Ink & Vinyl: Freestyle Screeprinting Unleashed

Ink & Vinyl: Freestyle Screen Printing Unleashed

Required class before taking this class: Ink & Vinyl: Freestyle Screen Printing Certification and Fun

Summary

You're certified, now bring your own designs and make something. This advanced open-studio session is built for makers who've completed the Ink & Vinyl certification and are ready to work more independently. Come with your artwork prepped, and we'll walk through printing transparencies, burning screens, and getting ink on whatever you want to print on. I'll be there the whole time to troubleshoot and answer questions, but you're in the driver's seat.

Want a head start? Reach out before class and I can help you coat your screens the night before. Prefer to handle it all on class day? No problem, I'll coat your screen for you when you arrive.

This is a skill-building session for certified printers. Ages 12+ (all minors require adult supervision).

Note: This class does not use the 4-color T-shirt press. 

What to Bring

• Your design files, ready to print as transparencies
• Make sure your artwork is prepped correctly before class — if you're unsure, reach out ahead of time
  

What We Provide

• Screens
• Ink
• Squeegees
• Transparencies
• Emulsion coating (if needed)
  

About Freestyle Screen Printing

Freestyle screen printing is where traditional screen printing meets artistic spontaneity. Every piece is intentionally one-of-a-kind — same screen, completely different result — thanks to varied color combinations, layering sequences, and spontaneous ink interactions. The goal is exploration, not precision.

Key characteristics:

• Each print is intentionally different from the last
• Multiple color layers applied in different combinations
• Spontaneous color mixing and blending
• Organic, low-registration placement
• Handmade aesthetic over mechanical precision

Techniques We Use

• Base screening — Standard screen pull for foundation elements
• Color layering — Multiple passes with different ink colors
• Color gradients — Blending inks for fade and transition effects
• Flop technique — Printing the design onto transparency film first, then using it as a placement guide by laying it on your substrate before printing

Class Schedule (5–6 hours)

• Hour 1: Print transparencies, expose screens
• Hour 2: Wash out screens, set up printing stations
• Hour 3: Ink mixing, registration, and printing techniques — live demo
• Hour 4: Extended printing session
• Hour 5: Reclaim screens and clean up

Safety Guidelines

• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Wear an apron or clothes you don't mind getting stained
• No food or open drinks in the screen printing area
• Tie back long hair; avoid dangling jewelry

Questions? Contact the instructor: natalie.slater@tinkermill.org. Members, message Slater on Slack.

Cancellation Policy 7+ days before class: Full refund or class transfer 3–6 days before class: 50% refund 1–2 days before class: No refund

Not a member yet? Members receive discounted pricing on all classes plus independent access to our shops after certification. Learn more at tinkermill.org.

The main changes: cut the contradictory "no prerequisites" line, fixed the supplies list to reflect that students bring their own designs, removed the spinning equipment safety note, tightened the summary, and gave the whole thing a cleaner flow from top to bottom. Let me know if you want to adjust the tone or any specific section!