Screen printing is a technique that involves pressing ink through a mesh onto the surface, which needs printing to create the desired design. This process is ideal for making posters, artwork, and canvases, and it can also be helpful when one needs to print textiles and fabrics.
The application process varies, and it is sometimes called silkscreen or serigraphy. Traditionally, screens were made using silk, but in recent years, they have been made of materials such as Terylene. This article will explain how this method works and why it is a popular option.
Why Screen Printing Is Popular
People who have not used this method to make prints might wonder if the technique is worth consideration. Business owners might also wonder if they can consider screen printing for brands. Compared to other printing techniques, this printing method provides durable prints, thanks to the heavy ink used. Some printers also add certain additives to make the ink resistant to scratches, UV rays, moisture, and chemicals.
Screen printing is cost-effective and can make it easy and quick to print products in high volume once the set-up is done. The vibrancy of the colors produced after printing cannot be ignored. In fact, most printing techniques cannot replicate it. Screen printing can be applied to many print materials, including wood, glass, electronics, banners, signs, metal, and textiles.
How It Works
This printing process can be done by machine or hand, but the procedure remains the same. The only noticeable difference can be the ink used, the added effect, and the printing surface. It involved transferring the ink into the intended material through a mesh screen.
Creating the Design
Screen printing cannot be done without a design. Once the design is made, it is printed on an acetate film (transparent) and then used to make the screen or stencil. The screen determines how the end print will look.
Preparing the Screen
Once the design is set, the printing professional chooses the mesh and screen count. This is the number of fibers needed in one square inch. The required mesh count depends on the design. High mesh counts print finer details, while low counts use more ink because of the wide openings. The mesh screen is then coated with an emulsion layer.
Emulsion Exposure
This step entails placing the acetate film on an emulsion-coated screen under a bright light. This process makes the emulsion harden and develop. If the design has multiple colors, separate screens will be needed for each color.
Stencil Formation
The screen is then exposed for some time to harden the uncovered parts. The remaining emulsion is then rinsed away, leaving a clear imprint on a screen. Then, the screen is dried, and touchups are done using a printer to ensure the imprint resembles the original design. The stencil will be ready for use.
Printing and Curing
The material that needs printing is laid on a large board, and the screen is placed on top at the correct position, ready for printing. The printing professionals lower the screen onto the board and add ink. The print technician uses a squeegee to distribute the ink evenly along the screen length.
The ink will press through all open areas and transfer onto the silk, leaving the design on a product. The printed products are heat-cured using a dryer to create a smooth design. Curing ensures that the design doesn’t fade away.
Screen printing is a valuable technique that can be used to brand different materials. So, people who have never tried printing products using this process should consider doing it today. However, they should follow the correct procedure, use the best equipment, or work with experts for the best outcomes.
