I use pull strokes, but have taught several new guys how to print.
Common mistakes I see from everyone at the start ( and myself when I'm not paying attention ).
- Not enough ink in front of the blade to do the full stroke ( or too much ).
- Blade not 'seated' properly down against the screen before the stroke
- possibly exerting more pressure with one hand than the other.
- Speed ( trying to go too fast, blade 'skips' along the print )
- Not working the ink enough before starting.
- starting distance and follow through, which were mentioned.
- walk away now and then, everyone wants everything in a rush anyways.
A 'proper' flood stroke ( little to no pressure, just coat the image area of the screen, not really push ink through )
before the actual shear stroke helps on large open images.
Hope something there helps.
Cheers.