I want to try screen printing onto spandex fabric using glossy or semi-glossy inks. I’ve seen some youtube videos about using Silicone inks, which will retain the stretch of the fabric while also adding a gloss finish, but there’s very limited info out there. If anyone has done it and has any tips or product recommendations that would be great! I also have never screen printed before, so general screen printing tips and procedures for using the screen print equipment at the makerspace is welcome too!
Your first step would be to go over to the Printmaking Area. On the outside of their area (back to the tables, facing Printmaking), they’ve got an email to request to see their Google Calendar. That is a different thing from the DMS Calendar. It is maintained by Printmaking, and will list any upcoming events.
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To the best of my current knowledge, there are no inks that will work well on spandex that we can safely use in Printmaking. Spandex is a synthetic fabric and typically requires inks that are solvent based, are not sink safe for cleanup, and therefore not allowed for use in the Printmaking area. The plastisol based additives that might work in our area require curing equipment we do not have to properly cure the inks. Additionally, printing on spandex requires advanced techniques/skills that are beyond the capabilities of a beginner, and we don’t have anyone that can teach those techniques. I would suggest dye sublimation as a substitute that should work, but I recognize that will not provide you with a glossy finish.
As far as general training and use of the Printmaking area equipment, classes should start back up in November once the primary teacher is available again.
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