A direct to mesh (DtM) screen printer for creating a screen stencil is provided. The DtM screen printer includes a fixture to hold a frame, which holds a pre-stretched mesh in place during application of a jettable emulsion, a platen having a cavity and an array of holes in a top surface of the platen and is located against one side of the pre-stretched mesh, and a printer carriage supporting a print head for printing the jettable emulsion on a side of the pre-stretched mesh opposite the platen.