Silkscreen designs can be made in many ways and used to print multiple images.
Photo resist and hand-cut stencil are two well-used methods of creating a screen image than can then than be transferred to a variety of materials that includes cotton, paper, metal, wood or plastic. The photo resist method reproduces a photographic image, while a hand stencil is generally used to hand cut a design or logo. Each technique creates an image on a screen, where multiple prints are possible.
Durability
Hand-cut stencils are more durable than a photo resist image and, as a consequence, will produce a larger number of prints for each screen. However, this is not a big problem when using the photo resist method because after you have created an image on the screen through the photo emulsion process, you can remove the worn emulsion layer from the screen and make a second screen through the photo resist process that will be almost identical to the first.
Complexity
Photo resist deals with complex designs in a straight forward manner; therefore, when transferring an intricate design or any amount of text to a silkscreen, you will want to use the photo resist method. With this technique, the text is transferred to the screen and printed in an accurate manner.
Technical Simplicity
The hand stencil works with a smaller requirement of technologically advanced equipment. In other words, all you need is a knife to cut the stencil, and some lacquer thinner to adhere the stencil to the screen. This is a simple technique that is most effective in yielding childlike, imaginative drawings.
Multiple Colors
Hand stencils can deal better with multicolor prints, especially if you keep the design simple. Hand stencils can yield some colorful designs accompanied with original hand-cut letters. The overall effect can be quite intriguing or powerful, but if you desire a few lines of New Roman Times captions, you will need the photo emulsion method.
Street Images
Photo resist can quickly reproduce complex designs and even transfer photographic images made with a camera. If you want a silhouette or frontal view of a landmark, building or even the whole city skyline, the photo resist can give you an image that is both photographic and graphic at the same time. In fact, there are many kinds of images you can photograph and then incorporate in the final silk screen image.
Try Both
You can even use both types of screens in one design that involves at least two different color inks. First, make a primitive-style drawing with a hand-carved stencil and then transfer it to the printing surface with the screen and squeegee. Next, take advantage of the photo resist method to lay down all your text on top or around the rough drawing. The combination could make for an attractive and popular poster.
