From your favorite graphic tee of that band your dad started in high school to your go-to tote bag for the farmer’s market, screen printing is the magic behind it all. This art form has been around for over a thousand years, originating back to China’s Song Dynasty, where stencils made from human hair were used to create intricate patterns on fabric. Today, screen printing is one of the backbones of modern design, constantly evolving, creating room for limitless possibilities. In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of screen printing and go in-depth on the equipment we use to do it.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing, also known as silk screening or serigraphy, is a printing technique that involves transferring ink onto a surface using a mesh screen, stencil, and squeegee. This method is widely used for printing designs on various materials such as textiles, paper, glass, and even wood. Its versatility and ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting prints make it popular for commercial and artistic applications.
Tools and Materials
Screen Printing essentials:
- Screen: The screen consists of a frame with a mesh stretched over it. The mesh can be made of silk, polyester, or nylon. The mesh count (number of threads per inch) determines the level of detail in the print. Lower mesh counts are suitable for bold designs, while higher counts are better for intricate details.
- Stencil: A stencil is created on the screen to block certain areas and allow ink to pass through the open spaces. Several methods exist to create stencils, including hand-cutting, photographic emulsion, and vinyl.
- Squeegee: A squeegee is used to push ink through the mesh and onto the printing surface. It consists of a rubber blade attached to a wooden or metal handle. The size and hardness of the blade can affect the ink deposit and overall print quality.
- Ink: Screen printing inks come in various types, including water-based, plastisol, discharge, and specialty inks. The choice of ink depends on the material being printed and the desired finish.
- Garment/Item (substrate): The substrate is the material onto which the design will be printed. Common substrates include t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and tote bags. It’s important to ensure that the material you print onto is compatible with your ink. This can mean using a different type of ink for various things spanning from athletic material to cardboard boxes.
The Screen Printing Process
Screen printing involves several steps, each requiring attention to detail for the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the screen printing process:
- Design Preparation: Our in-house designers digitally create a high-quality apparel design. We use vector files to create a design. All designs are created intentionally with screen sprinting in mind.
- Stencil Creation: We create our stencils using emulsion-coated screens and a special exposure printer.
- Screen Setup: We secure the screen onto our screen printing press. Align the garment or item underneath the screen, ensuring proper positioning for the print. We use guides to ensure mass-produced products are aligned perfectly every time.
- Ink Application: We pour ink onto the screen, just above the design area. Use the squeegee to spread the ink evenly across the screen, pressing it through the open areas of the stencil. Make sure to apply consistent pressure for an even print. When manually printing, it’s important to maintain solid pressure for a clean stroke down the screen.
- Curing the Print: Once the design is printed, the ink needs to be cured to ensure durability. We get this done using a heat press and conveyor dryer. Different kinds of ink take different treatments when it comes to curing, as well as the process of multi-colored designs.
- Cleanup: Clean the screen, squeegee, and other tools immediately after printing to prevent ink from drying and clogging the mesh. Use appropriate cleaners and solvents to ensure the screen is ready for future use.
Our Tips for Successful Screen Printing
- Test Prints: Before printing on our first substrate, we do a test print on a scrap piece of fabric or paper to check alignment, ink coverage, and design clarity.
- Consistent Pressure: It’s vital to maintain consistent pressure and speed when using the squeegee to ensure an even ink deposit across the entire design. We use industrial machinery to guarantee consistency and quality every time.
- Drying Time: Allow sufficient drying time between multiple layers of ink if your design involves multiple colors. This prevents smudging and ensures clean, sharp prints.
- Environment: Screen printing can be messy, so work in a well-ventilated area with adequate space for drying prints and cleaning materials.
- Quality Control: We carefully monitor each substrate throughout the process to make sure every piece comes out perfectly. This step is vital when pinpointing errors, and to avoid wasted materials.
Screen printing is a rewarding and creative process that allows us to bring designs to life on various materials. Screen printing takes practice and patience, and with expertise, we create vibrant prints that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking to print custom t-shirts for an event or create unique artwork for your home, screen sprinting offers endless possibilities for artistic expression.