Surome Nagoya: Experience Silk Screen Printing in Tsurumai, Nagoya! 

Do you know "Silk Screen Printing"?

I want to make an original T-shirt! How can I print the illustration? If you have ever had such a question, or if you are interested in manufacturing or art, you have probably heard about it at least once.

This time, we would like to introduce you to Surome Nagoya, a shop where you can experience silk screen printing.

What is Silk Screen Printing?

Silk screen printing is a type of stencil printing. The printing method is very simple. Holes are made by matching the design to a mesh plate, and ink is dropped into the holes for printing. Even beginners can easily print their favorite designs on materials such as cotton, linen, polyester, and paper, making it the perfect printing method for creating original goods.

At Surome Nagoya, anyone can try their hand at silkscreen printing.

The location is on the 2nd floor of Ocean Square, about a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Tsurumai Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway. Look for this white sign.

When you go up to the second floor by elevator, there is a shop right in front of you.

Once inside, there are many workbenches in a spacious space. Silk screen materials and inks are lined up. I'm kind of excited!

"Creating is FUN."

We spoke with Akinori Nishio, the owner of Surome Nagoya Nagoya.

– Please tell us how you started the shop.

Ms. Nishio: "I'm an illustrator myself. I used to go to a silkscreen printing shop in Osaka to print my work.

Mr. Nishio's work displayed in the store

Mr. Nishio is an illustrator who graduated from Nagoya Zokei University. The interior of the store is decorated with works created by Mr. Nishio. One of the highlights of visiting Surome Nagoya is seeing the cute and attractive illustrations that show Mr. Nishio's soft personality.

– What is the shop’s commitment and concept?

Mr. Nishio:"The concept of the shop is that 'Creating is FUN.' The moment when something you make yourself actually takes shape is the most exciting thing. I think it would be fun if this feeling were filled in this shop."

A work displayed next to the entrance of the store. An illustration of a cute cat with impressive eyes welcomes you.

The name of the shop, "Surome," comes from the dialect of Mr. Nishio's hometown, Gifu Prefecture. In the Gifu dialect, the phrase “let’s print!” is pronounced “surome.” It is an unique store name.

In fact, "Surome" was first created in my hometown, Gifu Prefecture. After opening in Gifu City about three and a half years ago, we opened the Nagoya store in March 2020. After that, the Gifu store was integrated into the Nagoya store, and now I am based here at "Surome Nagoya" and operate it as both a shop and my own workshop.

There are many different types of people who visit Surome Nagoya. For example, some people create novelty items for their store or create artwork. Some people sometimes print more than 100 copies.

Of course, the general public can also use it, and there are a wide variety of things to make, such as making matching T-shirts with friends and printing children's drawings. It is an attractive place where you can experience the fun of manufacturing and create memories with works full of originality.

Experience Silk Screen Printing!

This time, I actually experienced silk screen printing! We will deliver plenty of procedures, tips, and printing scenery.

First of all, we decide the design, material, and ink to be printed.

A list of designs that can be used for free at "Surome Nagoya".

Feel free to bring the illustrations you want to design! You can even draw it on the spot! It is also possible to use original "Surome Nagoya" illustrations, which are available for rent free of charge.

This time, I decided to print two patterns using the illustration I brought with me and the original illustration from "Surome Nagoya" (center of photo: No. 8)!

Once the design is decided, the staff will transfer the data to the silk screen version. Let's decide the material while we have the plate made!

The store stocks a wide variety of materials. From T-shirts and tote bags to sacoches, handkerchiefs, purses, etc. Time to choose materials is also a fun time.

It's also cute and recommended to print one point on socks (350 yen (tax included))!

There are also rare materials such as a cup holder for 440 yen (tax included) and a wine tote bag for 550 yen (tax included).

Photo left: T-shirt 880 yen (tax included), Photo right: Taiwan tote bag 880 yen (tax included)

The material to be printed this time is a Taiwan tote bag and a black T-shirt, which are popular for their colorful variations!

Next, choose an ink color. With all the colorful inks lined up in front of you, you may be wondering what color to use. You can purchase one whole ink for each color you need, so even if you don't use them all up, you can use it for the next print.

In addition to color variations, we also have inks that give you a variety of textures, such as those that give a “fluffy” or “mokemoke (shaggy)” finish when mixed with other colors.

Top photo: Surimacca ink glitter 990 yen (tax included), bottom photo: Surimacca ink 660 yen (tax included)

This time, I chose two colors, gold and lavender!

The color of the T-shirt was black, so I used gold ink because it looks the best on black. If you are worried about the color, you can also see samples, so it is recommended to consult with the staff.

In the meantime, the silkscreen version is ready! The illustration I brought is beautifully projected. From now on, I will fit this edition into the framework of Surimacca.

These three-color blocks are Surimacca. Frames of various sizes can be created by assembling them according to the size of the design.

As you assemble the colored blocks while looking at the sample, there is nothing difficult! The frame is easily completed by inserting the parts firmly so that there are no gaps between them.

Two types of frames with different sizes are ready! Now, I'm going to put the silkscreen version here.

With the smooth side of the plate facing up, fill the four gaps in the frame with rubber. At first, you push it in with your finger, but be careful not to stick the plate too tightly because it will remove the rubber buried on the other side! This was the most difficult part of the process.

After embedding the rubber to some extent with your fingers, the next step is to embed it more deeply and firmly using a roller. After this process is repeated several times, the plate will be applied naturally and neatly.

Finally, use the rubber and roller again to fix it firmly and you're done!

Next, decide where you want to print. Once you have decided on the placement, put the underlay that matches the size.

And here is the real thrill of silk screen printing. You will drop the ink on the material!

Apply ink according to the width of the design. The amount of ink will vary depending on the design, so if you're unsure, ask the staff to adjust!

First of all, let's start from the tote bag.

A spatula called a squeegee is used to apply even force at an angle of 45 degrees. I'm kind of excited!

The ink spreads nicely. If you repeat this 2-3 times, the ink will fall cleanly. I can't stop being excited until I give you the version!

It's printed beautifully! I was so impressed with the beautiful finish that I couldn't help but exclaim, "Beautiful!"

Well, next is the T-shirt. Because it is a gold glitter ink, I expect it to have a different atmosphere from the tote bag.

If you apply too much force, the squeegee will bend, so be careful. Maintain a 45-degree angle and slowly pull the squeegee toward you.

Great finish too! The black fabric and gold fabric goes well. I was able to print without any problems.

After printing, lightly dry with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes. If you touch it with your hand and the ink doesn't stick, it's finally complete.

The completed Taiwai tote bag and T-shirt. Printing was easier than I imagined! There is a texture unique to handmade, and the finish is very satisfying. The excitement of creating a one-of-a-kind original work in the world never ends!

An illustration of a hand is printed on the chest. A simple black T-shirt has been reborn as a nice T-shirt that looks like it is sold at a store!

This time I used the materials sold in the store, but you can also bring in your own materials for printing. The advantage of silkscreen is that it can be printed on any material. You can use various materials to create your own special work.

"Electrolytic Marking" that can Print on Metals​
Such as Spoons and Forks

"Surome Nagoya" has also introduced "electrolytic marking," which allows printing on metals such as stainless steel using a silk screen.

There are various ways to use it, such as printing the store name on cutlery used at restaurants. It's amazing that you can print on metal using the silkscreen method!

They also sell a variety of materials, so it would be a great memory to print as a souvenir of your visit to Surome Nagoya. The appeal is that it can be done easily.

Photo printing is also possible. It is a retro finish unique to silkscreen!

If you mix the ink and print it, you can create a marble-like design!

It is also possible to print not only illustrations but also photos. You can also create marble patterns and gradations by adjusting the way the inks are combined.

Once you make a plate, you can print as many copies as you want, and you can print the same design again next time. It is also recommended for those who want to print a lot of the same design at once!

"Surome Nagoya" allows you to experience the "FUN of Creation". The euphoric moment when your design takes shape is a wonderful feeling that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Because the work is printed by your own hands, you may feel more attached to it ten times more than if it were just printed.

Such a wonderful place where you can once again feel the fun and importance of manufacturing. Why not try creating your own special work at Surome Nagoya?