TM 43-0139
h.
Allow the paint sufficient time to dry before touching it. Drying time is dependent upon the kind of paint used, the
temperature, and the thickness of the paint film. Protect the markings from dust and dirt until dry.
i.
Once the paint is thoroughly dry, use a cloth and rub off any leftover powder residue.
Section V. SILK SCREEN PRINTING PROCESS
6-14. GENERAL
a.
The silk screen process is a method of printing, in one or more colors, on almost any type of flat surface with
components such as oil colors, water colors, lacquers, enamels, and polyurethanes. This process is used when large
quantities of the same design are desired in a relatively short time.
b.
The basic principles of this process are simple but require special equipment. Care and accuracy in performing
preparatory work will assure the success of the operation.
6-15. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
a.
Baseboard. A baseboard must be larger than the design, with a surface that is absolutely level and flat. This
board may be a drawing board, ply board, or table-top, and its surface should be covered with stiff cardboard. If either the
baseboard or its mating screen frame become warped, it will be impossible to produce an acceptable print.
b.
Frame. The frame on which the silk, or a synthetic such as nylon, is attached may be a simple wooden frame or
the standard grooved frames stocked by artist supply dealers in various sizes. This frame should be at least one and one-
half times longer and wider than the size of the image that is to be printed (see figure 6-9).
c.
Silk . Silk or synthetic-silk type material should be used for screening. This material is available in different
meshes. For best results, use the "medium size" mesh or numbers "14XX" or "16XX". The double "X" denotes that the
material has a double weight or double strength rating.
d.
Loose Pin Hinges. The frame should have a pair of loose pin hinges attached to one of the long sides of the
frame and to the baseboard. The hinges are placed so that the silk surface of the frame lies in flat contact with the
baseboard. Masking tape is then placed on the inside of the frame so that half of the tape's width is on the frame and the
other half is on the silk. The masking tape will prevent the paint from oozing between the silkscreen and frame and onto
the print and/or baseboard.
e.
Tacking. The material must be stretched drum-tight over the frame and secured by tacking to the frame's outer
surface. The material or silk is then washed with water to remove the sizing and facilitate tightening. Failure to achieve
the drum-tightness will result in unsatisfactory reproductions.
f.
Squeegee. The squeegee consists of a rubber straight edge embedded in a length of wood that has clearance
with one of the interior dimensions of the frame, and is shaped to conveniently fit the hands. The squeegee must be at
least two inches larger than the width of the design being reproduced so that one pull over the screen will complete the
printing. To assure flat contact with the silk, draw the rubber edge of the squeegee across a piece of flat sandpaper while
holding the squeegee in a vertical position.
g.
Other Materials. Stencil knives, dividers, a steel rule, a T-square, a triangle, translucent paper-backed film, and
adhesive tape are also necessary items for the silk screening process.
6-17