Inkjet printing on silk

[obp2005]

Does anybody have a hint as to how to remove the paper backing? It is coming off in tiny bits and pieces - this will take forever. Is there a trick?

[Celia Buchanan]

Hi,
Once you have fixed the silk you can try soaking it off in water. Are you finding this is happening with all of your prints or just one? Normally the backing should peel right off in one peice.
Celia

[dbjorck]

Hi!

[QUOTE=Celia Buchanan]Hi,
Once you have fixed the silk you can try soaking it off in water. Are you finding this is happening with all of your prints or just one? Normally the backing should peel right off in one peice.
Celia[/QUOTE]

"Fixed the silk"?! There is nothing in the instructions about "fixing". What does that mean? Glue, lacquer....??? WHAT?! Is there some special fixative I'm supposed to buy now?! I can not peel the backing off any sheet of the silk stuff. I've scratched, crumpled, everything.

Brgds

Danny

[Celia Buchanan]

hello,
Steam them... here are those instructions.

Steaming

Steaming requires more time, but the color yield is very intense. There are commercial steamers available or smaller pieces can be steamed at home with the following method. You will need a large pot with a rack that fits inside, white newsprint, masking tape, and aluminum foil.

•Roll the fabric in newsprint, making sure there is a layer of paper between each roll of fabric. The paper should extend a few inches beyond the fabric on either end of the roll.
•When all the fabric has been rolled, wrap newsprint around the bundle a few extra times. Secure the roll by taping length of roll. Coil gently to a size that will fit into the pot. Tape securely.
•Place rack into the pot. Pour water to a level that is well below the bottom of the rack. Make sure top of rack is dry and place bundle on the rack.
•Shape a piece of aluminum foil into a dome and place it over the bundle for protection. This will keep condensation from dripping on the silk. Make sure neither the packet nor the foil touches the sides of the pot.
•Cover the pot with the lid. Place the pot on the stove and bring water to a boil. Reduce the heat but keep it high enough to produce steam. Steam the packet for 1 hour. Allow packet to cool. Unwrap the silk and rinse in cool water to remove excess dye. Lay flat to dry and you're done.
Celia

[dstone3225]

I haven't had any trouble releasing the backing but the first several times i placed the silk photo over a project i did on canvas was beautiful, however the last several the colors have bled onto the canvas, which might be alright if it was an appropriate color for the project. Is there a way to prevent this bleeding - would the steaming work? where do you get unprinted newspaper...

[Celia Buchanan]

Hello,
Yes steaming the fabric will prevent bleading and will make the colors fast. You can buy uprinted newsprint from an art store or use a piece of thin cotton and for smaller pieces a paper towel will work to wrap the silk in.
Celia