for school use is to use lacquer-soluble film and water based inks. Review safety precautions with students when working with lacquer solvent. Ensure proper ventilation (possibly a nearby exhaust fan vented outside the building). Store in tightly closed metal containers. Ensure that the handling or disposal of waste products is done correctly. Lacquer solvents are very volatile and must be properly disposed of to prevent combustion.
43.4 To produce a printed image using the hand-cut stencil. (IL)	The first stencils students prepare should be a simple design in order to learn the process before moving on to more complicated or multi-pass stencils. Have students clean and prepare the fabric so the stencil will stick firmly to the screen. Adhere the film to the screen following the manufacturer's recommendations. Students should wear a lab or shop coat to protect their clothes when screen printing. After a stencil has been proven, the design may be copied onto fabric such as a t-shirt.

Module 44: Intermediate Screen Process Printing (Optional)

Suggested time: 5-10 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Module 43

Foundational Objectives

To develop skills associated with the equipment, materials and techniques used in the graphic arts industry.
To foster an awareness of quality as it pertains to image development and production.
To increase self-esteem from success with the production equipment, materials and techniques used.
To maintain a design portfolio of current work and assemble a presentation portfolio.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To support the development of a positive disposition to life-long learning. (PSVS)
To understand the basic principles of colour registration when printing two coloured images. (IL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
44.1 To demonstrate the preparation of a silk-screening frame for printing. (TL)	Have the students make their own screen printing unit. See the resources for detailed information.
44.2 To prepare two hand-cut stencils to create a composite image. (IL)	Have the students select an image that will require two colours to complete. The stencils will need to have registration marks so that they will be aligned perfectly when the second colour is placed onto the print surface. Display examples of the process to illustrate the importance of the registration marks. It will be necessary to make a number of copies of the first colour, if the same screen-printing unit is to be used for the second colour as well. Have students attempt to produce more than one example.
44.3 To produce a series of multi-coloured prints. (IL)	Have the students submit a number of copies of their product for assessment. The ability to create copies that are identical in colour and registry is the goal.