Frequently asked questions

What sort of imagery is suitable?

The thermal screen process can be used for reproducing fine lines, text and marks. These are just a few starting points for generating your own images:

1. Written or printed words such as your own handwriting, computer printed text, postcards, letters, recipes, certificates, maps, school reports, etc.
2. Graphic marks made with tools, pens or brushes – anything from fine lines to more substantial marks. Try reducing or enlarging the marks to generate interesting images at different scales.
3. Sketches and doodles, eg a charcoal life drawing, a pen and ink sketch or your child’s latest artwork.
4. Rubbings of textured surfaces, eg bark, Indian print blocks or even a pile of threads.
5. Photocopies of items like grasses, seedheads, feathers, threads, rice, salt, seaweed or lentils.
6. Prints made with the cut surface of fruits and vegetables or bubble wrap.
7. Photographs may be suitable but will need some digital manipulation. You could try using some of the tools available in photo editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop like Levels, Curves, Threshold or filters such as Half Tone or Sketch to create interesting images. It is usually a good idea to ‘cut away’ the background as well to avoid rectangular edges. If you don’t have access to a photo-editing program you could try tracing the key elements of a photograph to create a slightly abstracted ‘sketch’.

Copyright: if you wish to use artwork that you do not own, please make sure that it is copyright free, or that you have permission to use it and you can forward that permission to us, so that we are not breaching copyright by printing the image onto a screen. If you can assure us that you have permission to use the copyrighted image we will, of course, be happy to make your screen.

What do I need to do before I send my image(s) for processing?

Please check that your image:

1. is black and white (without shades of grey)
2. is positive, ie the black lines / marks / text on your image are the parts that will print
3. does not have large areas of SOLID BLACK as these will not process properly.

If you are sending digital images, please check that they are:

1. high resolution - 300dpi (for print)
2. saved in a suitable format – high resolution JPEGs and PDFs are the most popular image formats but other commonly used formats may be suitable. We do not recommend Microsoft office files – especially doc / docx – as they do not display correctly if your version of Office is different from ours.

If you are sending image(s) by post they should be photocopied before sending (please do not send original artwork). Alternatively, you can send a laser or inkjet print. 

We regret that we cannot accept artwork by post for LARGE screens, as we only have access to an A4 scanner. If your image is larger than that please take it to your local library or copyshop to have it scanned as a digital file which can be uploaded with your order.

You can send an image to be checked or instead of uploading an image with an order, just let us know in the comments box it is coming by post.

Can you check my image(s) for suitability before I order?

You can upload image(s) on the contact us page before you order. We will email you to let you know whether they are suitable and suggest minor changes if necessary.

How do I send my image(s) to you?

If your image(s) are digital, you can upload them from your computer when you place your order on the custom screen page. You can also do this at the checkout stage.

If you are posting the image you can find our postal address on the contact us page. Please note, we only have access to an A4 scanner. If your image is larger than that please take it to your local library or copyshop to have it scanned as a digital file which can be uploaded with your order.

Do I need any special equipment apart from the thermal screen?

You will need a suitable squeegee. Standard silkscreen squeegees are too aggressive for use with a thermal screen. You can order specially designed lightweight squeegees from us to use with your thermal screen(s).

You will also need ink or other print media. If you are printing on textiles or paper we can recommend our range of inks which are very easy to use and give excellent results. You can also use other types of media – our Print Media guide is supplied with your screen or you can download it from this site (pdf).

You will need to prepare a suitable surface for printing. Our guide, How to use your thermal screen, will be supplied with your screen or you can download it from this site (pdf).

How long do thermal screens last?

With care you will get many hundreds of prints from a thermal screen. However, they do not last forever. The media you use, how often you use them (eg repeatedly for long sessions or sporadically) and how carefully they are washed and dried will all affect their longevity and eventually the screen will break down.