Printing & Embroidery

The Basics of Screen Printing

Screen printing involves using a mesh screen to create an image. The emulsion that is applied to the screen is then exposed to bright light. The emulsion hardens in the exposed areas. The resulting imprint on the screen is a clear image of the design. After the screen is dry, the item to be printed is placed under it.

A metal or wooden frame is used to create the screen. The screen is then covered with a fine mesh fabric. The fabric is traditionally made of silk thread, though nowadays, most screens are made of polyester fabrics. The thickness and texture of the mesh fabric can vary depending on the design to be printed. The screen is then covered with an emulsion before it is used. The screen is then washed and reused.

Screen printing is a good option for those who need to print large quantities of shirts. The screen creation process can take a lot of time, but once the screens are ready, the design can be transferred to many shirts at once. In contrast, heat transfer vinyl and Direct to Garment shirts can only be printed one at a time.

Screen printing is more affordable than other forms of printing. The inks used are relatively cheap and won’t break the bank, especially if the printing is done in large quantities. This technique has many advantages, including the fact that it’s widely used and widely accessible. With the wide use of the internet, countless new printing company in Tacoma area have sprouted up. With screen printing, nearly any type of logo, wording, or picture can be printed onto clothing.

A screen printing press has several components. First, the material to be printed is placed on the printing board. Next, the screen is placed over the material. Using a stencil, the screen is placed in the desired position. Then, the desired color ink is added to the top of the screen. Then a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh with moderate pressure. The ink then transfers to the underlying silk.

Screen printing is a good choice for large print runs. The process is faster than digital printing, but requires a high upfront cost. Generally, digital printing is more affordable for low-quantity jobs. However, there is a limit to the number of colors you can use with screen printing. However, if you want to create more complex designs, screen printing is the way to go.