Screen Printing Research
Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed.
Screen printing is also a stencil method of print making in which a design is imposed on a screen of polyester or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance. Ink is forced into the mesh openings by the fill blade or squeegee and by wetting the substrate, transferred onto the printing surface during the squeegee stroke. As the screen rebounds away from the substrate the ink remains on the substrate. It is also known as silk-screen, screen, serigraphy, and serigraph printing. One colour is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multicoloured image or design.
- Mesh is stapled to a wooden or metal frame
- Masking tape stuck around underside of the screen
- Stencil design cut
- Stencil placed under frame but above paper
- Line of ink placed at one end of screen
- Use squeegee to draw ink across screen, pressing firmly
- Carefully lift screen
- Evaluate and repeat
Screen Printing is a time-tested stenciling technique used to apply inked images to a wide variety of substrates. Using a stencil, or a series of stencils, the ink is distributed to the desired area(s) by being pressed through a porous screen, hence the name Screen Printing.
Also known as silkscreen, serigraphy, or serigraph printing, Screen Printing can be performed as a manual or automated process.
Screen printing has only recently become a viable medium for reproductions, despite evidence of its existence as far back as 500 A.D., according to "Printmaking: History and Process." The process is thought to have begun in China and Japan during that period, where it was used to transfer decorative images to fabric. Screen printing would become popular in the United States in the 1960s when Andy Warhol used the method in his art.
In artistic screen printing, stencils are often made by hand and applied to screens for printing. A squeegee is pulled across the screen and ink enters the open areas to create an impression of the image on another surface. In commercial printing, a chemical emulsion is applied to a screen, and then artwork printed on vellum paper is attached to the emulsion. The screen is then placed under a powerful light, which "burns" the image from the vellum to the screen. The vellum is then removed, and the screen is sprayed with water, which reveals the open image area created in the emulsion while under the light.
Advantages - The screen printing process affords one the opportunity to print images and text on a variety of promotional items. Unlike other printmaking techniques, such as intaglio or relief, screen printing allows many prints to be created before a reapplication of ink is necessary, which makes screen printing very useful commercially.
Disadvantages - Images for screen printing have to be simple in design and reduced to definite lines or shapes that will print well. While screen frames are durable, and can be reused many times, they can eventually become warped and uneven. Most hand-stencils are very fragile and break down faster than emulsion-based processes.
Pros of Screen Printing
1. Cost effective
2. High quality printing
3. Professional looking
4. Long-lasting & durable through multiple wash cycles
5. Easier to print larger prints
6. Easier to print on specific parts of a t-shirt, hoodie, or baby garment.
7. Great for larger orders
2. High quality printing
3. Professional looking
4. Long-lasting & durable through multiple wash cycles
5. Easier to print larger prints
6. Easier to print on specific parts of a t-shirt, hoodie, or baby garment.
7. Great for larger orders
Cons of Screen Printing
1. Set up
2. Minimum quantity orders needed
3. Sometimes can have a thick finish
4. Photos and high resolution details do not show up well
2. Minimum quantity orders needed
3. Sometimes can have a thick finish
4. Photos and high resolution details do not show up well
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