Screen Printing 101 at MakerSpace Charlotte – Charlotte, NC

Screen Printing 101 Fundamentals of Screen Printing

Join this hands-on printmaking experience as you design and print your very own single-color T-shirt while learning the fundamentals of the screen printing shop.

About this event

Event lasts up to 4 hours

MakerSpace Charlotte

1003 Louise Ave, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205

Fundamental Class Details:

• Duration: 2 – 4 hours

• Frequency: Single session

• Location: MakerSpace Charlotte – Screen Printing Studio

• Materials: All inks, screens, tools, and one garment provided

Class Overview:

This beginner-friendly class introduces students to the screen printing studio through a complete shop tour and guided instruction. You will prepare a screen with artwork, register a screen on the press, and print a single-color design on your own T-shirt. By the end of class, you’ll understand the workflow, equipment, and expectations for independently using the studio (excluding darkroom access and learning the burning process — see Screen Printing 102 for that certification).

What You’ll Learn:

• Shop vocabulary, rules, and best practices

• Complete screen printing studio tour

• What spot color printing is (with examples)

• Understanding positive and negative space

• Types of inks and their applications

• How to prep artwork for a single-color print

• How to apply pallet tape to the press pallet

• Proper garment loading and use of pallet adhesive (tack)

• How to level and register a screen on press

• How to flood and pull a print stroke

• Proper squeegee grip and pressure control

• How to use the flash dryer

• How to use the conveyor dryer

• Screen cleaning and full shop cleanup procedures

• How to reserve and schedule press time

What to Expect:

• Hands-on instruction

• Small class sizes for personalized guidance

• Step-by-step demo followed by guided practice

• A finished custom T-shirt to take home

• Clear pathway to continued studio access

Who Should Attend:

Perfect for beginners or creatives who want to learn professional shop workflow before printing independently.

AGES:

Open to ages 18 and up.

Please wear comfortable clothes that can get ink on them. Closed-toe shoes are required. Long hair must be tied back.

Members who complete this class receive access to the screen printing studio (excluding darkroom use — see Screen Printing 102 for darkroom certification).

Class will continue regardless of class size.

About the Instructor

Nathan Griffith

Hey there! I’m all about creativity, collaboration, and making things happen. With a background in screen printing and a growing obsession with graphic design, printing, and garment research, I’m constantly on the lookout for fresh, exciting ways to bring bold ideas to life! Let’s get creative and make something awesome!

Want more? View our complete schedule over at MakerSpaceCharlotte.org to see what other classes are available!

Refund Policy:

• Transfers to another class follow the same refund rules as your original date.
• 14+ days before the first class: Full refund.
• 7–13 days before the first class: Refund minus a 50% administrative fee.
• Fewer than 7 days before the first class: No refunds.
• Seat transfer: If you find a replacement who pays for and takes your seat before the first class begins, you are eligible for a full refund.

To cancel or request a transfer, please email steve@makerspacecharlotte.org. For general questions, you’re welcome to visit MakerSpaceCharlotte on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. For urgent, time-sensitive issues with your reservation, contact Steve at (704) 353-3300.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.

Cancellation Policy:

MakerSpace reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled by MakerSpace, fees are 100% refundable.