Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Printing inks and dyes

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can draw, paint and print my design using colour mixing on a silkscreen.

      Key learning points

      1. Painting onto the silkcreen will only produce one, singular print not multiple prints.
      2. The silkscreen technique allows versatility to produce an art piece or a wearable piece.
      3. Artists can use other techniques, like hand stitch embroidery, to develop their design or artwork.

      Keywords

      • Silkscreen - a frame with fine mesh used to press ink through a design onto fabric or paper

      • Squeegee - a tool with a flat rubber edge used to pull ink across a screen for printing

      • Textile medium - a liquid mixed with paint to make it flexible and washable on fabric

      Common misconception

      You can make multiple identical prints from one hand painted silkscreen.

      It will only produce one singular print.

      Teacher tip

      The painting process should be quick as the ink and dyes can dry on the screen. Students should put enough printing ink on the screen to be able to create a vibrant print.

      Equipment

      Silkscreen, squeegee, silkscreen inks, acrylic paints, textile medium, pencils, fineliner, white cotton, white tshirt.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What makes weaving expressive and exciting?

      using only plain white threads
      Correct answer: adding interesting and varied materials to weave with
      weaving without using any tools
      keeping all weaves the same thickness

      Q2.
      Which statement best describes tapestry weaving?

      It is extremely difficult and only for experts.
      It involves interlacing metal wires to make jewellery.
      Correct answer: It is a textile art where weft threads are woven to create patterns or textures.

      Q3.
      How can texture be created in tapestry weaving?

      Correct answer: using a fringe effect
      weaving with only thin threads
      dyeing the threads before weaving
      avoiding any overlapping threads

      Q4.
      What is a loom used for in weaving?

      Correct answer: to hold threads tight while weaving the weft through
      to cut fabric into strips
      to twist fibres into ropes
      to stitch patches onto fabric

      Q5.
      Which option best describes 'weave'?

      the process of sewing two pieces of fabric together
      a method of dyeing fabric
      a technique of gluing materials onto a background
      Correct answer: the process of interlacing threads or strips of material to create fabric

      Q6.
      How can fibre create tone and texture in weaving?

      by keeping all fibres the same thickness
      by avoiding textured fibres
      Correct answer: by mixing different thicknesses and types of weaves
      by using only smooth, synthetic fibres

      To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Printing inks and dyes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...