Today, we consider screen-printing of such items as T-shirts a common practice. Technology has advanced the craft. However, the roots of screen-printing are old, dating back more than 2 centuries ago to China. This culture is responsible for the process that now comes as part of an ultimate screenprinting kit.
Early Adventures in Screen-printing
Although a similar process may have originated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the credit goes elsewhere. China created the initial screens using human hair and a wooden frame. For a stencil, they relied on a design of leaves. It was this technique and tools, with the establishment of the Silk Maritime Road, they introduced to Japan. In this country, they attempted to improve upon the method. They replaced the human hair with the woven silk from the worms that were responsible for silk. This has forever given the name to the process – silk screen-printing. It refers not to the fabric the Japanese or Chinese printed upon, but to the material of which the original composition of the frame.
Further advances, however, were slow in coming. Although centuries were to pass, little was done. The next progress came during the Middle Ages in Europe and the United Kingdom. At this time, the ultimate screenprinting kit was not there to help individuals, but artisans manipulated the available materials to produce some memorable work.
Modern and Contemporary Times
It was not actually until the early 20th century that silk-screening truly began to evolve towards what we have today. In 1907, Samuel Simon of Manchester England, registered the very first commercial patent for the process. His work involved using squeegees (rubber blades) and the silk screen to produce the desired effect. John Pilsworth of San Francisco added to Simon’s work to provide the industrial basis for what has now become a flourishing industry.
Pilsworth’s contribution was the Selectasine method. It removed the constraint on singular color use. Application employing this method meant designers and manufacturers could now employ more than one color. It meant the wonderful Art Deco period came alive. It was also responsible for the system that produced the now famous “Uncle Sam Wants You” Poster of WWI as well as the brilliant and highly collectible movie posters from the period that embraces both World Wars. On the less glamorous side, the Selectasine method gave the armed forces the wherewithal to stencil the lettering on tanks, army T-shirts and other articles.
In 1959, the discovery of Plastisol, made ink work more durable. Since then, ink types have come and gone. They reflect the culture of their times and the available technology. Yet, overall, the technology, techniques and intent remain constant.
Today – The Ultimate Screen printing Kit
Today, this old craft and art is no longer the property of a select few. It attracts hobbyists and potential business operators. They can start out with a small screen-printing kit. As they gain in confidence and purpose, they can improve and test their skills by purchasing the ultimate screen printing kit.
