1.FROM LABORATORY TO FACTORY AND INTO THE UNKNOWN.
2. PRINTING ON CLOTHES AND HiVis.
3. PRINTING FLAGS.
4. PRINTING PATCHES.
5. BANNER AND UMBRELLA PAINTING.
So most fabric comes in 1.5 meter wide rolls, if you split it then 0.75 M wide, hence making a block 48 cm diameter makes sense. My friend made this block, It's a brilliant thing, it's cut from real plywood so it has a grain which is really nice. To make one I would cut the symbol from 6-12mm ply and then laminate it to something thicker at least 18mm maybe more.
The printing process is same as the HiVis but we used standard permaset, no Supercover, and less ink because the fabric is so thin, it kinda mostly prints through, which is great because a flag is seen from both sides. Since ink is coming through then you will need lots of newspaper !!
The Fabric is translucent , described as “Polyester lining cloth - plain weave lightweight - not satin”. It is the lightest fabric in the world, it flutters in virtually no breeze, most flags hang down !
Flat 18mm plywood, then about 3-4 layers of fabric, then a couple of layers of newspaper ( in this picture we also use a layer of slightly foam like plastic which is not necessary). But you have to experiment to see what works best for you.
Here the flag is being held out flat by 2 “Autonomous-Anarchist-Volunteers”, meanwhile a third has inked up the block, and down it goes !
then delicately hop on top and kinda work your way around with your feet ? a little Rebellious Printer dance.
Two hold the flag down as number three pulls straight up.
You can see how its come through a bit onto the newspaper, that will have to go, look at that smile !
Soon hanging them up and space becomes the bottleneck.
Felix just loves to do the rebellious ironing while dancing to Apex Twin.
With the HiVis and patches we used the launderette opposite my house and gave everything 30 mins in the tumble dryer, I did’nt test, maybe 15 mins would have been okay ??? anyway with the flags we just gave them a quick iron since synthetic fabrics are very temperature sensitive.
Since we are not using a press having a decent amount of weight really helps get a good print, with light people having two of them at the same time really helps, and they all shuffle around in a circle..
What I am failing to mention is how much fun we had, once there where enough of us, and I could relax and go Okay, lets get this Anarchist Utopia started !!
The factory existed in my house, and I was the most experienced at the techniques but when I passed over control to EVERYONE, it all flowed in a wonderful self organising heaven, with lots of houmous and Aphex Twin.
SUPPLIES AND TECHNICAL ADVICE
The Fabric is translucent , described as “Polyester lining cloth - plain weave lightweight - not satin” , it was found sourced by the busiest person in XR, I will try and get her to find a web link.
We did try and screen print flags also, but it did not go so well, our screen was too course, so too much ink came through, but it should be possible.