Screenprinting

Screenprinting is a form of stencil printing, made by printing through an intermediary surface – the screen mesh. This is a frame over which a fine, polyester mesh is tautly stretched. The ink is forced through the mesh onto the paper beneath using a squeegee (rubber blade). Areas of the screen are masked off to define the image. A different screen is used for each separate colour. As well as being a fine art process, screenprinting has a direct association with commercial and industrial printing processes being used extensively in graphic, ceramic and textile design. It is a colourful and versatile medium which artists can adapt to the context of their work.