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Last Updates Published: August 15, 2023

Introduction to Screen Printing

A Glimpse into the Past: The History of Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, has its roots in ancient China, where it was used as a method of transferring designs onto fabrics. Over the centuries, this art form travelled across Asia and eventually reached Europe in the late 18th century. Initially, it was a technique reserved for the elite, but with the advent of new materials and technologies, it became more accessible to the masses.

Screen Printing in the Modern Era

Today, screen printing holds a significant place in the world of design and manufacturing. From bespoke T-shirt designs to intricate artworks and even industrial applications, its versatility is evident. One of its standout advantages is the ability to produce multiple copies of the same design efficiently, making it ideal for bulk orders and mass production. In an age dominated by digital technology, the tactile and unique nature of screen printed items offers a refreshing contrast, making it a sought-after printmaking technique for many.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a method where ink is pushed through a mesh or stencil to print a design onto a substrate. The stencil defines the shape of the design, ensuring that only the desired areas are printed. This process is particularly efficient when replicating a design multiple times, ensuring consistency across all prints.

Commonly Used Materials in Screen Printing

Screen printing isn’t just limited to fabric. The process can be applied to a variety of materials, including but not limited to:

  • Fabric: From cotton T-shirts to silk scarves.
  • Paper: Used for posters, artwork, and stationery.
  • Plastic: For items like promotional materials and decals.
  • Glass and Ceramics: For decorative purposes.
  • Metal: Often used in industrial applications.

The Science Behind Screen Printing

The Magic of Ink Adhesion

The success of screen printing lies in the way ink adheres to materials. Different inks are formulated to bond with specific substrates. For instance, water-based inks are often used for fabrics, while solvent-based inks might be chosen for plastics or metals. The ink, once applied, needs to be cured, either through air drying or by using heat, ensuring it becomes a permanent part of the substrate.

The Crucial Role of the Mesh

The mesh screen, often made of polyester or silk, is pivotal in the screen printing process. It acts as a barrier, ensuring that ink is only transferred where the stencil permits. The fineness of the mesh can be adjusted depending on the intricacy of the design and the viscosity of the ink. A tighter mesh is used for detailed designs, while a looser mesh might be chosen for bolder prints. The tension of the mesh, it’s cleanliness, and the evenness of ink application all play a role in achieving a flawless print.

This screen printing process guide will walk you through how to silk screen print at home, even if you are a complete beginner.

Sustainable Printmaking Guide

Dive Deeper: Comprehensive Screen Printing Guides

For enthusiasts keen to delve deeper into screen printing nuances, we offer detailed guides for each step of the process. As you navigate our content, keep an eye out for links directing you to these comprehensive resources, ensuring mastery at every stage of your screen printing endeavour. We have also linked these in the boxes below.

Screen Printing Kits

Click here to find the best screen printing kits.

Screen Printing Inks

Click here to find the best screen printing inks.

Printmaking Books

Click here to find books on printmaking.

Screen Printing Studio

Click here to find the about setting up a home studio.

Screen Printing Mesh

Click here to find out about different screen printing mesh types.

Screen Printing Stencils

Click here to find out about screen printing stencils.

Screen Printing Squeegees

Click here to find out about screen printing squeegees.

Screen Printing Lights

Click here to find out about lights for exposing screens.

Prepping Artwork For Screen Printing

Click here to find out about preparing artwork for screen printing.

Luke Hickman

Author at Hickman Design

Luke Hickman is a printmaker and artist with over 15 years of experience. He studied at Norwich University, graduating with a BA (Hons) Fine Art, and has worked in both the commercial printing and digital marketing industries for over 7 years. Luke’s work revolves around the idea of creating art that can illustrate a story with topics covering war, politics and history.

Read Full Bio

The Screen Printing Process Step by Step

Step 1 – Workspace Setup and Equipment Preparation

Crafting Your Screen Printing Sanctuary: Setup and Equipment Preparation

Embarking on the screen printing journey requires not just passion, but also a well-organised workspace and properly prepared equipment. Here’s a guide to setting up your screen printing haven and ensuring your tools are primed and ready.

Setting Up Your Workspace:

  1. Location: Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably away from direct sunlight to prevent premature drying of inks.
  2. Workspace Layout: Organise your space efficiently. Have a designated area for each step of the process: design creation, screen preparation, printing, and drying.
  3. Storage: Invest in shelving or drawers to store screens, inks, and other materials. Keeping items organised will streamline your process.
  4. Safety First: Ensure you have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand. Always use gloves and masks when working with chemicals.

Getting Your Equipment Ready:

  1. Screen Preparation:
    • Clean your screens thoroughly before each use.
    • Ensure they are free from old ink residues and are tightly stretched.
  2. Ink Consistency: Check the consistency of your inks. They shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. Stir them well before use and ensure they’re stored in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
  3. Test Your Squeegees: Ensure the rubber edge of your squeegee is smooth and free from nicks or cuts, which can affect the quality of your print.
  4. Press Maintenance: If you’re using a printing press, ensure it’s clean and well-maintained. Regularly check for any loose parts and ensure it’s calibrated for accurate printing.
  5. Trial Run: Before diving into your main project, always do a test print. This helps you adjust the pressure, ink consistency, and screen alignment as needed.

Remember, a well-set workspace and meticulously prepared equipment are the foundations of a successful screen printing project. Taking the time to get these right will ensure smoother operations and higher-quality prints.

Setting Up Your Printing Home Studio

Setting up a screen printing studio at home can be a thrilling venture, allowing artists to bring their visions to life from the comfort of their personal space. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the ropes or a seasoned printer aiming to optimise your home setup, our comprehensive guide offers invaluable insights. From selecting the right equipment to maximising space efficiency and ensuring top-notch print quality, our guide is designed to navigate you through every step of crafting your ideal home screen printing sanctuary. Dive in and embark on this creative journey with confidence and clarity.

Read Screen Printing Studio Guide

What Tools, Equipment & Materials Do You Need for Screen Printing?

  • Screen frame with mesh (43T for fabric / 90T + for paper)
  • Squeegee
  • Screen printing ink
  • Screen printing emulsion
  • Light source / Exposure unit
  • Darkroom to expose in
  • Masking tape / Waterproof tape
  • Pallet knife / Spatula
  • Screen print carousel / Screen print hinge clamps
  • Transparency film stencil
  • Hose or jet washer
  • Paper or fabric

You can find links for the required tools and materials in the table below! You will need the following equipment before you start screen printing at home – check out Cat Spit Productions for an idea of different setups.

EquipmentSuppliers
Screens - 43T for Textiles / 90T+ for PaperWood Screen Printing Frame - A3 43T Mesh | Wood Screen Printing Frame - A3 90T Mesh
Scoop/Trough (for coating screen with emulsion)Photo Emulsion Coating Trough - 330mm Wide
Screen Print Desk ClampsScreen Printing Hinges Registration Clamps
Sheet of Glass (same size as screen frame size)Find Local Glass Manufacturer
Exposure Unit/1000w Light Rig (I made one at home to start with)Ebay |
Pressure Washer/High Powered HoseGarden Hose Pipe & Jet Nozzle | Black & Decker Pressure Washer
Hair Dryer / Iron (for textile printing)Hair Dryer | Clothes Iron
SqueegeesVarious Screen Printing Squeegees | Quality Aluminium Squeegees
EquipmentSuppliers
T-ShirtsFruit Of The Loom Shirts
Waterbased InksDaler Rowney System 3 Inks
Scrubby Pads/ClothsJ Cloths - 50 x Blue Cloth
Pregasol F - Screen DecoaterKiwo Pregasol K-FL - 1 Litre Pot
Azocol Z1 - Screen Print EmulsionKiwo Azocol Z 135 Violet - 1 Pot 1KG
Pregan NT9 - Screen Printing DegreaserKiwo Pregan NT9 - 1 Pot 5 Litre
Spray BottlesSpray Bottles - 1 x 750ml Bottle
Paper Towel/Brillo Pads/Blue RollSirius Blue Roll - 6 x Rolls
Spatula (For Mixing Ink)Icing Spatula - 3 x Spatula Sizes
Brown TapeBrown Packing Tape - 1 Roll 48mm x 66m
Printing Medium - Textiles/Paper Medium DifferentSystem 3 Printing Medium - 1 x 250ml Pot (Designed for paper & textile)
Acetate Sheet/Tracing PaperFEVERWORK 20Pcs A4 Inkjet Film

Step 2 – Decide What to Print On

Equipment Needed

Paper

You can print onto paper.

T-Shirt

You can print a T-Shirt.

Choosing the Right Screen: Paper vs. Textiles

Before diving into screen printing, it’s essential to determine your preferred medium: paper or textiles. This choice will influence the type of screen you’ll need.

Tips for Making the Right Choice:

  1. Textile Printing:
    • If you’re keen on textile printing (like DIY T-shirt printing at home), opt for a screen with a lower mesh count, around 43T. This allows a generous amount of ink to penetrate the fabric.
    • The rationale? Fabrics require more ink to ensure durability, especially after multiple washes.
  2. Paper Printing:
    • For paper projects, a screen with a mesh count of at least 90T is recommended. Personally, I gravitate towards 120T for my endeavours.
  3. Understanding Mesh Count:
    • The mesh size reflects the number of mesh threads per square inch. A higher mesh count translates to a finer mesh, while a lower count indicates a coarser mesh.

By understanding the nuances of mesh counts and aligning them with your printing medium, you’ll set the stage for optimal screen printing results.

T Shirts for screen printing

Paper for screen printing

Paper for screen printing

Paper VS Textile Screen Printing

There are pros and cons for printing on paper and textiles, each of them have their own uses which are case dependent on what you want to create/produce. For the purpose of this guide, we will be covering textile printing on t-shirts, however, this process can also easily be used for paper printing. Throughout the screen printing guide I’ll recommend alternative materials where there are any changes in the technique for paper/textiles.

Screen Printing Paper

Paper screen printing can be used to create:

  • Posters
  • Large format artwork
  • Fine art prints
  • Business stationery
  • Fine artworks
  • Packaging
  • Variety of marketing materials
Screen Printing Textiles

Textile screen printing can be used for:

  • Bags and backpacks
  • Hoodies and shirts (this guide covers this)
  • Bed sheets
  • Tea towels
  • Tote bags
  • Socks to give your least favourite family member at Christmas
  • Hats and much more!

It enables you to produce multiple copies of the same artwork, with the potential to make each with their own character so no print is the same! This can be achieved by trying different coloured inks or papers. You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of products and things around you are in fact screen printed!

Types Of Mesh For Screen Printing

Screen printing, a versatile method of imprinting designs onto various substrates, relies heavily on the type of mesh used. The choice of mesh, traditionally made from silk but now predominantly crafted from synthetic polyester materials, determines the clarity, detail, and ink saturation of the print. Whether printing on textiles, which require a more porous mesh to ensure vibrant ink absorption, or on paper, which demands a tighter mesh for sharp details, the mesh count plays a pivotal role. As the intricacies of selecting the right mesh can be nuanced, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the subject. Dive into our detailed guide for an in-depth exploration and to make informed decisions for your screen printing projects.

Read Screen Printing Mesh Guide

Step 3 – Preparing Your Screen Mesh For Printing

Equipment Needed

Screen Frame With Mesh

Your screen frame with mesh fitted.

Degreaser (Pregan NT9)

Degreaser to remove grease from mesh.

Water & Sponge

Water and sponge to clean screens after degreasing.

Gloves

Make sure to wear gloves!

Goggles

Make sure to wear goggles!

Pristine Printing: The Art of De-Greasing Your Screen

For optimal screen printing results, it’s essential to start with a clean slate. De-greasing your screen ensures that the emulsion adheres properly to the mesh, and even if you’re not using emulsion, a clean screen is crucial to prevent ink contamination.

Steps and Tips for Effective De-Greasing:

  1. Choose the Right Agent: Opt for a high-quality degreasing agent like Pregan NT9 to ensure thorough cleaning.
  2. Sponge Cleaning: Wear gloves and use a sponge to scrub the screen gently, ensuring all areas are covered.
  3. Safety First: Always wear goggles to protect your eyes from any potential chemical splashes.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Post-cleaning, rinse the screen with water to ensure no degreasing agent residue remains.
  5. Drying: Pat the screen dry with clean towels or rags. For best results, leave it in a dust-free area to air dry completely.

By following these steps, you’ll set the foundation for a flawless screen printing experience, ensuring clarity in designs and longevity in prints.

Degreasing screens for printing

Degrease Screens

Degrease screens before coating with emulsion

Equipment Needed To Coat Screen Mesh With Emulsion

Screen Printing Emulsion

Screen printing emulsion to coat screens.

Screen Printing Trough

Screen printing trough to spread emulsion.

YOU CAN SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU WANT TO USE A HAND CUT STENCIL, CHECK THIS GUIDE.

Perfecting the Emulsion Process: Coating Your Screen in Dim Light

When embarking on the silk screen printing journey at home, the emulsion process is a pivotal step. Given that emulsion is UV-sensitive, it’s crucial to work in a dimly lit environment, ideally during the evening, to prevent premature exposure.

Guidelines and Tips for a Flawless Emulsion Coating:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you’re in a dark or dimly lit room. This not only protects the emulsion but also ensures clarity in your final design.
  2. Application Technique:
    • Pour the emulsion into a trough or scoop.
    • Holding the scoop at a 45-degree angle, start applying the emulsion from the bottom of the screen, working your way upwards. Aim for a consistent, even coating.
  3. Manage Excess Emulsion: Once coated, tilt your screen upright and use the scoop to capture and remove any excess emulsion.
  4. Drying: Position the screen horizontally on a flat surface within the dim room to dry.
  5. Maintain a Clean Environment: It’s essential to keep the drying area as dust-free as possible. Dust particles can contaminate the drying emulsion, potentially compromising the clarity of your design during exposure.
  6. Learn from the Experts: For a visual guide, consider watching tutorials. For instance, “How to Coat a Screen with Photo Emulsion” by Hand Printed offers valuable insights.

By meticulously following these steps and tips, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful screen printing project, ensuring crisp designs and lasting impressions.

Coat screen with emulsion

Uncoated Screen

Coat clean screen with emulsion

Screen coated with emulsion

Coated Screen

Screen coated with emulsion

Step 4 – Design & Planning For Screen Printing

Equipment Needed

Transparency Film/Acetate

Film for your positives to print with.

Computer

Computer to plan artwork on.

Pen/Pencil

Pen or pencil to plan design with.

Printer

Printer to print design onto acetate.

Crafting the Perfect Stencil: A Comprehensive Guide to Screen Printing Preparation

Screen printing is as much about the art as it is about the technique. A crucial part of this technique is creating the perfect stencil. Here’s a deep dive into the methods and best practices for stencil creation and design planning.

Methods for Creating Stencils:

  1. Light-Sensitive Emulsion:
    • This is the most favoured method, allowing printers to reproduce hundreds of copies of their design.
    • It’s ideal for intricate designs and hand-drawn illustrations.
    • The challenge lies in the requirement for dedicated space and specific equipment to expose the screens.
  2. Paper Mask:
    • A simpler method, especially for beginners or those looking for a quick print.
    • It’s limited by its durability, especially with designs that require multiple prints.
    • The advantage is the minimal equipment and chemicals needed for cleanup.

Design Creation and Preparation:

While hand-drawn designs have their charm, using software like Photoshop can simplify the editing and layering process. If you’re looking to transform a drawing into a print-ready design, vector conversion is your best bet.

All designs should ideally be printed onto transparency paper or acetate. If you’re environmentally conscious, tracing paper is a viable alternative. Ensure the design is opaque. For best results, use a toner printer or consult a professional printing service.

Design Planning Tips:

  • Size Matters: Ensure your design is slightly smaller than your screen.
  • Colour Limit: Stick to a maximum of three colours (just for this guide), as each colour requires a separate layer.
  • Layering Logic: Overlap lighter colours with darker layers for better visibility.
  • Alignment: Incorporate registration marks in your design to align layers during printing. For a visual guide, refer to this YouTube video on screen registration.
  • Printing: Once satisfied with your design, print it on the rough side of your chosen transparent medium (depends on printer type) using high-quality settings. Ensure the design is opaque to block light from reaching the emulsion, and always allow it to dry thoroughly.

With these guidelines in hand, you’re well-equipped to embark on your screen printing adventure, ensuring designs that are both beautiful and technically sound.

Films, Positives & Stencils For Screen Printing Exposure

Mastering the art of screen printing begins with understanding the intricacies of films, positives, and stencils. These foundational elements play a pivotal role in determining the clarity, precision, and vibrancy of your final prints. Whether you’re navigating the nuances of high-contrast film positives or exploring the best materials for durable stencils, our comprehensive guide provides in-depth insights and expert tips to elevate your screen printing game. Dive into the world of screen printing exposure with our detailed guide and ensure every print stands out with impeccable quality.

Read Screen Printing Film Positive Guide

Aligning Perfection: Setting Up Screen Printing Stencils for Multi-layered Designs

Once you have your design ready on vellum or acetate, the next crucial step is ensuring each layer aligns perfectly on the screen. Proper alignment is the key to crisp, multi-layered prints that look professional and seamless.

Steps and Tips for Stencil Alignment:

  1. Preparation:
    • Ensure your screen is clean and free from any previous ink or emulsion residues.
    • Position your screen on a flat, stable surface with good lighting.
    • Work in low light conditions to prevent premature exposure of the screen.
  2. Placement of the First Layer:
    • Begin by placing the first layer of your design on the screen. Ensure it’s centred and aligned to your desired position.
    • Use low-tack tape or registration tabs to temporarily hold the design in place.
  3. Registration Marks:
    • Incorporate registration marks on your design. These are small marks outside the main design area that help in aligning subsequent layers.
    • Ensure these marks are visible on every layer of your design.
  4. Layering:
    • Once the first layer is set, carefully position the next layer using the registration marks as a guide. This ensures each layer is perfectly aligned with the previous one.
    • Repeat this process for each layer, always cross-referencing with the registration marks.
  5. Securing the Design:
    • Once all layers are aligned, secure the design onto the screen using tape around the edges. This prevents any movement during the printing process.
  6. Test Print:
    • After exposing screens in the next step, before diving into the final print, always do a test print on scrap material. This helps identify any misalignments or issues that might need correction.

Additional Tips for Precision:

  • Square Alignment: Keeping the vellum or acetate square with the screen can significantly aid in maintaining consistent alignment across all layers.
  • Registration Mark Taping: While registration marks are essential for alignment during test prints, they can be taped over during the final print to ensure they don’t appear on the final product.

By meticulously following these steps and ensuring each layer aligns perfectly, you’ll achieve multi-layered screen prints that are sharp, vibrant, and professional.

Put double-sided tape on film to keep design aligned

Setting film out on T Shirt for planned screen print

Setting film out on T Shirt for planned screen print

Setting film out on T Shirt for planned screen print

Flim stuck to screen to help keep it in place when exposing

Step 5 – Exposing Your Screens

Equipment Needed

Design on Acetate

Printed design on acetate.

1000 Watt Light

1000 watt light for exposing screens.

Glass Sheet

The glass used for exposing screens.

Emulsion Coated Screen Mesh

Screen coated with light-sensitive emulsion.

Illuminating Your Design: The Art of Screen Exposure

Once your design is prepped, the next pivotal step in the screen printing process is exposure. This involves transferring your design onto the screen coated with dried emulsion, all within the confines of a dimly-lit room. The magic happens when light interacts with the emulsion, setting the stage for your final print.

Guidelines and Tips for Effective Screen Exposure:

  1. Setting the Stage:
    • Return to your dimly-lit room with the screen coated in dried emulsion.
    • Lay your design, printed on film or transparency paper, atop the screen, readying it for light exposure.
    • Lay a sheet of glass, ideally strengthen glass on top to help keep your design flat. The heat may warp the acetate, when using UV lights this is less likely to happen.
  2. Exposure Technique:
    • For a setup with a 1000w light, approximately 4 minutes of exposure is ideal at 15 inches away from the the screen. However, this can vary based on the distance and wattage of your light source or if using UV lights.
    • Post-exposure, use a jet wash to rinse off the unexposed emulsion.
  3. Tips for Optimal Exposure:
    • Place a block of blackout material beneath the mesh area of your screen. Position your design snugly on the mesh side. To ensure a flat, gap-free surface, lay a sheet of glass on top.
    • Exposure time can differ based on the distance between your screen and the light, as well as the light’s power. Use provided charts or the subsequent tip as a guide.
    • To fine-tune using my 1000w light, positioned about 15 inches from the screen, I exposed it for roughly a minute. After switching off the light, I shifted a piece of paper along and exposed for another minute. I repeated this process over different sections of the screen for about 5 minutes to determine the best exposure times for my setup.
    • The light causes the emulsion to harden and adhere to the screen mesh. Where your black image is, the light is obstructed, keeping the emulsion water-soluble.
    • For a deeper dive into timing adjustments, refer to resources like “Hunt The Moon Exposure Times“.
    • Steer clear of direct sunlight during this phase, as it can inadvertently expose and ruin the design you’ve just transferred onto the screen.
    • Finally, rinse the screen with water (a pressure washer is particularly effective here), washing away the non-adherent emulsion where your image was. This clear patch is where the ink will pass through during printing.

By meticulously following these steps, you’ll ensure a crisp, clear design transfer, setting the foundation for a successful screen printing project.

Information for the 2 charts taken from:Wikibooks Screen Printing

Lights For Screen Printing Exposure

The art of screen printing relies heavily on the precision of exposure, and the right lighting is paramount to achieving impeccable results. Whether you’re using UV lamps, halogen floodlights, or even the natural rays of the sun, the choice of light source can significantly impact the clarity and detail of your prints. For those keen on delving deeper into the intricacies of screen printing exposure and understanding the nuances of various light sources, our detailed guide offers comprehensive insights.

Read Screen Printing Light Guide

With a 150W Bulb, Clear Incandescent

Screen SizeBulb HeightExposure Time
8"x10"12 Inches45 Minutes
10"x14"12 Inches45 Minutes
12"x18"15 Inches1 hr. 14 Minutes
16"x20"17 Inches1 hr. 32 Minutes
18"x20"17 Inches1 hr. 32 Minutes

With a BBA No. 1 Photoflood (250 watts)

Screen SizeBulb HeightExposure Time
8"x10"12 Inches10 Minutes
10"x14"12 Inches10 Minutes
12"x18"15 Inches16 Minutes
16"x20"17 Inches20 Minutes
18"x20"17 Inches20 Minutes
Current 1000w Screen Printing Exposure Light

Exposing Screen

Use block of  blacked out wood under the screen to push against the mesh and keep airtight againt glass

Exposing Screen

1000w light at 15 inches exposing for 4 minutes

Washing Screen

Washing out screen after exposure

Washing Screen

Washing screen with jet washer

Washing Screen

Washing screen with jet washer, make sure to clear out all emulsion where your design is exposed!

Blocking Holes

Once the emulsion is cleared start blocking out pinholes on the screen with tape

Blocking Holes

Blocking out pinholes on screen with tape

Masking Unsued Areas

Block out unused areas of your screens

Step 6 – Screen Printing Your Design

Equipment Needed

Paper

Paper to print onto.

Shirt

Shirt to print the design onto.

Ink

Desired colour of water-based ink.

Squeeges

Squeeges to print with.

Now You’re Set to Print!

  1. Positioning: Place the screen on your chosen substrate, be it a t-shirt, other fabric, paper, or a screen print poster.
  2. Inking: Spread ink on the inside of the screen, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Printing: Firmly press the ink through the screen onto the substrate.
  4. Moistening: To prevent the ink from drying up prematurely, keep a spray bottle filled with water at hand and lightly mist as needed.
  5. Drying: Allow your design to dry naturally. If you’re in a hurry, especially with textiles, you can expedite the drying process using a hairdryer.
  6. Sealing: For textiles, it’s crucial to seal the ink with heat. Iron the printed area for a few minutes, placing paper on both sides of the design to protect both the iron and the print.

Tips for Screen Printing:

  • Stability: Ensure there’s no movement during the printing process to avoid smudging.
  • Drying: Always let your print dry thoroughly after printing to prevent unwanted ink transfer.
  • Spacing: Maintain a small gap, about 2mm, between the screen and the printing surface for optimal ink transfer.
  • Ink Coverage: If you notice white patches or areas where the substrate shows through the ink, apply more ink and increase the pressure slightly during the next pass.
  • Squeegee Technique: Pull the squeegee towards you at a 45-degree angle for consistent ink distribution.
  • Ink Maintenance: Ensure the ink doesn’t dry within the screen. Keep it moist between prints to maintain consistency and ease of application.

Types Of Inks For Screen Printing

You can use a variety of screen printing inks. The main two you’ll come across are water-based and plastisol inks. This guide will cover the use of water-based inks. However, with some more research, you can use this guide with plastisol inks as the process is the same apart from having to cure the inks.

Read Screen Printing Ink Guide

Squeegees For Screen Printing

Embarking on the journey of screen printing requires a deep understanding of its essential tools, with the squeegee being paramount. Its shape, material, and rigidity play a crucial role in determining the final print’s finesse. To navigate the complexities of choosing the right squeegee and mastering its use, delve into our detailed guide below, which offers a comprehensive overview tailored for both novices and seasoned screen printers.

Read Screen Printing Squeegee Guide

Inking Screen

Place ink about the width of the design

Charge Screen

Charge the screen with ink – Pull ink over design with no pressure applied

Print Ink

Push squeegee at 45 degree angle with pressure to push ink onto your garment

Step 7 – Clean Up

Equipment Needed

Jet Wash/Hose

Use a jet wash to clean screens.

Pregasol F

Pregasol F to decoat screens.

From Creation to Clean-Up: Concluding Your Screen Printing Journey

After successfully imprinting your design, the screen printing process doesn’t end. Maintaining your screen ensures its longevity and allows for future creative endeavours.

Screen Maintenance and Reuse:

  1. Safety First: Always wear gloves and goggles when handling chemicals or cleaning agents. This protects your skin and eyes from potential irritants.
  2. Ink Removal: To reuse your design, simply wash away the ink using water and a soft sponge. This ensures your screen remains clean and ready for its next use.
  3. Design Removal: If you wish to start afresh with a new design, soak your screen in emulsion remover, such as Pregasol F, for a few minutes. Subsequently, use a scrubby pad to gently scrub away the design.

Expand Your Canvas:

Don’t limit yourself to just t-shirts. The beauty of screen printing lies in its versatility. Experiment with garment printing on diverse items like bags, hats, hoodies, and more. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts:

Screen printing is indeed a captivating art form. Now that you’re equipped with the basics, it’s essential to harness this skill responsibly. Remember, with great skill comes great responsibility. Embrace the craft, and let your creativity shine!

Screens ready to be decoated

De-coating Screens

Screens ready to be decoated

Cleaning Screens After Printing

Old Screens

Screens ready to be decoated

Screen sprayed decoater Pregasol F

Spray Decoater

Screen sprayed decoater Pregasol F

Screen being scrubbed with Pregasol F

Scrub Screens

Screen being scrubbed with Pregasol F

Screen being jet washed after Pregasol F has degraded old emulsion

Start Jet Washing

Screen being jet washed after Pregasol F has degraded old emulsion

Degreasing screens for printing

Degrease Screens

Degrease screens before coating with emulsion

What Are The 6 Main Types of Screen Printing?

The 6 main types of screen printing methods are:

  • Spot Colour Screen Printing – Print a solid colour of your choice, this guide uses the spot colour method
  • Halftone Printing – Used to create tone and shades with fine dots, it creates a gradient of each colour
  • Grayscale Printing – Print a grayscale image using halftones, the higher the dot count in the half tones will help with higher detailed images
  • Duotone Printing – Print an image with just 2 colours using halftones, to create sepia-toned prints
  • CMYK (4-Color Printing) – You can print full colour images using this method, but is quite complex to setup and register all layers
  • Simulated Process Printing – Good for photorealistic printing which combines CMYK and Spot Colour Screen Printing

Screen printing may be an old printmaking technique, but it continues to be popular due to its effectiveness and flexibility in achieving stunning results. Plus, this type of printing is great when you need a large quantity of items printed quickly and cost efficiently. Whether you’re creating t-shirts for friends or mass producing promotional items, screen printing can help you get the job done!

What Can Be Screen Printed?

Screen printing can be used to to print a wide array of items:

  • T-Shirts, Hoodies and Clothing
  • Fine art prints
  • Balloons
  • Decals
  • Medical devices
  • Printed electronics including circuit board printing
  • Signage and displays
  • Thick film technology
  • Much more

Screen printing has become a reliable and effective way of transferring images onto many different materials and surface.

Challenges and Common Mistakes in Screen Printing

Screen printing is both an art and a science, and like any skill, it comes with its unique set of challenges, especially for novices. Understanding these challenges and the ways to counteract them can make the difference between a successful print and a wasted effort.

Potential Pitfalls for Beginners:

  1. Inadequate Screen Tension: A slack screen can lead to blurred or smudged images. Proper tension ensures that the ink is evenly distributed and that the design is sharp. Regularly check the tension of your screens, and consider investing in a tension meter for accuracy.
  2. Improper Ink Consistency: The viscosity of the ink plays a pivotal role. Too thick, and it won’t pass through the mesh easily; too thin, and it might bleed on the substrate. Regularly stir your inks and, if necessary, use thinners or additives designed for screen printing inks.
  3. Insufficient Ink Curing: Incomplete curing means the ink hasn’t fully set on the substrate. This can lead to designs that smudge or fade quickly. Invest in a proper curing machine or ensure that air-dried items have ample time to set.
  4. Overexposure or Underexposure of Screens: This affects the emulsion’s ability to wash out correctly. Overexposure can make it hard to clear areas of the design, while underexposure can lead to parts of the emulsion washing out unintentionally. Use an exposure calculator or test strips to determine optimal times.
  5. Misalignment of Multi-colour Designs: A slight shift can disrupt the entire design, especially in detailed multi-colour prints. Regularly check registration marks and ensure that the substrate is placed consistently.

Tips to Avoid Common Errors:

  1. Practice Makes Perfect: Start with simpler designs and fewer colours. As you become more comfortable, gradually take on more complex projects. This step-by-step approach builds confidence and skill.
  2. Invest in Quality Equipment: High-quality tools and materials can prevent many common issues. For instance, a good quality squeegee ensures even pressure and ink distribution, reducing the chances of smudging.
  3. Maintain Cleanliness: Any residue or debris can disrupt the printing process. After each session, clean screens with appropriate solvents. Keep your workspace tidy, ensuring that no dust or particles settle on your screens or substrates.
  4. Seek Guidance: The screen printing community is vast and often very supportive. Engaging with experienced printers can provide insights that might take years to learn on your own. Consider joining local workshops or online forums.
  5. Test Prints: Always run a few test prints on similar material before committing to the final print. This allows you to adjust tension, ink consistency, and exposure times as needed, ensuring the best possible result for the main batch.

By delving deeper into the intricacies of screen printing and being proactive in addressing potential issues, beginners can elevate the quality of their work and enjoy the rewarding process of creating beautiful prints.

Screen Printing FAQ

1. How do you do screen printing?

Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or a series of stencils for multi-coloured designs), which is applied to a mesh screen. Ink is then pushed through the screen onto the material to be printed on. The ink only adheres to the areas where there is no stencil, creating a clear, precise image or pattern.

2. How does screen printing work?

Screen printing works by applying layers of ink to a surface through a mesh screen onto which a stencil has been applied. Each colour requires a different screen, with the ink pushed through using a squeegee onto the material. The design is created by layering these colours one at a time.

3. How does screen printing work at home?

Screen printing at home follows the same principle as industrial screen printing, but on a smaller scale. You would need a screen printing kit which includes a screen, photo emulsion, a squeegee, and inks. Designs can be created using cutting tools or light-sensitive emulsion for more complex designs.

4. Which method is best for printing shirts?

The best method depends on your specific needs. For large quantities and fewer colours, traditional screen printing is often best due to its cost-effectiveness and durability of the print. For small quantities or designs with many colours and details, direct-to-garment (DTG) or digital printing might be a better option.

5. What lasts longer screen printing or digital printing?

While both methods can produce high-quality, durable prints, traditional screen printing generally has a longer lifespan, especially when properly cared for. However, the difference is often minimal and other factors, such as the type of material and the care instructions, can also play a significant role in the longevity of the print.

6. Is screen printing hard to do?

Screen printing is a skill that requires some practice to master, particularly when creating multi-coloured designs. However, basic screen printing is relatively straightforward and there are many tutorials and kits available to help beginners learn the process.

7. What is needed for DIY screen printing?

For DIY screen printing, you would need a screen, a squeegee, inks, a stencil, and a flat surface to print on. You might also need an emulsion kit if you are creating your stencils photographically, and a heat source (like a heat gun or iron) to cure the ink.

8. Do you need a press to screen print?

While a press can help ensure even pressure and alignment, especially for multi-coloured designs, it’s not strictly necessary for basic screen printing. A simple hand-held squeegee can also be used to push the ink through the screen.

9. Is screen printing better than vinyl?

Screen printing and vinyl printing each have their pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on the specific project. Screen printing tends to be more cost-effective for large batches and creates a more durable and professional finish. However, vinyl is easier for DIY and small projects, and can handle intricate, multi-coloured designs more easily.

9. How should I care for screen printed items?

It’s recommended to turn the printed garment inside out before washing, use cold water, and air dry if possible. Avoid ironing directly on the print.

10. Can I print multiple colours?

Yes, but each color needs a different screen. The colours are then printed one at a time and layered on top of each other.

11. What is the difference between screen printing and DTG?

Screen printing involves creating a stencil, or screen, for each color used in the artwork and then using that stencil to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Direct-to-garment (DTG) uses a printer to spray ink directly onto the garment and can handle high-detail color blending, making it better for complex or multicolored designs. However, screen printing tends to last longer and is more cost-effective for larger batches.

12. What is the environmental impact of screen printing?

The environmental impact of screen printing depends on several factors including the type of ink used, the cleaning process, and the disposal of materials. Water-based inks are generally considered more environmentally friendly than plastisol inks. Adopting good practices like proper cleaning and disposal methods can help minimise environmental impact.

13. How long does the screen printing process take?

The process can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of colors used. Once the screens are created, the actual printing can be done relatively quickly.

14. How durable is screen printing?

Screen printing is known for its durability. The inks used in screen printing are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, the durability also depends on the type of ink used, the substrate, and proper care of the printed item.

15. Can you screen print a photograph?

Yes, but it can be a complex process. To screen print a photograph, it needs to be converted into a halftone image, where the colors and shades are represented by small dots.

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