Screen Printing Tips, Kit and Guide with Dave Fortune

Screen printing is one of the most versatile and rewarding printmaking techniques, giving artists the ability to layer colour, build texture, and create bold designs on a variety of surfaces. In this tutorial, Dave Fortune, Senior Technician and Visiting Lecturer at UWE Creative Arts, shares his expert advice on how to build a practical screen printing kit and use it effectively. His guidance makes the process clear, manageable, and inspiring, whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your practice.

Building Your Screen Printing Kit

Dave highlights the core materials that form the backbone of any good setup:

• System3 Acrylic Screen Printing Ink Set
  This set provides strong, highly pigmented inks that are water-based and solvent-free. They are designed to work on a wide range of surfaces, from paper and card to fabric and canvas. The set is a convenient and cost-effective way to begin, giving you everything you need to produce your first prints confidently.

• System3 Textile Screen Printing Medium
  When mixed with acrylic paint, this medium transforms your colour into vibrant textile ink that can withstand repeated washing. Once heat-set, prints remain bright for more than 20 washes, making it perfect for clothing, bags, and other fabric projects.

• System3 Screen Printing Medium
  Ideal for paper or board printing, this medium slows down drying, extends working time, and prevents your ink from clogging the mesh. It also makes cleanup easier, ensuring you can reuse your screen without difficulty.

• System3 Liquid Retarder Medium
  A small but important additive, this retarder slows the drying process even further. It helps when you are working with multiple colours or more complex designs, allowing you time to blend and control the inks smoothly.

Dave’s Expert Tips for Successful Printing

• Organise your workspace
  Lay out all your materials before you begin. Having everything within reach keeps the process flowing and helps avoid mistakes.

• Test before printing
  Always pull a test print on scrap paper or fabric. This lets you check your registration, ink consistency, and colour strength before committing to your final piece.

• Use the right consistency
  Adjust the ink with the appropriate medium depending on the surface you are printing on. A slightly thinner mix works best for fabric, while a thicker consistency suits paper or card.

• Master the squeegee
  Hold the squeegee at about a 45-degree angle and use steady pressure. A smooth, confident pull produces the cleanest and most even coverage.

• Clean screens immediately
  Wash your screen and tools as soon as you finish. Because the System3 range is water-based, this step is quick and easy, and it helps preserve the mesh for future prints.

Why This Tutorial Matters

Dave Fortune’s guide shows that screen printing does not need to be intimidating or overly technical. With the right kit and a clear process, you can create vibrant and professional-looking results at home, in the classroom, or in a studio environment.

The System3 range is designed to be affordable, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and more experienced printmakers. By following Dave’s structured advice, testing before printing, mixing the right mediums, and cleaning thoroughly, you will gain confidence and consistency in your results.

This tutorial encourages artists to embrace experimentation, layer colours, and explore the potential of screen printing as a creative medium. From simple single-colour graphics to multi-layered editions, the process is open to endless possibilities.