How To Make an EZScreen Stencil

Video instructions

Who this guide is for:

If you already purchased a Screen Printing Kit by EZScreen, or a package of EZScreens, please follow the guide below.

If you are looking into screen printing or researching EZScreenPrint, please checkout our Buyer's guide. You will find helpful information to help you choose a path.

What you can use a diy silk screen stencil to do:

  • Print with a wide range of inks and paint.
    • Plastisol (for fabrics)
    • Acrylic ink
    • Block printing ink
    • Craft/hobby inks
    • Ceramic underglaze
    • Enamels
  • Print on fabric
  • Print on wood

What you will need:

Step 1

(Before exposing an entire stencil, test your process with the small test pieces provided in the black bag. If you encounter any issues, please contact us for troubleshooting assistance or view our troubleshooting page for help.)

Center artwork on the clear part of the exposure unit.

Step 2

Peel clear protective backing from EZScreen™ Stencil. Discard clear backing.

Step 3

Place EZScreen™ Stencil on artwork, shiny side down.

Step 4

Place black board on top, felt side down.

Step 5

Add Clips. Clear board, black felt board and clips are included in all starter kits.

Step 6

Turnover and place cardboard insert on exposure unit. Keep the exposure unit covered until ready to expose. (Black foamie is pictured but no longer available on our website).

Step 7

Remove cardboard and Expose to direct sunlight for 1 minute (+/- 10 seconds) with transparency film . After one minute, cover exposure unit again with cardboard to prevent over exposure.

Step 8

Soak in tap water for a minimum of 15 minutes. A ghost image will appear.

Step 9

Use a plastic canvas to support the EZScreen™ stencil during rinsing. Rinse with cold or lukewarm tap water. A kitchen sprayer works great. If needed, use a soft brush to remove excess residue. Be sure all the emulsion residue is completely rinsed off, otherwise the ink will not go through the silkscreen.

Step 10

Cure & dry in sunlight. This process solidifies the emulsion to the silk screen mesh, making it permanent and reusable. Emulsion side should be facing up towards sunlight (5-10 minutes). If it's windy, place weights on the stencil like tiles from a hardware store. Rotate the tiles so the stencil cures evenly. Now your EZScreen DIY screen print stencil is ready to use!

3 ways to start screen printing

Make your own EZScreen stencils

Use your own printer and starter kit to expose your own screen

Checkout screen printing kits

Purchase pre-designed EZScreens

Pick from the catalog and get a stencil that is ready to use.

Checkout ready to use stencils

Get a custom stencil made for you

Send us your artwork and let us handle the rest.

Get a custom stencil