What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a printing technique used to transfer images onto various materials such as fabric, paper, glass, metal, and plastic. It involves creating a stencil (or screen) of the desired image on a fine mesh screen, typically made of polyester or nylon. The areas of the screen that are not part of the stencil are blocked off, while the stencil areas allow ink to pass through onto the material below.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the screen printing process:

1. Design Preparation: The desired image or design is created digitally or manually and then transferred onto a transparent film.
2. Screen Preparation: A mesh screen (usually made of polyester or nylon) is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The film with the design is placed on the coated screen, and then the screen is exposed to light. The areas of the emulsion exposed to light harden, while the areas covered by the design remain soft and water-soluble.
3. Stencil Creation: After exposure, the screen is rinsed with water, causing the unexposed emulsion to wash away, leaving a stencil on the screen corresponding to the design.
4. Printing Setup: The prepared screen is mounted on a printing press, and the material to be printed on (such as a T-shirt or poster) is placed under the screen.
5. Ink Application: Ink is poured onto the top of the screen, and a squeegee is used to spread the ink evenly over the stencil, pushing it through the mesh onto the material below.
6. Drying and Curing: Once the ink is applied, the material is passed through a dryer or heat source to dry and cure the ink, making it permanent and durable.

Take-A-Way

Screen printing is popular for its versatility, allowing for vibrant colors, precise designs, and the ability to print on various surfaces. It's commonly used in industries such as apparel, signage, packaging, and art.  Unlike heat transfers, screen printing will last for years and years.