Manga: Placing screens

Manga Professional Tips

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Shading, hair, backgrounds… Greys, shades and all kinds of mini motifs take a long time to do with a pen: use screens, the way all the greatest contemporary mangakas do! The quick and easy way to get it right.

There is a plethora of different screens. These are adhesive sheets with dots, lines or motifs in various shades of gray.

1. Supplies

Applying a screen is precision work, and requires specific material:

A classical utility knife to precut the screens.
A highly precise utility knife with a triangular blade (aka exacto knife) for delicate cut-outs.
A spatula or toonbera to push out air bubbles when applying, to help the screen adhere to your paper.
A dusting brush (a big feather, for instance) to remove eraser crumbs and pencil lead dust before placing the screen.

2. Technique

Before getting started, clean the relevant surface: dust, finger marks, and eraser chunks need to be removed to ensure a perfect application!

The main steps:

Place the screen sheet on the work surface and cut it out in the shape of the pattern, making sure to leave a margin.
Remove the protective film and glue the screen in its place. Spread it well to avoid air bubbles. cover with protective film: this will protect your work from damage while attaching (next step).
Attach the screen: lightly rub the protective film with your spatula.
Once the screen is attached, very carefully cut off the surplus along your drawing's contours. Note: if you press too hard on the utility knife, you run the risk of tearing your work!
Gently detach the part to be removed.
Put the protective film back on the attached screen then rub firmly to make sure it adheres well to paper.