In essence, the method of screen printing is simple: push ink through a stencil to create a reproducible image. However, with ingenuity, screen print artists can produce masterpieces using this simple, cost effective technique. Pairing instruction with inspiration, Silkscreen Basics provides a multifaceted view of screen printing, from its roots in ancient China to its place in a digital era, and is the perfect primer for anyone intrigued by this popular printing method. Far from a dry instructional manual, this book gives step-by-step instructions on how to create budget-friendly, successful screen prints at home and is dotted with friendly tips and quips accompanied by hundreds of photos, drawings, and prints. Also included are expert printers profiles and insights. Featured artists include Juju's Delivery, Ben Chlapek, and Ellen Wagner; collectives include Base V. in Sao Paulo, Underbelly in San Antonio, TX; and studios include Bongoût in Berlin, Alexis Rom Estudio in Barcelona, and Malevo Estampa in Buenos Aires.

First published by SHS Publishing, 2010.

Before you start -- Introduction -- Screenprinting then and now -- Basics -- Essential tools -- Workspace(s) -- Pre-print -- Film positives -- Building a screen -- The print process -- Screen preparation -- Screen coating -- Burning the screen -- Building an exposure unit -- Troubleshooting -- One-color printing -- Building a t-shirt pallet -- Multi-color printing -- Reclaiming a screen -- Screenprinting today -- Alexis Rom Estudio -- Amber Albrecht -- Army of cats: Graham Pilling -- Base-V -- Ben Chlapek -- Ben Kafton -- Arrache Toi un Oeil -- Bongout -- Caroline Selmes -- Chris Campe -- Damien Michel Auriault -- Derek Yaniger -- Ellen Wagner -- Erik Winkowski -- Greg Pizzoli -- Harry Diaz -- Jessica Romberg -- Kate Banazi -- Lasse Skarbovick -- Laurie Hastings -- Les Queues de Sardines -- The Little Friends of Printmaking -- Lo Cole -- Malota -- Nick Morley -- Nate Williams -- Sam Chivers -- Trevor Basset -- Tad Carpenter -- Studio Vahalla -- Underbelly -- Miki Mottes -- Memo -- Pietari Posti -- Malevo Estampa -- JuJu's Delivery.