Solar Fast Supply and Tip Sheet


SOLAR FAST/INKODYE SUPPLY LIST
·         Foam rollers,  foam brushes, old  paint brushes and/or sponges
·         Old credit card or auto squeegees (bondo scrappers)
·         Containers to hold your brushes/etc., another one for water.  Paper plates or flat containers for holding scrappers and paints.
·         Paper towels , rubber gloves
·         Glass (from old picture frame)   8.5X11” is good or larger.  Glass will hold down your items/stencils/etc.
·         Stencils, thermo fax screens (I have lots of screens I brought with me).  Found objects – keep in mind solar fast paint/ink is similar to sun printing so as long as an object lies flat on your fabric, you’ll get a print.  Any object that casts a shadow will imprint.  If you have old film negatives or x-rays, they are worth a try!
·         Cotton fabric (just prewashe no need to treat with soda ash/etc. or just bring PFD fabric).  You can use white or previously dyed fabrics, patterned prints or found papers.  Keep in mind your background fabric just has to be lighter than the paint you are using.
·         Heavy artist paper if you want to play with paper and solar fast.
o   Plastic trash bags or plastic (shower curtains @ dollar store are good) – to cover your work area and for carrying home your fabrics – foam board is good to lay pieces on then place plastic in between pieces.  Or those store pant hangers are good to hang fabric to dry. 
NOTE:  Solar Fast takes only 10 -20 minutes (at most) to produce effect.  Once your object/stencil/glass is removed, your substrate needs to be taken out of the sun or you’ll lose your imprint!!!!  Then you need to rinse/wash out immediately
NOTE2:  Beth has Lumidye and I have Solar Fast (both work similar) so no need to purchase unless you have some sitting at home you’ve not tried yet!
o   GENERAL TIPS
o   1. If printing T-shirts or clothing, put something between the layers of fabric to prevent bleed through. Board, wood, plastic, glass, wax paper, freezer paper or anything nonporous will work well.
o    2. To keep the substrate and the film as flush as possible, always make prints on a hard, flat surface. Using glass is a great way to keep the negative and substrate flush. You may also clip or clamp the substrate and negative between the glass and a board. This will ensure optimum clarity in the resulting print.
o   3. If you over wet your fabric or paper, blot it with a paper towel or allow it to dry slightly before placing your negative.
o   4. It is better to over expose than underexpose. Even if the color development looks complete, leave your print in sunlight for the full suggested time.
o   5. If masking the edge of your print, you might find it easier to remove the tape before placing your image. Removing the tape will make it easier to smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric.
o    6. Stretching the fabric before applying the dye and printing may produce distortions in the resulting print. For best results, keep fabric taught when applying the dye, but do not stretch.
o   7.. If printing without film or glass, misting the substrate with water during exposure will keep it wetter longer, which may help produce deeper or brighter colors.

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