Screen Printing Classes in Pittsburgh

Looking for a screen printing class near me in Pittsburgh? Prototype PGH teaches screen printing at both makerspaces. Here is the full description from our team:

Prototype PGH members can create their own custom silkscreens at either of our makerspaces! We have reusable silkscreens available for members to create their custom design on the vinyl cutter, apply to the screen, and customize any fabric or paper with your design.

Prototype keeps a small selection of acrylic inks for fabric and paper in the makerspace, and members are encouraged to bring their own ink for a specific project. Prototype is largely donation-based, so the color and variety of inks available changes over time.

Members of our makerspace can also bring in a pre-made custom silkscreen and use our space and heat press equipment to create their custom apparel with that screen.

At a screen printing workshop, participants will learn how to create and cut out a custom vinyl design, transfer the vinyl to a silkscreen, and screen print fabric or paper with that design. We will review the basic principles of screen printing, including different types of inks and materials. We will learn how to heat press the screen printed item(s) to make your ink transfer last forever, and finally, review cleanup protocols to keep the equipment and space in good shape for the next artist to use the screens!

Equipment available for use with screen printing projects

●       vinyl cutter -- at Oakland and Sharpsburg makerspaces

●       supplies provided by Prototype and members are welcome to bring in their own supplies (e.g. ink colors)

●       heat press including hat press -- at Oakland makerspace location only

●       small selection of donated goods available for practice (e.g. extra t-shirts, hats, bandanas, or fabric scraps -- it varies by whatever is available!)

●       block printing press available at the Oakland makerspace as well!

You can also learn the equipment one-on-one by booking a private equipment clearance training.

What you can print

Screen printing works by pressing ink through a stencil on a fine mesh screen onto a surface. At Prototype, you create that stencil by cutting a design on the vinyl cutter and applying it to a reusable silkscreen. From there you can print on t-shirts, tote bags, bandanas, posters, patches, and other fabric or paper items. It is a good fit for making custom merch, event apparel, or one-off gifts.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a member to take a screen printing class?

No. Any workshop or event on our events calendar is open to the public. Members and non-members alike register ahead of time, and members receive a discount.

Can I use my own silkscreen or ink?

Yes. Members can bring in a pre-made custom silkscreen and use our space and heat press. Because our ink selection is donation-based and changes over time, bringing your own ink for a specific project is encouraged.

What if I can't afford a workshop ticket?

All paid workshops are NOTAFLOF, No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds. Email us for a discounted or free registration and we will do our best to accommodate. You will never be asked to explain your financial situation.

Related

You may also enjoy our laser cutting trainings or our sewing classes.