Policies for the Screen Printing Studio

SCREEN PRINTING STUDIO ASSESSMENT

Before reserving or using studio equipment independently, all members must pass a two-part assessment to ensure they can safely use our equipment and understand the Studio policies. The two-part assessment includes both an online and in-person component.

SAFETY AND PROTOCOL

Safety Rules:

  • Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times in the studio.
  • Nitrile gloves are recommended when using ink or chemicals.
  • For detailed information about chemicals found in the screen printing studio, please see our SDS sheets in a bright yellow binder located on top of the hazardous chemicals cabinet.

Screen Printing Studio Protocol:

  • You must be a member of the Innovation Hub with a current, signed waiver and pass the screen printing studio assessment to work independently in the screen printing studio.
  • Be sure to reserve studio equipment at the front desk before you enter the shop.
    Reservations can be made for up to 4 hours at a time and should include your clean-up time.
  • Only fabric 50% or more cotton, paper, cardboard, canvas, linen, and wood are acceptable materials for use in the screen printing studio.
  • Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and rayon-based fabrics require a demonstration of skill level and must receive studio tech approval!
  • Artwork containing adult language, innuendo, or political affiliation or reference may only be printed during times when tours aren’t scheduled to be in the screen printing studio. Any artwork that contains language or graphics that may be shocking or offensive should be created with the door closed and an appropriate warning note on the door. For these types of jobs, be sure to remove all test prints at the end of the studio session.

DISPOSAL

  • Throw away ink-covered screen tape in the trash cans provided.
  • Throw away any paper towels, shop towels, and baby wipes in the studio space.
  • Throw away your scotch tape pieces used in the darkroom.

STORAGE

  • Members can request to use a screen cubby by contacting Ben at bwatson@nlrlibrary.org. Each member can use one cubby. Cubbies are for screens only.
  • Hub screens are used for education and members. The screens available for use by members are screens with HUB written on the sides.
  • It is important that we clean the Hub screens regularly. All Hub screens are subject to cleaning once every 2 months. Any other screens are for specific programs or are member property.
  • If you need to keep a design on a screen for longer than 2 months please contact the screen printing studio tech. Members who need to keep screens for long periods of time can purchase screens and store them in our Hub Storage Cubbies.
    If you would like to use a screen cubby please contact the screen printing studio tech.
  • If members use more than 2 HUB screens a month they will be expected to help with cleaning/reclaiming screens.

CLEAN UP AND CLOSE DOWN PROCEDURES

Clean Up Procedures

  • Always leave the studio cleaner than you found it. This is a shared studio.
  • Before cleaning, make sure the green air scrubber ventilation system is turned on.
  • When using scrubber in the dark room, make sure that it remains dry.
  • Clean squeegees, spatulas, and glass inking area with screen wash and paper towels/shop towels every time you use the studio.
  • When storing a screen, make sure all ink is cleaned off screen frame.
  • Take your transparencies with you when you go.  DO NOT LEAVE THEM HANGING ON THE WALL IN THE DARK ROOM!  Abandoned transparencies may be thrown away.
  • Put misprinted T-shirts back in bin labeled for misprints.
  • Check the press thoroughly to make sure there is no ink in the corners or on screws.
  • DO NOT WASH OFF PLASTISOL INK IN STUDIO SINK.
  • If you used the sink, wipe it out (use screen wash if ink was placed in the sink).
  • Scrape emulsion residue off the interior of the washout booth.
  • Put all cleaning supplies and printing supplies back where they belong.

Closedown Procedure 

  • Turn off the power washer.
  • Turn off the water using the key above the sink in the studio.
  • Turn off the flash.
  • Unplug the flash.
  • Turn off the conveyor dryer.

REQUEST YOUR SCREEN PRINTING STUDIO ASSESSMENT! 

Once you're familiar with the studio’s policies and feel ready to be assessed on the studio equipment, you are ready to take the online assessment! Request an assessment by clicking THIS LINK. 

 

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