We’re joining Darryl for a fun and creative print session. He’s in the shop, getting ready to print some custom postcards for SPE class students. It’s all about setting up the screen, aligning everything just right, and using the right tools to make sure the prints come out perfectly. If you’re into printing posters or postcards, you’ll want to see how Darryl handles it step by step. Let's get into the process and see how it's done!
GETTING READY TO PRINT
Darryl starts in the darkroom, setting up the screen carefully. His method? Measuring six inches down from the top of the screen—this helps make sure everything is lined up right. It’s all about getting that film in place with the T-square and marking it before taping it down.
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WHY A VACUUM PLATEN HELPS
Once upstairs, Darryl puts the screen on the press. He’s using a vacuum platen—an awesome tool for poster printing. If you haven’t tried one yet, it keeps your paper in place without needing sticky stuff. A tip: always remember to turn it on before you start printing.
TIPS FOR POSTER AND POSTCARD PRINTING
- KEEP YOUR DESIGN INSIDE THE LINES: Make sure your artwork fits in the print area, especially on poster board. Keeping things lined up will save you trouble later.
- USE A VACUUM PLATEN: If you’re doing posters, getting a vacuum platen is a good idea. It’ll keep your prints steady and clean.
- DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING: Before printing, make sure your setup is correct—from the screen to the press. One little mistake can mess up the whole print.
In the end, Darryl didn’t give up, and he got those postcards printed. Remember, every print job teaches you something new, and even the pros make mistakes sometimes.If you want to improve your skills, consider joining a Screen Print Experience. It’s a great way to learn from the best, refine your techniques, and avoid common pitfalls in your print projects.