What is the purpose of tusche in silk screen printing?

Tusche serves an important role in silk screen printing, particularly as a means to create a washout mask. When an artist or printer applies tusche to a screen, it typically involves using a liquid that can be easily washed away. This allows for a specific design or image to be created by blocking off certain areas of the screen during the printing process.

By using tusche, artists can create fluid, free-flowing lines which effectively retain ink while allowing for varying levels of transparency. Once the design has been applied using tusche, it can be washed out after the screen has been exposed to light—leaving only the desired areas open for ink to pass through during printing.

This technique is particularly useful because it allows for versatility in design, enabling artists to achieve effects that might be difficult with other materials. The process ensures clean lines and distinctive visual effects characteristic of silk screen printing, making tusche a valuable resource in this artistic medium.