The stripping of the screen is exactly the same process to printing on paper screens and the same photosensitive emulsion is used to coat the screen. In some cases the exposure time differs compared to between paper and fabric screens, however for my laser printed composition is the same.
I am aware that I may loose these details when I print onto fabric:
Measuring the tote bag against the screen, I was able to confirm my design would fit onto the bag:
Ironed out the tote bag to get rid of the creases and increase my chances of a clean print. Mike the technician also cut down a piece of scrap wood to slide into the tote bag to give it structure and stretch the material. For Mike and I this was an experimental process, usually the bag is pinned directly onto the table, however this process creates a consistent size for each bag.
Mixing the inks required around 3 portions of textile medium which binds the ink to the material. The ink is so condensed that it only requires a few drops from a pipet:
Aligning the screen correctly with the tote bag was problematic due to the fact the screen had to be place directly on top of the bag each time.
Drying:
Some of the prints weren't consistent as I didn't pull the screen enough times. Unlike printing on paper the screen isn't flooded, instead the ink is pulled back up again. Depending on the material, this process will be repeated up to 6 times.
Heat press at 160 degrees for 60 seconds to seal the ink:
Final product:
I am really pleased with the quality of the print as I was worried the blocks of colour wouldn't be so strong and prominent. The texture from the marker pen wasn't picked up when I exposed the design which creates a lot more contrast and negative space. The dynamic and curvaceous composition evokes the organic structure of the type. When objects are in the bag, they are emphasised:
Taking the tote bag further, I designed a typographic composition inspired by the fruit stickers:
Final outcome:
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