Screen printing is simple enough for a child or beginner, but it is also a favorite printing process of experienced artists and craftspeople. It allows for a wide range of creative possibilities. It is less inhibiting than other printing processes. And, contrary to most other methods of printing, it does not require the user to make the mental translations of a reversed image. The extreme versatility of the medium has opened completely new possibilities for design and expression in both serigraphy (art prints) and textile designs. The Schwalbachs' book clearly explains how to employ silk-screen printing in both of these areas: producing a serigraph and making a fabric print. It also sets down all of the steps involved in constructing a printing board and frame, keying the screen, preparing inks or dyes, and printing the color runs — plus a list of various problems that might turn up and their solutions. Other facets discussed include the best ways of cleaning up, handling the completed print, and working with different resists — paper, blockout, washout, photo-emulsion. There is even a special print project for the beginner, using a cardboard frame and school tempera paint. Nearly 200 diagrams and photographs, including 19 in full color, make a clear text even clearer and offer examples of completed prints. The Schwalbachs taught silk-screen printing for many years at the University of Wisconsin. They know how to communicate the essence of this craft in the best manner possible. With their book as a guide, anyone can quickly master the techniques of silk-screening printing.

"This authoritative handbook leads the reader with clear, concise steps through every phase of the screen process - from producing a stencil to printing and registering multicolor work." -book jacket.

This book gives a clear and complete picture of every aspect of press operation and silk screen technique — from individually operated manual presses to modern automatic presses capable of turning out 2,000–3,000 impressions an hour — and indicates its great versatility and range of applications. Extremely thorough in its coverage of the subject, this volume includes practically everything of importance known about the silk screen process. After a brief historical account, which shows how screen process has become one of the most important of the graphic arts, the author provides detailed information on basic tools and equipment, stencil making and photo stencil methods, multicolor work, facts about paints, lacquers, and other compounds, and tips on matching colors and mixing the right colors for specific jobs. There are chapters on printing of decalcomanias, characteristics of different surfaces, textile and wallpaper printing, appliqué materials, printing on cylindrical and unusual surfaces, silk screen as a fine art (serigraphy), die cutting and finishing, automation in the industry, and other topics. Completely serviceable to the commercial operator, the book also contains discussions of estimating procedures, relative costs and selling prices, and plant layout and shop management. The various steps in the process are all illustrated by numerous photographs and drawings. Other illustrations show modern plants and machines, presses and other equipment, and examples of printing on containers, glassware, fabrics, etc. In addition to a brief bibliography of books and publications on the subject, there is a list of major manufacturers and dealers in screen process materials for convenient reference. A fully practical manual, and for anyone working in the graphic arts, this book was written by an expert with over 25 years' experience in the field. As a man who has worked in every phase of silk screen work (from printing, paint mixing, layout, and lettering to managing, consulting, and teaching) and as the author of a number of other books on screen process, Mr. Biegeleisen is notably qualified to discuss all techniques, problems, and situations; in this book, he has produced the best and most authoritative guide to a rapidly growing field.