The Art of Serigraphy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Screen Printing

Serigraphy, or screen printing, is a traditional printmaking process used to create limited edition fine art prints. While the method has evolved over centuries, the basic principle remains the same: using a stencil (blocking technique) to transfer ink onto a surface. This article explores the serigraphy process in detail, focusing on how blocking techniques are employed to create high-quality prints.

Step 1: Creating the Design

The process begins with the artist's original design, whether it’s a detailed portrait or an abstract pattern. For multi-color serigraphs, artists often break the design into individual layers, one for each color. This meticulous planning ensures that each part of the design is properly translated into the final print.

Step 2: Preparing the Screens with Blocking Techniques

Instead of using a light-sensitive emulsion as in modern screen printing, traditional serigraphy uses a blocking technique to create a stencil. In this method, areas of the screen where ink shouldn’t pass through are physically blocked with materials like paint, paper, film, or tape. The mesh of the screen is left open only where ink needs to be applied. For each layer of color, a separate screen is prepared using this blocking technique.

Step 3: Setting Up the Print

Once the screens have been blocked and are ready, the screen is positioned on a printing press. The paper or fabric is placed beneath the screen, and registration marks are used to ensure proper alignment. This is crucial for multi-color prints, where each layer needs to fit perfectly on top of the previous one.

Pablo Picasso experimented with layering techniques in some of his prints, where precise alignment of each color created complex, vibrant compositions.

Step 4: Applying the Ink

Ink is applied to the top of the screen, and the printer pulls a squeegee across the mesh, forcing the ink through the open areas of the screen and onto the paper or fabric below. This process requires precision, as uneven pressure can result in inconsistent ink application.

Artists like Andy Warhol, showcased how repeated patterns and consistent ink application could produce powerful visual effects. Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe series involved applying multiple colors in perfect layers to achieve its iconic look.

Step 5: Drying and Repeating

Each print is carefully removed and placed on a drying rack. For multi-color prints, the process is repeated with a new screen and a different color of ink. Depending on the complexity of the design, this step may be repeated dozens of times.

Tip: Multi-layered serigraphs are typically more labor-intensive and, as a result, more valuable. 

Step 6: Quality Control and Finishing

Once the layers are complete, the prints are thoroughly inspected for any imperfections. Any print that does not meet the artist’s standards is discarded. The approved prints are then signed, numbered, and often titled by the artist, signifying their place in the limited edition.

Step 7: Destroying the Screens

After the edition is completed, all screens used in the process are destroyed to preserve the exclusivity of the limited edition. This guarantees that no additional prints will be made beyond the intended number, maintaining the value of each individual piece.

Conclusion

The use of blocking techniques in serigraphy is a meticulous and hands-on process that allows artists to create detailed and vibrant limited edition prints. By understanding the craftsmanship and precision involved in each step—from preparing the screens to applying multiple layers of ink—collectors can appreciate the value of serigraphs. When you purchase a serigraph, you’re not just buying a print, but a piece of artistic history created with skill, time, and care.

Tiny Gallery takes pride in offering a curated selection of high-quality serigraph prints from talented artists, ensuring that each print you invest in is both beautiful and unique.

Explore the galleries exclusive collection of prints and artists here.