Silk screens consist of silk mesh wrapped tightly across a wood or metal frame. Screens are available in a range of mesh counts, which refers the number of threads per inch. The mesh count denotes how much ink can pass through the screen. For example, a 43T mesh screen is best for textile printing as it allows more ink through than a 90T screen, which is best for paper. A higher mesh count encourages finer detail, while a lower count is ideal for absorbent materials.
Stencilling is the family of simple printmaking techniques in which the image is developed from openings in a material or a hand cut-out design. The image’s negative spaces are blocked out and ink is applied through the open spaces. Pochoir is a French term for ‘stencil’ and can involve designs that are hand cut with a knife to be laid over paper or canvas. Layers of colour and texture can be applied through the stencil designs with brushes or sponges.
