How to Use Rubylith

Today, I'm going to show you how you can use Rubylith, a type of masking film, to create a positive for exposing your image onto a screen for fabric printing.

The positive that I have created here is for our new "French Stripes" design. I first laid out a paper guide onto my light table and then secured the Rubylith over it. Before you do that, cut the Rubylith to the size you need for your screen.

It is important that you place the side that can be cut away upwards. Here is a description of the process on e-How.

I first scored the Rubylith with a craft knife in long rectangles in between my dark guiding lines - the red that remains is what becomes your film positive. Be very careful when cutting as it is easy to cut through both layers - the red and the supporting transparent backing. Use gentle pressure and a sharp blade.

Use your craft knife to gently lift up the corner of your cut area so you can easily peel it away.

It is so much fun peeling away the layers that you don't need to slowly reveal your design. If you make a mistake you can use sticky tape to stick the Rubylith back in place.

This is my finished positive for the "French Stripes". It was the perfect method for this design as I wanted the lines to look very organic and not cut in perfect straight lines.

I love using Rubylith but had forgotten all about its existence as it isn't so easy to find in these days of digital design. It wasn't until my recent visit to Anne Leon's studio that I was reminded of it.

It is difficult to obtain in small quantities as most suppliers expect you to buy a 25 metre roll. However, I was able to source it from Artmart Australia who will sell it to you by the metre. You will find world-wide distributors here.

If you want to learn more, I do an overview of the different methods of creating a film positive in my Screen-Printing classes.

My dog has absolutely nothing to do with using Rubylith but her image me smile when I found it in the same group of photos. Zoe (my pet) and I both wish you a great week even though Queenslanders will be swimming to work. Enough rain already!