Screen Printing Step-By-Step Guide with Dave Fortune

Screen printing is a versatile and rewarding process, offering artists and designers the ability to create crisp, repeatable prints on paper, fabric, canvas, and more. In this tutorial, Dave Fortune, Senior Technician and Visiting Lecturer at UWE Creative Arts, provides a clear, step-by-step guide to the process. His practical approach makes screen printing accessible for complete beginners, while also sharing professional insights that even experienced printers will value.

Materials You’ll Need

• System3 Acrylic Screen Printing Ink Set
  This starter set includes everything you need to begin printing, making it ideal for classrooms, studios, or at-home projects. Solvent-free and water-based, these inks deliver strong pigmentation, smooth application, and reliable coverage.

• System3 Screen Printing Medium
  By mixing this medium with System3 acrylic paint, you can create screen-printing inks with vibrant colour that remain open on the screen for longer. This extended working time helps reduce clogging and makes cleanup easier.

• System3 Textile Screen Printing Medium
  If you want to print on fabric, this medium transforms any System3 acrylic colour into a durable textile ink. Once heat-set, prints remain bright and wash-resistant for more than 20 washes. Perfect for T-shirts, bags, or custom textile art.

Dave’s Step-By-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Screen
   Secure your mesh screen to the frame and ensure it is clean and dry before beginning.

2. Mix the Ink
   Combine System3 acrylic paint with the appropriate medium, depending on whether you are printing on paper, canvas, or fabric. Adjust the ratio until the ink has a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Set Up the Artwork
   Position your stencil or design on the printing surface. Make sure the registration is accurate, especially if you plan to layer multiple colours.

4. Flood the Screen
   Using a squeegee held at a 45-degree angle, flood the mesh with ink. This primes the screen and ensures even coverage across the stencil.

5. Pull the Print
   With steady pressure, pull the squeegee down the screen in one motion. Lift carefully to reveal a sharp, vibrant print underneath.

6. Repeat or Layer
   If printing multiples, flood the screen again before each pull. To build depth or texture, experiment with layering colours once previous layers are dry.

7. Clean Up Immediately
   Wash the screen and tools straight after use. Because System3 products are water-based, this step is quick and easy, and it keeps your screen mesh in good condition for future use.

Why This Tutorial Matters

Dave Fortune’s guide simplifies what can often feel like a technical process, giving artists confidence to experiment with colour, layering, and different surfaces. The use of System3 products ensures professional-quality results without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive equipment. By following his advice, you can move from your first test print to fully realised designs that are bold, vibrant, and long-lasting.

Whether you are an illustrator looking to add screen prints to your portfolio, an art student learning new techniques, or a hobbyist curious to try something different, this tutorial provides a foundation you can build on again and again.