Easy Silk Screening for Pottery - BEST WAY TO SILK SCREEN POTTERY!

With the help of LSP supporters Ann purchases an EZ Silk Screening kit and embarks on a journey to find the best method to create and apply silk screens to pottery. Ann creates some unique designs and applies them to various pieces that she shows off at the end of the video. Enjoy friends!
Link to silk screen kit used: www.ezscreenpr...
If you would like to purchase some of the items made in our videos go here: www.etsy.com/s...
Answers to questions we get all the time:
We typically bisque to Cone 04 and fire to Cone 5-6
Ann typically uses Standard English Porcelain no. 365 unless specified otherwise in the video
Here is a link to Ann's White Liner Glaze: imgur.com/a/w8...
If you would like more in-depth information on how Ann paints check this out: vimeo.com/show...
If you would like to BECOME A MEMBER of the the LSP Research Facility team and earn a cool title that you can put on your resume, we invite you to hit the "SUPER THANKS" button or the "Buy Ann a Coffee" button to help us unite the world through pottery. We so appreciate how generous you have been recently! It has helped us upgrade our filming gear to produce (we hope) better quality videos for you. Make sure you adjust the quality on your playback to 4k to enjoy the video in its highest quality. THANK YOU!!
Ann also creates sought after custom mugs that she paints exclusively for individual clients. If you would like to learn how Ann paints with underglazes - check out her Video Workshop Series here. These workshops are very detailed (typically 1.5 - 2 hours in length) where Ann provides step by step instruction and are designed to help potters take their work to new levels of craftsmanship and artistry. vimeo.com/show...
Here are links to some of the tools we use:
Diamoncore Tools: diamondcoretoo...
LINK TO ATOMIZER: amzn.to/3eA5mT2
Alcohol Inks: amzn.to/3DMoyqO
Styrofoam Mold: amzn.to/39KoL0U
Painters Trim Guard: amzn.to/39C5TAX
Hole Punchers: amzn.to/3JutWyu
Brushes Ann Uses: amzn.to/3SqfZGk
Xiem Tools X-Bevel Bevel Cutter for Pottery and Ceramics:
amzn.to/3rZnmKi
ProPlus Sponge: amzn.to/3x8Ye50
Best Red Ribs: amzn.to/3sU7qbF
The Cameras we use: amzn.to/3JJfGCd
Best Cheap Lens we film with: amzn.to/3I6Eljy
Best Good Lens we film with: amzn.to/3s1NuUW
#pottery
#silkscreenpottery
#ceramics

[@jsud5559]

Absolutely WONDERUL! As always, you are so generous in sharing your artistry with us. Thank you❣️

[@annruel1982]

Hey J!!! that is so nice of you!! As always I am so appreciative of you watching and glad you enjoyed it.

[@dot_t]

Thanks for sharing! I've never seen this method before. Very nice! 👍🏼❤️✨

[@annruel1982]

My pleasure Dottie. The kit was a bit more expensive than I had hoped, but at the same time, I can reuse the supplies in the kit and I can get a lot of uses out of the silk screens and sell the work to pay for the kit 🙂

[@marlaferrara4557]

Your videos are so detailed and the photography is high quality. I love your sense of humor,--so entertaining. You even replied to my direct message promptly and were very detailed in your response. I have learned so much from you and the quality of my hand built pieces has dramatically improved using the techniques you have shared. Thank you!!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Wow, thank you!

[@micheledickey4066]

How awesome is this!! Last week I was looking at the ez screen kit! I tried screen printing on several things and I LOVE IT!! If you plan on doing this a lot get the mayco screen printing powder. It works so well but a little goes a long way!! I love how you mixed the colors and got such amazing line work! Thanks as always! Just wanted to ask if you ever gave me a name as one of the new little street pottery research team. I don’t think I ever saw it. Thanks as always!!

[@annruel1982]

Hey Michele. Great minds think alike right. I have seen the Mayco Screen Printing powder. Actually I think it is the same as the CMC Gum Powder that we used in this video, but you are right, either one will work. I havent checked the price to see which one is cheaper though......Jim is the one in charge of the new team members of our Little Street Pottery Research Facility Team. I cant imagine he would have missed your name Michele. We both really look forward to seeing your posts each week 🙂. Let me ask him and see which video he gave you a title and if for some reason, he didnt do it, please accept our apology and we will rectify that of course. ...We really do appreciate you Michele!!

[@micheledickey4066]

@@annruel1982 You’re so sweet. It’s not a big deal at all I had just taken a look at them and wondered what you had come up for me. Lol. I think the gum is probably able to used more than the powder that Mayco sells but the mayco product is really inexpensive.

[@annruel1982]

@@micheledickey4066 hey Michele, I talked to Jim and he said he did find your name in a couple of videos one of which is the Decorating with Dispensers which says you were promoted from the first title (Cant remember which video he said that was) but in this video you were promoted to Super Nice Boss 🙂🙂🙂....As far as the powder goes, I read from someone that they looked up the ingredients of what was in the Mayco silk screen medium and it was the CMC Gum so I think they can be interchanged. have a great day!

[@micheledickey4066]

@@annruel1982 Omg how sweet is that! Hahaha. Good to know they are the same. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

[@claymazingartworks5682]

OMGOODNESS how fun is this⁉️Absolutely loved this, can you tell? 😆. I've purchased a few silk screens but like the ability to do my own artwork. I'm going to have my 4yr old grandson write his name, transfer to a mug for my Daughter on Mother's Day. The possibilities are ENDLESS❗See you at the coffee shop 😉❤

[@annruel1982]

I love that idea!!! Go for it!!!

[@darlink57]

This is very similar to the IkonArt system I got. One difference is their sheets have adhesive so you don’t have to hold them on. They also use a blacklight for the exposure. Otherwise it looks the same! Thanks so much!! Now I want to try it!! ❤

[@annruel1982]

that is interesting. These actually did come with sheets that you peel off before you put it in the sun. I wonder if that is the same. Also this company sells UV lights that you can for the burning part, I just didnt purchase it because I live in Florida and so sunshine is in the moto, haha. I hadnt heard of black lights to do the burning though. Might use a different emulsion perhaps?

[@vzeimen]

This is genius! Can't wait to try it. Seems like this might be a job for that soft red rib which would be much like the rubber trowel they use to drag the ink across the silk for printing on clothing items. Do you have a feel for how many uses you can get out of one silk screen? Is it indefinite or does it seem like it degraded with use? I'm thinking of all different ways to do the photo process like laying leaves, flowers, pine needles, or grasses etc. on the silk. Maybe even designs with string laid on top of the silk would work. Dang Ann! Now I'm going to have to go down another pottery rabbit hole and I haven't even tried the fishnet stockings yet! I do have them ready to go however. Thanks again!

[@annruel1982]

Hey Vicki! The kit comes with a scraper which I tried. It does well to push the ink through the design, the trouble that we had was the underglaze was still too thin and would go through the screen and then bleed a little. The trick was to add a little of the CMC Gum (Mayco sells a Silk Screen medium which actually is CMC Gum Powder), mix it up with the underglaze....and the last thing is to WAIT until the powder finishes expanding and interacting with the underglaze...I waited an hour, but it may not take that long. After the mixture had set up, I could apply the mixture with my finger or sponge or whatever and it seemed to work really well. As far as how many uses you get out of a silk screen, I have heard of potters making hundreds of pieces with a silk screen. I think it all depends on how you care for it. Just remember to handle it gently and rinse it out after using it...... Oh my gosh Vicki!!! I love those ideas of placing things onto the screen. I am sure the 3D factor would come into play with it and perhaps cause a shadow onto the screen, but that actually may be kinda cool! You are really inspiring me now!!! I will definitely have to try more experiments too. ....Welcome to our Research Facility Team, Vicki 🙂

[@321ReadysSetG0]

Very helpful - I purchased a kit a few months ago and just haven't felt confident about trying - I think heading to an office supply to get the transparency printed will be a good idea as my printer is not the best - thank you for the relaxed, (your voice and cadence is calm) thorough steps.

[@annruel1982]

Yeah! I am so glad the video helped you. I was a bit nervous to get into this process too as my printer is also not one that I trusted to do the job plus i didnt trust myself to get all the setting right, the placement of the transparency etc. So, I thought, I will leave this to the experts at Staples ....and the best part was it only cost a quarter and they did it while i was waiting. Easy, peasy. You can do this. Go for it and thanks for all your kind words . 🙂

[@vzeimen]

Thanks! I get so much out of your videos and you have such a great way of getting your ideas across.

[@annruel1982]

Wow, Thank You So Much Vicki!!! That is so generous of you!!! That will go a long way to help us do more experiments .....so you dont have to, haha. We really appreciate you Vicki and keep an eye on future videos and Jim will welcome you to our Research Facility Team and give you an official title 🙂. Happy Potting!!

[@candystamping4552]

Wow Ann! You never cease to amaze! Very pretty designs, and again, so many possibilities, right? You are very creative. Can’t wait to see more! How durable do you think those silkscreens will be, like how many uses do you think you may get out of them? 😊

[@annruel1982]

Hi Candy. At first, they seemed to be a bit fragile, but the more I have worked with them I am finding that they seem to be holding up. I have heard others say they do hundreds of pieces with one stencil. I am guessing it all depends on how gentle or aggressive you are with the stencil. Just wash it out when you are finished with it and take precautions to handle it with care.

[@candystamping4552]

Thanks Ann! I might just buy some of this stuff to try 😊😁

[@annruel1982]

@@candystamping4552 Go for it! What do you have to lose 🙂

[@AliveguyPottery]

🙌💯😀Absolutely wonderful video! I’ve been wanting to learn about screen printing for a while now and this helps tremendously ! Always appreciate your time and effort to share Ann

[@annruel1982]

Wonderful! Thanks Bill!

[@donnafurman8210]

Thank you for sharing this. I have been thinking about ordering the silk screen material. I feel more confident now.

[@annruel1982]

Oh great Donna!! Im glad I could help. Thanks so much for watching!

[@dragonboatphoenix6375]

I have tried silkscreening and made my own silk screener, lots of work and have not done it since. But this kit sure makes it so much easier. You used MCC gum to thicken the underglaze, I was wondering have you used water that is saturated with epsom salts. I learned that it can be used to thicken slip. Just a few drops does it. But have not used it on underglaze. Do you have any experience with epsom salt water?

[@annruel1982]

Hi Dragon. The only time I have used the Epsom Salts is when I have a glaze that has hard panned in the bottom of the bucket. I use the salt in warm water and then add it so the glaze breaks up. You can try the Epsom, and see. Another solution would be just to dry out the underglaze a bit. That will thicken it up. Maybe that will work. Good luck and let me know if you try it.

[@mjceramics5552]

I've used this method with amaco velvet underglazes but have not perfected it yet. Some colors printed great and others looked very grainy. Trying to get the consistency just right is key. How long did you let it set up once you added the powder? Thanks again Anne for another great video.

[@annruel1982]

Hey Mary Jane. Yes, we had that trouble too at first (not knowing that I had to wait until the gum powder needed time to interact with the underglaze). I waited about an hour, but it may not take that long. Once it all mixed together, it all seemed to print great. One tip though, before you remove the screen, perhaps tape down one side so you can lift a corner and check the application and if it is spotty, put it back down and continue to push the mixture through the screen. I actually had some success with that as well.

[@mjceramics5552]

@@annruel1982 great idea!

[@Worrier629]

Love your paintings. Thanks for sharing your new finds.

[@annruel1982]

My pleasure Jyoti! Thanks for watching!

[@dragonboatphoenix6375]

Hi Ann, what a great video! I had purchased Marco silk screen designs several years ago but never had any success in using them because the underglaze kept bleeding under and I gave up. But will now try again and add some Gum to the underglaze. Thank you! A question though, have you used this on bone dry, leather hard and bisqued ware?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yes all three - the CMC gum is the secret and let it sit for 1 hour. Good luck!

[@itsclearasmud7718]

Are you orginally printing on bisque or leather dry clay. I am running experiments now sintering cone 6 majolica in an effort to be able to wet the pot and use overglaze transfers. I dont know that i will get the effect thatci want but in trying to avoid putting a clear glaze over the images.

[@mariahathcock6248]

I have probably a dumb question! How does it stay together when the image has areas that have completely separate sections? Why doesn’t it fall apart? I can’t wait to try this.

[@mariahathcock6248]

Ah! Never mind! I researched and of course that’s why the word “screen” is in the name. :/

[@annruel1982]

@@mariahathcock6248 Yes, you got it. The white silk screen is the basis of the stencil. You cant see the material once the emulsion is applied over it, but it is there to keep the pattern together. Give it a try. You will like it!

[@WambraCeramics]

what can I use if I live in Canada with no sun light bright enough ?

[@tegannottelling]

Wow really enjoyed this video thank you 🙏

[@mariasezer8]

Hello Anne, thank you for sharing. Do you have any idea how big the mesh of the screen is in number ? I can get 120/ 90 or 55 here in Turkey. I think I need to get 55 but am not sure. Thank you already!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

I think the mesh is 110. There is a link below the video to order the kit we used.

[@redharrier8273]

Thank you for the tutorial ! Would you mind sharing where you obtained the silk screen kit, please? I didn't see it in the links posted in the video description.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

In the description...promise!

[@scrappypainter7361]

Recently found you and love your videos. Wondered if you only make up enough underglaze with the powder to use for your project or can you mix it ahead and save it?

[@annruel1982]

Nice to meet you Scrappy. The CMC Gum is an organic material that if it sits around too long it will go rancid, so I only make up small batches. Thanks for watching!! Cheers!

[@lauradavenport1645]

What is the stuff that you added to the underglaze to thicken it? Bonus if you post a link where we can buy it 🙂. Thanks for your great videos. I’ve learned so much from watching them ❤

[@LittleStreetPottery]

CDC Gum...dont chew it. :) Follow the directions on the bottle.

[@kathybrandt6060]

They turned out very beautiful.

[@annruel1982]

That is so nice Kathy !! Thanks so much!

[@curiousamiba]

Thank you for this. Silk screen has always been a mystery to me. Now im wondering how it would work as an overglaze lol

[@annruel1982]

Hey Lori! Thanks for watching. I didnt do that particular experiment. Im thinking as long as the underglaze/CMC gum powder was mixed and set up, it may work. Give it a try. If you get a chance, let me know!

[@curiousamiba]

@@annruel1982 will do. Im going to get a screen printing kit first.

[@annruel1982]

@@curiousamiba Sounds good!

[@carolynsnyder7043]

A wonderful video, thank you

[@annruel1982]

Thanks so much Carolyn!! I appreciate you watching!

[@knightclan4]

Thanks for sharing. I'll be trying this method soon. I have a some magnetic business cards to make for a realtor. It was between stamping or silkscreen I choose silkscreen

[@annruel1982]

Very cool Rick! I can so see the silk screens used for business cards. Go for it!

[@manalmorcos4402]

It's wonderful, where can get it and what it is called, I usually buy these silk screens from the clay store and it's myco's but I want to do my own designs can you tell where to buy these online? Thank you

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Check description there is a link. Thanks.

[@lcbusse]

I’m a little confused how you got your drawing from the regular paper to the transparent sheet. Did Staples put it on a copier and print it onto the sheet from there? Thanks so much for this tutorial!!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yes, exactly

[@kathyhutchinson7051]

Do you think this might work with wax resist?

[@lisascenic]

I think you’d have good results if you tape the screen to your surface and then press the underglaze through the screen with a rubber spatula that you’ve removed from its handle.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@jessicawright3290]

Hello Ann, did you use greenware or bisque for these test? If you used bisque, did you re-bisque before going into glazing?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

For me - always on greenware...easy to fix mistakes at that stage :)

[@hayleyrienzo9058]

I get the screen print on my pottery when it’s leather hard, but as it’s drying the print starts to peel off. I tried letting it dry under a piece of plastic for it to dry slower but it still peels. Any suggestions?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

We have a new video coming in a couple weeks that might help - stay tuned!

[@patspotpage]

Thanks for sharing this Anne! I've been looking for a way to put an image of a friend's motorcycle on a piece, and this may be it. I'm wondering how using a stiff, blunt brush to tap the underglaze into the silkscreen would work. I'll have to order some of the kits and try it! I love your designs, and your sense of adventure!

[@annruel1982]

Hey Pat! the screens sound like a good solution for you with the motorcycle. That would be cool. As far as a stiff brush to tap the underglaze through the screen, you can try it, but in our experiments, it seemed like instead of figuring different ways to apply the underglaze, it was more important to control the thickness of the underglaze. We used the CMC Gum but it also may work to let the underglaze dry out a little and then push it through the screen. I havent tried it, but it might be a way to go. Good luck with the motorcycle

[@patspotpage]

@@annruel1982 thanks! I'll let you know how it turns out!

[@summerbrendlinger3672]

Thank you! This was exactly what I was looking for! And…I love your designs.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

So glad!

[@suzysanxter8903]

Gorgeous! You make it look so easy❣️

[@sunitashankar24]

v nice thanks

[@twilajohnson2313]

I love your videos. Thank you for posting 💙

[@kokatryks11]

😍

[@annruel1982]

Thanks Koka!

[@dron8776]

SUPER !

[@claymazingartworks5682]

Thanks!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Thanks AGAIN ClayMazing!

[@MuktaGokhlay]

Great video Ann! I learned a lot by your simple and easy way of showing what worked and why. I am curious about using this technique to use your signature with a little design at the bottom of your ceramic mug or plate. Do people use it, and if so, whats the smallest font that can be used to make it legible? Also, does it work better on wet clay slab or bisque? Thanks a bunch!

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Bone dry would be best - you can get pretty small font size on silk screen - takes some practice.

[@stonerdormroom]

this is stenciling, not screen printing.

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yeah but "screen printing" gets more clicks. 😎

[@nancyw8866]

I was interested in silk screening but since cricut machines can die cut the pattern, I think it's more efficient to do it that way. There is also a special paper for the crixut for use as a stencil that can be reused.

[@annruel1982]

Hey Nancy! I have had my eye on the Cricut machines and the sillouhettes, but there is so much to think about before purchasing, I have been overwhelmed by it and havent pulled the trigger on one of the machines yet. I do want to try these machines for sure. Sounds like there would be a lot of experimenting I could do on that. Thanks for putting that into the mix!!

[@nancyw8866]

@@annruel1982 check your local library. You never know what they offer these days. I can do laser cutting, 3d printing, and fabric cutting at mine

[@annruel1982]

@@nancyw8866 Oh wow, that is a great idea. Of course you need to have a newer library. When I lived near Norfolk, VA, they just opened a new library with a space dedicated to doing all of that. Now that I am in Florida, I would be surprised if our library had that capability, but I havent thought to check. Great tip.

[@rachelcunningham6344]

Yes! I never imagined I'd have a cricut, they're just so expensive and I never could justify the price. But I was able to snag one at goodwill recently for $30! It's one of the older first-generation models but it does everything I need it to, and I've even spotted two more at other goodwill stores!

[@annruel1982]

@@rachelcunningham6344 Oh my gosh. I have to check at my Goodwill store. Love going there. Thanks for the idea

[@fruitlessbeast]

I’ve been getting great results screening my designs on my ceramic pieces these past two years doing exactly as you so nicely demonstrated here. Thanks for all the extra work you do in sharing everything with us.

[@annruel1982]

thats cool! Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@Duongnt1Producer]

Can you reuse the screen after 1st time print?

[@LittleStreetPottery]

Yep! Just be gentle cleaning it.

[@Duongnt1Producer]

Thankss@@LittleStreetPottery . I open the kit website, and there are choices of transparency: Ink jet or laser, and choices of Stencils: Standard or HiDef. What did you use?