Glass Screen Printing with Banana Screens: Technique and Tips

An Introduction to Glass Screen Printing

Glass screen printing, also known as silkscreening or serigraphy, allows artists and crafters to apply images and designs onto glass. By using a stencil and mesh screen, glass can be decorated with intricate patterns, bold graphics, and vivid colors. The banana screen technique is a popular method used by glass artists to kiln form images and artwork onto glass.

What is a Banana Screen?

A banana screen refers to the shape of the silkscreen used in glass fusing and slumping applications. The mesh screen is stretched across a curved frame, resembling the curved shape of a banana. Using this specially shaped screen allows contact with rounded or three-dimensional glass items during screen printing.

Unlike flat screens used for paper printing, the banana screen can apply images and designs onto curved plates, bowls, vases, and other glassware. The mesh screen flexes to make flush contact with the glass surface, allowing for an even transfer of the printing medium.

Benefits of Using a Banana Screen

There are several key advantages to using a banana screen for glass decorating:

• Conforms to curved and irregular glass shapes
• Creates consistent, high-quality prints onto rounded objects
• Allows printing directly onto glass without needing decals
• Reusable for multiple glass printing jobs

The curved shape allows the banana screen to be pressed flush against spherical, conical, and other non-flat glass items during screen printing. This flexibility ensures a clean, crisp image transfer.

How to Screen Print on Glass with a Banana Screen

While having some experience with printmaking helps, beginners can learn how to decorate glass using this technique with just a few key supplies and steps.

Supplies Needed

Glass screen printing with a banana screen requires a few special tools and materials:

• Silkscreen frame with mesh count of 230 threads/inch
• Screen printing squeegee
• Printing medium (glass enamel, liquid frit, etc.)
• Image or design on transparency film
• Glass item for decorating
• Kiln for firing

The frame stretcher allows adjustment to the curve of the screen. Having a proper mesh count screen material ensures fine detail in the design and precision application of the printing medium.

Step-by-Step Process

Once you have assembled the required supplies, follow these key steps:

1. Prepare the glass surface - Clean the area to be printed and apply a coating compound so the ink adheres properly.

2. Apply emulsion - Coat the mesh screen with a thin, even layer of emulsion then allow it to dry in a dark room.

3. Set up transparency film - Tape or attach your image or design onto the emulsion-coated side of the screen.

4. Expose screen - Use a specially equipped exposure unit to transfer the image onto the screen emulsion.

5. Wash out screen - Rinse the screen with water so only the hardened image area remains on the mesh.

6. Set up glass item - Place the glass object on a raised pad or surface under the screen.

7. Print design - Holding the frame steady, apply printing medium to the screen and use the squeegee to press it through the open mesh.

8. Cure ink - Allow prints to dry fully according to manufacturer instructions.

9. Fuse image - Fire screen printed glassware in a kiln according to your glass type and printing medium.

With practice controlling screen contact, pressure, and printing stroke, you can produce vibrant custom glass decorations.

Tips for Quality Glass Screen Printing

Consistently achieving professional-looking results takes time. The following tips help troubleshoot common banana screen printing issues:

Test Prints

Dial in screen settings by doing test prints on sample glass pieces before moving onto final glassware. Check image alignment, ink opacity, registration fit (for multi-color designs), and curing.

Proper Screen Tension

Having accurate tension across the entire mesh screen prevents issues with poor ink deposition. Retension screens periodically to compensate for mesh stretching over repeated uses.

Adequate Emulsion Coating

Putting too little or too much emulsion on the screen can lead to ink flow problems or fine detail loss. Apply one or two thin, wet coats then quickly use or store the treated screen.

Meticulous Image Setup

Carefully registering film positives or digitial printed transparencies ensures crisp definition of the printed graphics. Avoid blurred or doubled edges in the design.

Consistent Ink Application

Applying screen printing medium slowly and evenly gives the best coverage and color saturation. Keep the squeegee angle vertical and use smooth, firm passes at the same speed.

With attention to these key factors, glass artists can use the banana screen method to produce brilliant custom prints and imagery on curved glassware.

Innovative Banana Screen Glass Printing

Mastering the basics of glass screen printing opens up many possibilities for one-of-a-kind fine art and decorative pieces. Some innovative applications of the technique include:

• Layering colors and finishes for original patterns
• Incorporating glass frits or powders for dimensional effects
• Using transfers to apply photos, digital art, or 3D-printed images
• Combining printing with glass casting, fusing, or coldworking
• Customizing tableware, platters, vases, lamps, and more

The versatility of screen printing with a banana screen makes it a valuable skill for professional glass artists to master. As you gain experience with the process, try experimenting with unconventional prints that showcase your personal vision and style.

From refined detail to dramatic overlays of color and texture, glass offers a unique printable surface. A curved screen expands the possibilities even further by accommodating spherical and contoured forms. Mastering this printing technique opens up new avenues of expression for creating one-of-a-kind glass art and design.

FAQs

What mesh count screen should I use?

For most glass printing, a 230 thread count polyester mesh screen is recommended. This provides good ink deposit and resolution for fine detail in designs.

Can I print multiple colors with a banana screen?

Yes, you can print multiple layers in different colored inks using separate screens. Accurate registration of the screens is important for lining up the colors precisely.

Is there an advantage over decals for decorating glass?

Screen printing allows brighter colors and thicker ink deposits compared to decals. The prints also become integrated with the glass surface after firing. However, decals offer more intricate details.

What objects can I decorate with glass screen printing?

The banana screen can print onto any glass surface including serving ware, plates, bowls, cups, vases, jewelry, platters, mirrors, and more. Almost any glass item can be decorated as long as it fits in your kiln.