Instructions
Screen Printing, Stamping & Painting
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The traditional method of printing with dye is to add the dye to a
thickener paste. This method can be used for screen printing,
hand-painting, and stamping and many other direct application techniques.
It is important to prepare the fiber by washing to remove the sizing.
- Wash, dry and iron the fabric.
- Prepare dye thickener paste (see below).
- Add dye, either powder or
stock solution,
to thickener. Proportion the dye in the container in relation to the amount of
thickener paste and desired intensity.
- Print, paint, or stamp on fabric.
- Air dry. Steam set. (See Steam setting directions.)
Preparing Dye Thickener
When screen printing with dye thickened with sodium alginate, the
print base should be as thin as the image will allow. Dye printed in
too thick a base will halo from the image before the fabric is cured
or will accumulate in the corners, altering the image.
Sodium Alginate SH
is a high viscosity, low solids type of alginate thickener used
primarily for cotton and other cellulose fibers. It may also be used
for silk when fine line definition is not required.
Sodium Alginate F
is a low viscosity, high solids alginate used for silks and synthetics
when fine line definition is desired. Use about 2 1/2 times more of
the F to equal the viscosity of SH.
- Mix chemical water by adding ¼ cup of urea and 1 Tablespoon of vinegar to 1 quart of water.
- Sprinkle sodium alginate over water and stir constantly for 10 minutes,
OR mix in blender.
- Let stand for a few hours or overnight before using. Mixture may be
stored in refrigerator for many months.
