How to Screen Print on Fused Glass: Step-by-Step Tutorial Using Reusable Silk Screens and Rogue Screen Printing Paste

How to Screen Print on Fused Glass Using Reusable Sticky-Back Silk Screens

Screen printing on fused glass is a technique used to transfer detailed designs onto glass using a reusable silk screen stencil and glass enamel paste. The enamel is pulled across the stencil with a squeegee, allowed to dry, and then fired in a kiln so the design permanently bonds to the glass.

This step-by-step tutorial shows how to screen print on fused glass using reusable sticky-back silk screens and Rogue Screen Printing Paste.

Learn how to screen print on fused glass using reusable sticky-back silk screen stencils. This technique allows glass artists to apply detailed imagery to both sheet glass and precut glass shapes using enamel screen printing paste.

This tutorial demonstrates the process using Rogue Screen Printing Paste, a glass enamel designed specifically for screen printing on fused glass, but the same technique can be used with other glass-compatible screen printing enamels.

This tutorial works for both COE 90 Bullseye glass and COE 96 Oceanside glass. You will learn how to prepare your glass, apply the stencil, print the enamel, dry the piece, fire the glass, and clean and store the reusable stencil.

Quick overview: Clean glass → apply stencil → pull enamel with a 45° squeegee → dry completely → fire → clean and store the stencil.

Quick Start: Screen Printing on Fused Glass

If you are already familiar with glass fusing and just want a quick overview, this checklist summarizes the full process.

  1. Clean and dry your glass thoroughly.
  2. Place the glass against a glass stop to prevent movement.
  3. Apply the sticky-back stencil to the glass.
  4. Apply a bead of screen printing paste across the top of the stencil.
  5. Hold the squeegee at roughly a 45° angle.
  6. Pull the paste across the stencil in one smooth motion.
  7. Peel the stencil away from the glass.
  8. Allow the enamel to dry completely.
  9. Fire between 1100°F–1450°F (595°C–785°C) depending on your firing schedule.
  10. Clean the stencil immediately in lukewarm water.
  11. Dry the stencil and replace the carrier sheet before storing.

Materials Needed

  • Reusable sticky-back silk screen stencil
  • Glass screen printing enamel
  • Squeegee
  • Clean glass
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Lukewarm water
  • Kiln

Prepare Your Screen Printing Paste

Screen printing paste for fused glass.

Stir the paste for 2–3 minutes before printing.

The enamel should have a honey-like consistency. Too thin and the design may spread. Too thick and the paste may not pass through the mesh evenly.

Step 1 — Prepare Your Printing Surface

A piece of glass taped to the table acts as a stop to prevent the glass from sliding.

This stop keeps your glass in place while pulling the squeegee.

Step 2 — Apply the Sticky-Back Screen

Mark the plastic carrier sheet so it can be replaced correctly later.

Peel the plastic carrier sheet from the stencil.

Place the stencil adhesive side down on the glass with the textured side facing up.

Smooth the stencil firmly with your fingers to remove any air pockets.

Step 3 — Stabilize the Glass (Optional)

An optional second glass stop can stabilize the piece while printing.

If your surface is slippery, add another taped glass stop below the piece to prevent movement while pulling the squeegee.

Step 4 — Apply the Screen Printing Paste

Apply a bead of enamel across the top of the stencil.

Make sure the paste extends the full width of the design.

Step 5 — Pull the Squeegee

Hold the squeegee at approximately a 45° angle.

Pull the paste across the stencil in one smooth motion.

Do not stop midway during the pull or the enamel may create lines across the design.

Reclaim any excess paste from the squeegee.

Step 6 — Remove the Stencil

Peel the stencil gently from bottom to top.

Immediately place the stencil in lukewarm water to prevent enamel from drying in the mesh.

Step 7 — Dry the Enamel

Fresh screen printed glass ready to dry.

The enamel should be completely dry before firing. When dry it will look slightly chalky.

You can dry the enamel:

  • Naturally at room temperature
  • With a hair dryer
  • With a heat gun on low
  • On an electric skillet
  • On top of a warm kiln

Step 8 — Fire the Glass

Once dry, fire according to your glass schedule.

Firing Temperature for Rogue Screen Printing Paste

Rogue Screen Printing Paste can be fired across a wide temperature range depending on the effect you want to achieve. The recommended firing range is:

  • 1100°F – 1450°F
  • 595°C – 785°C

Lower temperatures in this range will typically produce a tack-fused surface where the enamel sits slightly raised on the glass. Higher temperatures will fully fuse the enamel into the glass surface, creating a smoother finish.

How Firing Temperature Affects Your Screen Printed Design

The firing temperature you choose will affect how the enamel appears on the finished piece. At lower temperatures (around tack fuse range), the enamel design will remain slightly raised and textured on the surface of the glass. This can produce crisp detail and a slightly dimensional look.

At higher temperatures (closer to a full fuse), the enamel will melt more fully into the glass surface. The design becomes smoother and more integrated with the glass, but very fine texture may soften slightly.

Both approaches can produce beautiful results. Many artists experiment with different firing schedules to find the look they prefer for their work.

Suggested Tack Fuse Schedule for COE 90 & COE 96

Step 9 — Clean the Screen

Clean the stencil immediately in lukewarm water.

Use your fingers to gently rub the mesh to remove paste from the openings.

Step 10 — Dry the Screen

Blot both sides of the stencil with a lint-free cloth.

Removing excess water prevents the adhesive from gripping the carrier sheet too strongly.

Step 11 — Store the Stencil

Replace the labeled carrier sheet and store the stencil flat.

Practice Makes Perfect

Admire your printed piece and fire it once the enamel is dry. Screen printing on glass becomes easier with practice. Experiment with different designs, glass colors, and firing schedules to refine your results.

Supplies Used in This Tutorial

The materials below are the same tools used in this screen printing tutorial. Using these supplies will allow you to replicate the process in your own studio.

Essential Supplies

Glass to Practice On

Using quality materials and proper preparation helps ensure crisp screen prints and reliable firing results.

Frequently Asked Questions: Screen Printing on Fused Glass

Can you screen print on fused glass?

Yes. Screen printing is a common technique used by glass artists to apply detailed designs to fused glass. A reusable sticky-back silk screen stencil and glass-compatible enamel paste allow you to transfer images cleanly onto both sheet glass and precut glass shapes before firing.

Do I need to dry screen printed enamel before firing?

Yes. The enamel should be completely dry before firing. When dry, the surface will typically appear slightly chalky or matte. Firing while the enamel is still wet can cause blistering, bubbling, or distortion of the design.

How can I dry glass screen printing enamel quickly?

You can allow the enamel to air dry naturally, or speed up drying using gentle heat. Common methods include a hair dryer, a heat gun on low, an electric skillet, or placing the glass on top of a warm kiln. The goal is simply to remove moisture before firing.

What consistency should glass screen printing paste be?

The paste should have a smooth, honey-like consistency. If it is too thin the design may blur or spread under the stencil. If it is too thick the enamel may not pass evenly through the mesh.

Why is my screen printed design blurry?

Blurry prints are usually caused by paste that is too thin, too much pressure on the squeegee, or poor stencil adhesion. Ensuring the glass surface is clean and the stencil is firmly smoothed onto the glass will help produce sharper prints.

Why are there gaps in my screen printed design?

Gaps typically occur when there is not enough paste on the stencil or the squeegee pressure is uneven during the pull. Applying a generous bead of paste across the top of the stencil and pulling in one smooth pass helps ensure even coverage.

How do I clean reusable silk screen stencils for glass?

Immediately after printing, place the stencil in lukewarm water and gently rub the mesh using only your fingers. This removes enamel from the mesh openings. Avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals that could damage the stencil.

Why do I blot the stencil dry before replacing the carrier sheet?

Blotting removes excess water from the stencil. Moisture increases the grip of the adhesive backing, which can make it difficult to remove the stencil from the carrier sheet during the next use.

How long do reusable sticky-back glass stencils last?

With proper cleaning and storage, reusable sticky-back stencils can be used many times. Cleaning immediately after printing, allowing the stencil to dry completely, and storing it flat with the carrier sheet helps extend its lifespan.

Can this technique be used with both COE 90 and COE 96 glass?

Yes. Screen printing enamel can be used on both COE 90 (Bullseye) and COE 96 (Oceanside) glass. Be sure to fire the piece according to the appropriate firing schedule for the glass system you are using.

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