HOW TO USE: Screen Printing
Screen printing is a traditional technique to transfer ink onto a surface, most commonly used for fabrics like t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. It’s a versatile technique that can create bold, vibrant designs with a distinct aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of the screen printing process
1. Design Preparation: Your design is created digitally or as a physical artwork.
2. Screen Preparation: A mesh screen is selected based on the design details. A light-sensitive emulsion is then applied to the screen and dried.
3. Film Positives: A film positive (a clear sheet with your design in black areas) is placed on the screen. The screen is then exposed to light. The light hardens the emulsion in the areas not covered by the design, creating a stencil. The unexposed emulsion is washed away, leaving the design as open areas in the mesh.
4. Printing: The prepared screen is placed on the garment to be printed. Ink is poured onto the top of the screen, and a squeegee (a rubber blade) is pulled across the screen, forcing ink through the open mesh areas of the stencil and onto the fabric beneath.
5. Curing: Once printed, the garment is heat-pressed to cure the ink and ensure it bonds permanently with the fabric fibers.
6. Cleaning: The screen is then cleaned to remove leftover ink and emulsion, allowing it to be reused for future designs.
Advantages of Screen Printing:
- Cost-effective: Screen printing is generally more cost-effective for larger quantities compared to DTG printing.
- Durable prints: Screen printed designs are known for their excellent wash and wear resistance.
- Vibrant colors: Screen printing can achieve a high level of color vibrancy and opacity, ideal for bold designs.
- Special effects: Screen printing allows for special effects like metallic inks, puff inks, and plastisols for a unique look.
Disadvantages of Screen Printing:
- Setup costs: Setting up a screen printing operation requires an initial investment in screens, inks, and equipment.
- Minimum order quantities: Screen printing typically has minimum order requirements due to the setup process involved.
- Less detailed designs: Screen printing may not be suitable for very fine details or complex designs with many colors.