How A Screen Printing Process Is Conducted
Screen printing is conducted entirely by hand. It is a printing process that utilizes a fine mesh screen, thick ink, a press, and a drying process. Due to the quick speed of screen printing and the low-cost factor that is involved in this type of printing, you may want to utilize this method to mass-produce garments for your public event.
Digital Versus Screen Printing
Digital printing is performed via a printer and digital technology. Multiple colors of ink are soaked into a fabric garment and will replicate a digital design that has been created beforehand. Screen printing does not soak ink into the fabric. Instead, the ink will rest on top of the surface of a garment.
Dried screen printing ink will be smooth to the touch and may have a slightly rounded texture. Screen printing (also called silk printing) is best-suited for printing designs that are intended to stand out. Due to the 3-dimensional qualities of this type of print, two or three colors of ink will adequately add pops of color to shirts, hats, tote bags, and more.
The Screen Printing Process
Some screen print shops sell garments onsite. Purchasing a garment from a screen print supplier is not always necessary, however. Many print shops that offer screen printing services will allow a client to purchase garments separately and bring them to the shop for the printing process. A shop may feature a series of designs for a customer to choose from.
If a client has a unique design that they would like added to some plain garments, they will need to bring it along with them when they seek a screen printing service. A mesh screen will be stretched across a metal frame. The framework will be attached to a press. A color mixing process is conducted, prior to adding ink to a garment.
The ink will be pushed straight through the screen and will be dispensed onto a garment. A press will hold a garment in place while it is being treated. Each garment is printed separately. Once the ink has been added, a garment will need to dry. Many screen printing businesses feature a drying station. The drying station may consist of a conveyor belt and a heating apparatus. While the ink is drying, a garment will remain face-up on the conveyor belt. After the ink has dried, a screen-printed garment is ready to be worn.
Share