This is a GOCCO machine. It is a home screenprinter that hails from Japan.
For the past few years, there has been a resurgence in Gocco printing and people are doing amazing things with it.
I love screenprinting, and have my own screen, but it sits in the shed because the process is so time consuming and messy.
That is why I love the Gocco. So quick, easy and with hardly any mess.
Gocco can be used for anything- I have printed paper bags, invitations, bunting flag, and cards.
Here is a quick photo tutorial on how to use it as if you are lucky enough to find one, the instructions are all in Japanese and it is easy to miss a crucial step. Here goes...
First, you need your design. This is Ned's 2nd birthday party invite.
(I have blocked out my address with a strip of paper for the photo. Ignore this!)
I used a word doc to create the type and font, then added a hand drawn truck for his motif.
Once your design is drawn, you need to photocopy it.
The picture you use needs to have TONER in it for the screen printing to work.
First, in your Gocco box, find the blue screen.
Open up the lid and secure the blue screen in the plastic clips.
This prevents smudging and a messy blob filled screen appearing. It is so important for a clear finish.
On the sticky spongey mat, place a piece of scrap paper. I use my template sheet.
This prevents accidental ink from escaping onto your machine.
Cut out your final design from the photocopy and place it, face up, onto the paper sheet.
This is the Hi-Mesh screen. The bright lights burn the picture image onto this screen, which you then use to print lots and lots of prints onto your fave things. You can see it is see-through.
Place this, with the arrow on your side, into the machine. Click it into the top and bottom slits first, then slide it towards the arrow. The right hand side then slot into place.
When you close the machine, be sure that your design is centred.
How it looks to you now, is what your final print will look like. Make sure it isnt on the wobble!
Adjust the photocopy picture as necessary.
Now, for the lamp.
Take two new bulbs and screw them into the light holder.
The light holder has silver connection plates. These must face towards you and be able to match the silver plates inside the slot on the main machine. When these connect properly, you'll see a flash to indicate that the screen has been burned for you.
Place the light holder into the slot carefully.
Use both hands (I can only use one for photographic shot!), one on either side, and gently but firmly PRESS DOWN until you see and hear a flash of light. Your screen should now be done.
The photocopy is now adhered to the window.
Gently peel the original off the screen.
You will find that the screen now has an imprint of your work and design.
To prepare the screen for printing, you can use this sticky mat to separate areas of your design so you can use different colours. Just cut thinly, then peel off sticky label . Lift the clear cover on the screen and attach sticky mat to your screen as necessary. Be sure to isolate areas of colour, using the sticky mat right up to the borders of another colour and also to the edge of the screen. This prevents colour bleeding.
Don't let the sticky mat touch or hide any of your design when you place it or parts of your work will be hidden.
(This design is all black, on yellow card, so I have removed the sticky mat as it is not needed)
Use the colour tubes of paint and colour in the areas of your design.
You may have used 2 or 3 or 4 colours even. Just add your colours where they are supposed to go. Remember to use sticky mat to separate colours successfully.
When your screen is prepared and loaded with paint, place it back into the plastic clips
(You should be able to see the arrow. This is now facing the right way. )
Place your item to be printed on the paper. Mine is yellow cardboard cut to size.
Use both hands to press down and make screen imprint. The ink will spread and hopefully, cover your design.
Peel back the print and stack in the drying rack.
Check your finished design. If there are any parts of the design that are faded or missing, take it out of machine and add a little more paint. Use the spatula to spread the paint evenly and to pull excess paint from the edge to the centre again so it doesnt go to waste.
The finished invitation.
(With the address blocked out once again!)
I was lucky enough to have some Japanese friends who found me the gorgeous GOCCO on Japanese ebay equivalent. It cost me $200 all up, including postage $70 and has everything one could want and more.. (extra paint etc). A new one, when you could buy them, cost about 16000 Yen ($180 approx).
Now, I just have to find more replacement screens and bulbs which I have heard is easy to do.
Anyone know where to buy them in Australia????
And what have you made with your Gocco??
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