Blog by @cilla_ceramics

Silk Screen for Pottery

Whether you’re a seasoned ceramic artist or a beginner exploring new techniques, ceramic silk screens offer a fascinating and intricate way in which to transfer detailed imagery onto clay. Silk screening, also known as screen printing, is now a versatile and accessible technique that allows artists to transfer detailed images and patterns onto various surfaces, including ceramics, textiles, and paper. When using silk screens with clay you can use slip, engobes, and underglaze for the printing process. In this introduction, we will explore the basics of silk screening, its applications, and the essential steps to get you started to create decoration.

Selecting a Silk Screen

There are many brands of premade silkscreens available. Depending on the brand you select will dictate the layout of the screen. For example Mayco designer silkscreens have an excellent selection of Designer Silkscreen sheets that come in many themes and patterns with several images per sheet.  Screens are usually sorted by themes, such as nautical, featuring fun sea life designs. When screens come with multiple images on one sheet, you can either keep the sheet whole or cut out individual images. Separating the images gives you the flexibility to easily position them as needed. If you choose to cut them out, be sure to leave a generous margin around each image. It is also excellent to note that most silkscreen are re-usable if used with care.

 Silk Screen Application Techniques

The simplest way to apply the silkscreen design is to place it directly onto your clay. Depending on your ceramic practice you can apply the screen onto bisque or unfired clay. The clay you select for screening will be easier to apply if it is smooth rather than textured. As with anything in the pottery world, if you are new to silk screening, we suggest first doing it on a test piece of pottery for practice. 

1. Ensure that your ceramic piece is clean and free of dust or grease. When you’re ready to use the screen, place it on your chosen surface. If you are using an unfired piece, make sure it is completely dry. (Appling underglaze to bone dry pieces is suggested as it is easier for the underglaze to adhere.)
2. Place the silk screen over the area you want to decorate. You can use tape to secure the edges of the screen to the ceramics. This is not necessary but very helpful such as if you are working with a curved surface.
3. Spread the underglaze across the screen, pressing firmly with a soft rib or squeegee to ensure the glaze passes through the mesh onto the ceramic surface. Your medium should have a nice fluidity and be able to easily pass through the silk-screen. A medium is suggested if your selected pigment material is too thick be pushed through the screen onto the clay.
4. Carefully peel the silkscreen away from the ceramic surface, doing this slowly to avoid smudging the design. If there are any mistakes or excess underglaze, clean them up with a damp sponge.

If you have access to a gel plate (a reusable printing surface made of a non-perishable gel) it is a good alternative to screening directly on the clay. When using a gel plate consider lightly dust the plate with corn starch before printing.

As mentioned earlier you can use slip, engobes, and underglaze for screen printing, all which are easy to clean with water. To prolong the life of your silkscreens, it is recommended to clean them immediately after use with water and a non-abrasive tool, such as a soft brush or sponge.

Silk-screening, a great way to add intricate detail to your work 

The availability of silkscreens presents a significant opportunity for artists to elevate their work to the next level. Silkscreens offer a professional finish that can transform ordinary pieces into extraordinary ones, adding depth, visual texture, and a polished look that is difficult to achieve through other methods. Silkscreens enhance the visual appeal to ceramics with intricate patterns and bold colours, pushing the boundaries of  artistic expression.  This not only enhances the visual appeal  but also increases its marketability, potentially attracting a wider audience and higher value. Furthermore, the use of silk screens such as Mayco designer silkscreens allows artists to consistently produce pieces that maintain a high standard of quality, which is crucial for building a reputable brand and a loyal following. In essence, silkscreens can be a game-changer, offering artists the tools they need to refine their craft and make a lasting impact in ceramic world.