Screen Printing 102: Darkroom & Emulsion Fundamentals

Learn to burn your own screens in this hands-on darkroom class. Master emulsion, exposure, and reclamation to unlock full studio access.

Screen Printing 102: Darkroom & Emulsion Fundamentals

Continue your screen printing education with this hands-on darkroom class. Building on the fundamentals from 101, you'll learn the emulsion and exposure process that lets you burn your own screens from start to finish, plus how to properly reclaim and maintain them for reuse.

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 (Darkroom)

• Materials: Emulsion, screens, film positives, and reclaiming chemicals provided

• Prerequisite: Screen Printing 101 (must be completed first)

Class Overview:

This class picks up where 101 leaves off, taking you into the darkroom to learn the full screen-burning workflow. You will coat a screen with emulsion, expose it using a film positive, wash it out, and inspect the result — then learn how to reclaim a used screen back to bare mesh for reuse. By the end of class, you'll have full studio access, including darkroom privileges.

What You'll Learn:

• Darkroom safety, workflow, and light-safe handling

• Choosing and applying emulsion (coating technique, scoop coater use)

• Emulsion drying and storage best practices

• Preparing and positioning a film positive

• Exposure times and how mesh count/emulsion type affect burns

• Using the exposure unit correctly

• Washing out a screen and checking for proper exposure (under/over-exposed troubleshooting)

• How to reclaim a screen: dehazing, degreasing, and stripping emulsion

• Screen inspection and reuse standards

• What to do with brand-new (unmeshed/untreated) screens before first use

• Studio expectations for booking darkroom time

What to Expect:

• Hands-on instruction

• Small class sizes for personalized guidance

• Step-by-step demo followed by guided practice

• A screen you've burned yourself, ready to print

• Full studio access upon completion, including darkroom certification

Who Should Attend:

Members who've completed Screen Printing 101 and want full independent access to the studio, including screen prep and reclamation.

AGES:

Open to ages 18 and up.

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

Members who complete this class receive full studio access, including darkroom use.

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 MakerSpace Charlotte on Wednesdays at 7:00 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.