Silkscreen with Thermofax

See this incredibly fast and easy method for creating silk screens with old fashioned office equipment!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• thermofax
• silkscreen
• imaging
• riso film
• t-shirts
• silk
• screen
• transparency maker
• 3M
• Standard
• print making
• Maggie Weiss
• Evanston Art Center
• pop art
• printmaking

[thermofaxlady]

Hi there: EZ screen relies on sun exposure which is great if you live in a sunny climate. Can't do that in Chicago. I like the fine detail possible with this method too. If you're interested, I can send you a list of providers who make screens for customers. For some reason, you tube doesn't like the url so I can't post it. Please send your email if you want the information. And I'd love to hear about your silkscreen experience with it.

[mariekazalia]

Search online for Gocco (Riso) printers and film etc that is exposed with flash bulbs instead of the machine. Plus the Riso film comes in cardboard frames so no need to make own.

[thermofaxlady]

@mariekazalia Hi Marie: The Gocco line has been discontinued by the manufacturer so it's not something I'd invest in at this time. Also, with Gocco there is a distinct size limitation that's smaller that what's possible using the transparency maker machine and the Riso film. I believe the biggest Gocco exposure is 5x7", while the thermofax silkscreen with Riso film can be 8.5x14" or much longer. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[thermofaxlady]

It's possible to make images easily that are 8.5" x 14, like a sheet of legal size paper or even longer. The infrared light inside is only 8.5 inches wide. I do know artists who have made wider images by folding the film around a photocopy and exposing one side at a time for a 14 x 16" image. Just haven't done it myself.

[thermofaxlady]

Hi: First time I've heard this observation. I'll pass it on to my videographer and see if her team can adjust it. Thanks for the feedback!

[ChuckCh9]

@thermofaxlady

Hi, How much should a basic machine cost? Also, can you use the thermofax machines that are used for tattoos? Thank you

[dromycatcher]

how many prints can you make with one lather of paint?

[duplexviking]

Hi there:

The photocopies must be made on a laser printer or a large commercial copier that uses carbon based ink. The process depends upon the carbon content of the toner. The smooth side of the film reacts with the carbon at a high temperature. You might ask Staples to copy it again on a different printer, or go to Kinko's which has always worked for my students. Be sure to copy on a black & white printer, not a color printer. Good luck! Let me know what happens!

[reallydolly]

Are specific photocopies required? I made some copies at staples recently and although you can see the image on the screen the ink does not flow through the screen. I don't find this addressed anywhere. Great video!

[MrRoberito]

Marie: I have been selling these machines in eBay for many years and also repair them. Very nice video. However, the screen and template may be stack inside the machine and burn. Thus, instead of inserting the template with the screen alone, I would suggest you use a carrier. Carriers can be made with two pieces of transparency film put together with a piece of tape. Buy transparency film at any stationary store. Carriers also keep the transparency maker (thermofax) clean. Best, Rouben

[selvedgestudio]

Lose the music! It is distracting and a little irritating!

[1100bunz]

I'd be interested to know if you've tried EZ print and how you think it compares.