Thermo FAQs

What is a thermofax screen?

Thermo-Fax or Thermofax is a photocopying technology developed by 3M in the 1950s and later marketed as a method of producing transparencies for overhead projectors. Modern technology has made the machines largely redundant for their original uses but textile artists and tattoo artists now use them to produce textile screens and tattoo stencils respectively. Original machines are rare but new machines are now being manufactured in Germany. The screens supplied by Thermofax Screens are made using a modern machine. The process is particularly good for reproducing images or textural marks that would be difficult or very expensive to produce with other screen methods.

How do I order ready-made thermofax screens online?

Ready-made thermofax screens can be ordered securely online. Browse the designs on the Ready-made screens page and click on a thumbnail image to see a larger version of the design, and size and pricing details.

Click the 'Add to basket' button for the items you wish to purchase. You can see and edit the items in your shopping cart at any time by clicking 'View basket' at the top of each page.

When you have finished shopping click the 'Go to checkout' button and follow the instructions. At the checkout you can pay with credit or debit cards via Paypal (you don't need a Paypal account to do this). For more information on this see How do I pay?

Can I order ready-made thermofax screens by post?

We offer a mail order service. Make a note of the name of each item you wish to order and then print a copy of the Order form. Complete the form and post it to Thermofax Screens with your payment by GBP (£) cheque. The address, postal charges and other details can be found on the Order form.

How do I order custom thermofax screens?

If you would like to design your own screens, you can supply artwork to be made into custom thermofax screens. Please note that you can order screens through the website but you will need to send your images separately via post or email – see How do I contact Thermofax Screens?

Step-by-step instructions for preparing your images and ordering custom screens can be found on the Custom screens page.

What images are suitable for thermofax screens?

Finely detailed images, such as line drawings, skeleton leaves, feathers and text (e.g. individual words, whole paragraphs or poems) all work well. Tonal or textural images such as photographs, dried flowers and rubbings are also excellent. Photographs and objects can be scanned into a computer to produce an image or you could use a computer program such as Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop to generate interesting images. Images should be positive and black and white.

Important note on copyright – if you wish to use artwork or photographs that are not your own, please make sure that they are copyright-free or that you have permission for their use. It may be a copyright infringement to reproduce someone else's work even if it is in a different medium or has been altered in some way.

What media can be used with Thermofax screens?

Textile screen inks are available to buy from Thermofax Screens. These inks are water-based, ready to use straight from the pot and only need heat-setting with an iron to make them permanent. Colours can be mixed or can be made more transparent by adding transparent extender base.

Download a PDF for more information about using textile screen inks.

Other products suitable for use with thermofax screens include fabric paints and Procion MX dyes that have been thickened with Sodium Alginate (Manutex). You can also print with Discharge Paste to remove colour from cloth, with glue or fabric size for metal foil application and with products like Fibre-Etch for devoré effects.

Download a PDF about print media suitable for use with thermofax screens.

Do I need any special equipment apart from the thermofax screen?

You will need a suitable surface to print on. This should be neither too hard, nor too soft. Two layers of felt, stretched and stapled over some plywood would be perfect but you could improvise with an old blanket or similar. The print surface should be covered with a drop cloth to absorb excess media and to prevent the image from blurring. The drop cloth could be calico, cotton drill or even an old bed sheet but it should be washable – especially important after using dye paints.

You will also need a suitable squeegee. Standard silkscreen squeegees are too aggressive for use with a Thermofax Screen. Rubber edged grouting tools (available from DIY stores) can be used or you can order a suitable squeegee with your thermofax screen – see the Squeegees page for more details.

How do I use and care for my thermofax screen?

Download a PDF about how to use and care for thermofax screens.

How long do thermofax screens last?

With care you will get hundreds of prints from a thermofax screen. However, they do not last forever. The media you use, how often you use them (e.g. repeatedly for long sessions or sporadically) and how carefully they are washed and dried will all affect their longevity.

Can I have my thermofax screen re-meshed?

Once the image is beyond further use, the mesh can be cut out and the frame reused with a new image. Thermofax Screens can provide replacement imaged mesh for you to attach to your old frame.

How do I pay?

Credit and debit card payments – Payment by credit or debit card is only available for online orders. This is done via Paypal but you do not need to have a Paypal account. Simply follow the instructions on the checkout page. Of course, if you do have a Paypal account you can choose to use it at the checkout page.

Cheque – payment can be made with a GBP (£) cheque made payable to M C Higgott. Send the cheque and your completed order form to Thermofax Screens (address on the form).

Internet banking payment – see the order form for details if you wish to make an internet bank payment. Please note that your order will not be processed until payment has been received. You will also need to send details of your order, including delivery address, by email or post.

When can I expect to receive my order?

Orders will be processed and despatched as quickly a possible. Generally speaking, an order for ready-made screens will be despatched slightly quicker than an order for custom screens. Most orders will be despatched within three to five days of their receipt and all should be processed within seven days. The delivery time will depend on the destination and method – see How will my order be sent?

How will my order be sent?

UK orders will be sent by the most appropriate mail service. As a general guide, small orders will be sent First Class by Royal Mail to the UK and by Royal Mail Airmail to Europe and the rest of the world. Larger orders may be sent by Parcel Post plus insurance.

Please note, tracking is not available with the standard delivery. If you have special delivery requirements or wish to make a large order (e.g. ten or more Thermofax Screens) please contact us for other delivery options.

If you wish, you can collect your order from The Bramble Patch, West Street, Weedon, Northamptonshire NN7 4QU (see map). If you select this option no delivery charge will be added to your order at the checkout. Please note that your order can only be collected when you have received email confirmation from Thermofax Screens that your order has been processed and delivered to the Bramble Patch.

What are the standard postage charges?

If you are ordering online the following standard charges will be added at the checkout. If you are ordering by mail you will need to work out the postage and write it in the space provided on the Order form (this information is also on the Order form).

Please note that if you are ordering from outside the UK or the EU you may be required to pay customs duty.

Value of order UK Europe RoW
Up to £15.00 £3.00 £4.25 £7.50
Up to £25.00 £4.50 £6.00 £9.00
Up to £45.00 £6.00 £8.00 £13.00
Up to £70.00 £8.00 £10.00 £18.00
More than £70.00 £10.00 £12.00 £22.00

How can I contact Thermofax Screens?

Contact us if you have a question not covered on this page.

Order forms should be posted to:
Thermofax Screens, Foxley Farm, Foxley, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8HP, United Kingdom

Terms and conditions

  1. Orders will be processed on receipt of payment.
  2. All items offered by Thermofax Screens are sold subject to availability.
  3. We reserve the right to withdraw products or change prices at any time.
  4. We will notify you of any undue delay in processing your order.
  5. Your order will be carefully packed and should arrive in good condition. If any item is damaged in transit, please return it to us within 7 working days for a refund (please note postage charges cannot be refunded).