Preregistration template?

[berrycustomprinting]

Does anyone use a preregistration template to align the film positive on the screen? If yes, share your thoughts. If no, share your technique.

[Catspit Productions]

For 1 color jobs I simply eyeball it but for mutli colored jobs I simply measure from the registration marks on each piece of film with a ruler.

I generally take 2 measurements. I use a measurement form the top of the frame edge to the top of the registration marks. Then I use another measurement form the side of the screen edge to the side of the registration mark.

I often try to equalize the side measurement for the left side and the right side so I only have to gauge them to about 1/16th on an inch. A small amount of fluctuation is okay.

This video is a bit old but it does talk about how to place film positives onto the screen with nothing more than a ruler.

[berrycustomprinting]

Thanks Jonathan! That was very helpful! I'm new to screen printing so I have tons of questions. How do you keep your registration marks from becoming part of your stencil?

[Shamax]

Once your positive is exposed and washed out, in order to keep your reg marks from printing onto the item, you just need to cover them with some pieces of tape. There's special types of low-adhesive screen tape you can use which wont leave a lot of residue behind on your screen. You can also use masking tape, but it's best if you don't leave that on your screen for extended periods. Just use the tape to cover over your reg marks and any other open areas of the screen that you don' want ink to pass through (especially along the edges).

[berrycustomprinting]

Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate it!