Screen printing technique

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink (or dye) 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. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. One colour is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi-coloured image or design.

Traditionally, silk was used in the process. Currently, synthetic threads are commonly used in the screen printing process. The most popular mesh in general use is made of polyester. There are special-use mesh materials of nylon and stainless steel available to the screen-printer. There are also different types of mesh size which will determine the outcome and look of the finished design on the material.

The technique is used not only for garment printing but for printing on many other substances, including decals, clock and watch faces, balloons, and many other products. Advanced uses include laying down conductors and resistors in multi-layer circuits using thin ceramic layers as the substrate.

Credit is given to the artist Andy Warhol for popularising screen printing as an artistic technique. Warhol's silk screens include his 1962 Marilyn Diptych, which is a portrait of the actress Marilyn Monroe printed in bold colours. Warhol was supported in his production by master screen printer Michel Caza, a founding member of Fespa.[6][7]

Sister Mary Corita Kent gained international fame for her vibrant serigraphs during the 1960s and 1970s. Her works were rainbow coloured, contained words that were both political, and fostered peace and love and caring.

American entrepreneur, artist and inventor Michael Vasilantone started to use, develop, and sell a rotatable multicolour garment screen printing machine in 1960. Vasilantone later filed for a patent[8] on his invention in 1967 granted number 3,427,964 on 18 February 1969.[8] The original machine was manufactured to print logos and team information on bowling garments, but was soon directed to the new fad of printing on T-shirts. The Vasilantone patent was licensed by multiple manufacturers and the resulting production and boom in printed T-shirts made this garment screen printing machine popular. Screen printing on garments currently[when?] accounts for over half of the screen printing activity in the United States.[9]

Graphic screen-printing is widely used today to create mass- or large-batch produced graphics, such as posters or display stands. Full colour prints can be created by printing in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).

Screen printing lends itself well to printing on canvas. Andy Warhol, Arthur Okamura, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Harry Gottlieb and many other artists have used screen printing as an expression of creativity and artistic vision.

 

about us

Contemporary Stuff is a digital platform founded in 2020 to showcase a personal perspective on contemporary art to the public through a well-curated visual research and a carefully selected body of work. Moreover, we support emerging artists around the world by providing them with a platform to display their works and expand their audience. In 2023, we opened our online digital art marketplace to offer art enthusiasts and collectors an exclusive selection of limited edition artworks.

what do we do?

collaborations

We collaborate with Artists from around the world to produce limited edition artworks. A limited edition artwork is a piece produced in a set number of copies

production

WE WORK DIRECTLY WITH ARTISTS TO PRODUCE EDITIONS THAT FULLY REFLECT THEIR BODY OF WORK. THE ARTISTS PERSONALLY APPROVE AND SIGN THE FINAL EDITIONS.

shipping

Each artwork is carefully packaged and shipped securely. Along with it, you will receive a certificate of authenticity issued by us and signed by the artist.

customer service

we're here yo help you: you will be constantly updated on the status of your shipment, and you can always contact our customer service for any needs.

what's a screenprint?

A screenprint, also known as a silkscreen print or serigraph, is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a fine mesh or stencil to create a design on a surface, typically paper or fabric. Artists use this method to produce limited edition prints of their work. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, and the process allows for vibrant, bold colors and sharp details. Screenprints are often valued for their high-quality finish and the handmade nature of the printing process.

Join our project and let your art make an impact!

Are you ready to take your art to a new audience? Join us in shaping a vibrant and innovative art marketplace focused on bringing exclusive, limited edition artworks to collectors worldwide. We're looking for talented emerging artists to be part of our creative community, where your work can reach a global stage with the highest quality and distinction.

At Contemporary Stuff, we believe in preserving the uniqueness of each piece, ensuring that your art remains as extraordinary as it deserves to be. Together, let's redefine the future of art collection.

Apply now at info@contemporarystuff.net to showcase your work, connect with collectors, and make an impact

Your Questions Answered

  • We are specialized in producing limited edition prints

  • A limited edition print is an original artwork produced in a set number of copies.

  • Yes, the artists are always involved in the production. We work in direct contact with them and they always personally reviews and approves their final editions.

  • Together with the artwork you will receive a certificate of authenticity issued by us and signed by the Artist.

  • All our prints are shipped in a protective cardboard tube.

  • It usually takes 5 to 15 business days, depending on your location.