Printing & Embroidery

All You Need To Know About Screen Printing

There are several steps involved in screen printing. These include Mesh count, stencil, Ink colors, and Pre-press. Once you know the steps involved, you’ll be well on your way to getting the print you’ve been dreaming of. Here are the basic steps. Before you even start, you should choose a print method. This article covers the different steps and considerations involved in screen printing.

Mesh count

Mesh count is an important consideration in screen printing, but you should understand the consequences of choosing the wrong mesh. Many screen printers try to print too much detail on their screens, which can cause significant loss in detail when it comes to the final image. For this reason, a high mesh count is a better choice. Listed below are some factors that you should consider before choosing a mesh count for your screen printing jobs.

Stencil

A screen printing stencil must perform two functions: it must reproduce the image to be printed on a fabric, and it must be resistant to abrasion and chemical attack. A stencil is also important for regulating the amount of ink used and print-edge definition.

Screen printing ink colors come in a variety of different shades. These hues are often used to create special effects or to match colors of apparel. A simple example of a color variation is layering a base color over top one. Inks like Speedball fluorescent can be layered with solid colors. In contrast, the knockout method uses one solid color on top of another. The ink colors used in the knockout method will be matched on the shirt.

Pre-press process

The screen-printing process begins with the pre-press work. The printing process is based on two factors – the work format and the materials. The print format dictates the amount and type of ink, paper quality, and other variables. The pre-press work helps determine these variables. A printing job can then be scheduled accordingly. Here is an overview of the pre-press process. During this step, the screen is washed with a jet of water to remove the light-sensitive emulsion. The screen is then fitted to the printing press. The substrate is then placed under the screen and the ink is applied to the surface of the substrate. The frame acts as a wall to contain the ink.

Durability

While vinyl prints tend to fade and crack, screen printing is more durable and can last for years. Screen printing involves thick layers of ink that absorb into the surface material and leave a design with a longer lifespan. Digital designs, on the other hand, are susceptible to fade and cracking when exposed to the elements. Screen printing is the best choice for solid colors, commercial graphics, and gradients. The colors used in screen printing are sharper, so the designs will not wash out. To find out more visit https://www.orlandoembroideryandprinting.com/.