What is a Simply Screen Silk Screen Stencil?
What are Simply Screen Printing Paints?
Can I premix Simply Screen Printing Paints to achieve a new color?
What types of fabrics can be screen printed using Simply Screen Paints?
Can I use a textured fabric?
Should I prewash the fabric before screen print painting my design?
Should I protect my fashion garment with a protective layer between layers when screen printing?
While screen printing, can I use water to thin the Simply Screen Paints?
How long does it take for the silk screen painted design to dry?
What is the best way to apply the paint?
Is it necessary to heat set my screen printed project when using Simply Screen Paints?
How thick should I apply my Simply Screen Paint?
Should I “scrub” Simply Screen Paint into the fabric while painting?
What is the best way to create a fashion statement using Simply Screen Metallic Foil?
How should I clean up my supplies or a small painted mistake?
How should I launder my Simply Screen printed items?
What is a Simply Screen Silk Screen Stencil?
Simply Screen is a unique, ready-to-use, patent-pending silk screen stencil in a variety of fashion-forward and mass appeal motifs. All the design and prep work is done for you. No machine, no chemical preparation, or wait time is required. A low tack adhesive on the back of each screen stencil keeps your design in place. Simply remove the paper backing, position your design on a fabric surface, apply paint and reveal a professional quality screen-printed design.
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What are Simply Screen Printing Paints?
Simply Screen Printing Paints are water-based and specially formulated to be used with Simply Screen silk screen stencils. Formulated with a thicker consistency, Simply Screen Printing Paints will set up on the silk screen stencil and flow through the screen effortlessly without bleeding or run under. These paints are available in a wide range of fashion colors including the basic color palette, metallics, and bright neons! Formulated as non-toxic water-based paints, they are easy to clean up with mild soap and water and are made in the USA.
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Can I premix Simply Screen Printing Paints to achieve a new color?
Yes, Simply Screen Printing Paints may be mixed or blended to achieve a new value or different color.
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What types of fabrics can be screen printed using Simply Screen Paints?
Smooth, low textured fabrics such as cottons, poly cotton blends, woven blends, denims, and home décor textiles can be used as surfaces for screen print painting when using Simply Screen Paints.
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Can I use a textured fabric?
You may choose to be creative when designing fashion apparel and use a ribbed or textured fabric, however, when screen print painting, you may lose some of the design within the ribs or over the texture. For best results, we recommend smooth, non-textured fabrics.
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Should I prewash the fabric before screen print painting my design?
Yes, all fabrics should be prewashed using soap and water following the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Most denim fabrics should be washed multiple times in hot water to thoroughly remove the sizing in the fabric. DO NOT use a liquid fabric softener or a dryer sheet as this may prevent the paints from adhering properly. If your garment is wrinkled, you may iron the fabric as instructed on the garment label. DO NOT use a spray starch product.
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Should I protect my fashion garment with a protective layer between layers when screen printing?
It is not necessary to use a shirt form and/or sheet of cardboard between layers. Thin, “tissue” tees and other very thin fabrics may require using a T-shirt painting form, sheet of smooth cardboard, or a piece of parchment paper slipped between layers as extra precaution. Please evaluate your garment before beginning your design.
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While screen printing, can I use water to thin the Simply Screen Paints?
NO, Simply Screen paints are formulated to be used directly from the bottle. Thinning these paints with water will not only dilute the paint, it will also lessen the adhesion properties of the paint and may cause it to bleed through when designing. Why create a masterpiece only to watch the design weaken or fade with washing?
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What is the best way to apply the paint?
When designing fashion and home décor fabrics, there are a couple of techniques that can be used when applying Simply Screen printing paints. 1. After the silk screen stencil is in place, tacky side down onto your fabric surface, squeeze paint onto the screen stencil; using the squeegee applicator, pull paint down over the stencil. OR 2. Squeeze paint onto a foam plate; using fabric painting brushes, paint the design brushing through the silk screen.
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Is it necessary to heat set my screen printed project when using Simply Screen Paints?
Heat setting is recommended for best durability. Allow the printed design to dry overnight. Heat set the painted surface using a dry, hot iron and a pressing cloth. Lay pressing cloth over the painted fabric and iron the painted design for 30 seconds, lift the iron and move it to another section of the painted design. Your iron should be set at the highest setting allowed for the decorated fabric, no steam.
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How thick should I apply my Simply Screen Paint?
A smooth, even application using firm but gentle pressure is best. You want to make sure that you are actually pushing the paint through the screen, not just spreading it over the top.
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Should I “scrub” Simply Screen Paint into the fabric while painting?
There is no need to “scrub” the paint into the fabric fibers. A smooth, even application of paint will increase the adhesion of the paint to the fabric.
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How long does it take for the silk screen painted design to dry?
Simply Screen paint will air dry within 24 hours and will be cured in 72 hours.
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Can I add embellishments such as gems, or crystals to my painted design?
Yes, your screen printed design may be embellished with gems or crystals. Follow gem or crystal manufacturer’s application instructions.
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Are there any other special looks that can be achieved using the Simply Screen product line?
Yes, you can “glamororize” your fashion crafting with Simply Screen Glitter and Metallic Foil! By working the Simply Screen Foil & Glitter Adhesive through the silk screen stencil it becomes a base for both glitter and metallic foils.
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How can I achieve a “Glittered” screen printed fashion?
Apply Simply Screen Foil & Glitter Adhesive to the fabric by either brushing the adhesive through the screen or by using the squeegee applicator. Allow the adhesive to set for three minutes and reapply a second application of adhesive. Gently remove the screen stencil and immediately wash to remove adhesive. Sprinkle Simply Screen Glitter while adhesive is wet. Allow adhesive to dry 24 hours. Heat set for 30 seconds with a household iron, no steam; using parchment paper as a pressing cloth. Shake off excess. Allow glittered design to cure for 72 hours before laundering.
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What is the best way to create a fashion statement using Simply Screen Metallic Foil?
Apply Simply Screen Foil & Glitter Adhesive to the fabric by either brushing the adhesive through the screen or by using the squeegee applicator. Allow the adhesive to set for three minutes and reapply a second application of adhesive. Wait three minutes. Gently remove the screen stencil and immediately wash to remove adhesive. Let screened adhesive set until clear in color and completely dry to the touch, approximately three hours. Lay sheet of metallic foil shiny side up onto dried adhesive design. Cover foil with parchment paper; heat set for 30 seconds. When completely cool and foil is cold to touch, quickly peel up foil sheet to reveal your design.
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How should I clean up my supplies or a small painted mistake?
Simply Screen paints are non-toxic and water soluble. Clean up is easily accomplished using soap and water to clean your screens and applicators. While painting, if a mistake is made, try incorporating the dot of paint into the design by adding another flower or section of the design, etc. NOTE: Remember, we do not make mistakes, only design changes! However, if the misplaced bead of paint is not desired, allow it to dry in its place, you can lift the bead of paint better when dry rather than wetting the paint which will allow it to move into the fibers of the fabric. When dry, you can also try using tape to lift the mistake.
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How should I launder my Simply Screen printed items?
Simply Screen Water-based Screen Printing Paints have been tested for machine laundering, however, with all hand painted / decorated items, it is always best to hand wash in cold water and allow to air dry which will increase their durability.
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