![]() ![]() When screen printing, the fewer strokes you make, the better, so ensuring your squeegee is in prime condition is crucial. One thing you need to be sure of is the squeegee is sharp and straight. ![]() To help the ink pass through the screen and reach the material, a squeegee is required. When going through the screen printing process, don't let the platen move. ![]() This is the easiest way to ruin the final image and distort your design. When pressing the image, the platen can't move. It's critically important to add a thinning agent to the subsequent colors added to avoid color blotching and wasting ink and other resources.įor example, if you were adding three different ink colors, the first color applied should have the thickest density, the second color with a medium-density ink, and the third color with a light-density ink. The first color added is the one that needs to penetrate the deepest into the material.īecause colors added later will lay on top of the ink already added to the material, those inks should not be as thick. When applying multiple colors, it's important to understand how muck ink should be applied. ![]() 7) Thinning out with multiple colors and inks.įor the ambitious printer, we'll help you out too, though. We'd recommend only experienced "printers" use complex color combinations when using a screen printer. You'll also need to change out the screen - or at least thoroughly rinse between ink applications - which is difficult and could compromise the final image's quality. While multiple colors are possible, the more complex your design is - both shape, size, and color - the more careful you need to be when multiple colors. One-color designs are often best for screen printing materials quickly. More complex designs should use a higher mesh count screen. For a bold look, use a lower mesh count screen. The mesh count you need depends on the complexity of the design you're printing and how many colors are being used. 5) Watch out for mesh count.ĭid you know that every screen has a different mesh count? Higher mesh counts release less ink through screen and onto the print, while lower mesh counts work the opposite way. However, when the screen is tight, the final product will have supreme quality and be easier to manufacture as less pressure is required. If the screen isn't tight, the image will "bleed" as the image area accidentally becomes a moving target. Black-colored layer (layer on which the screen is placed)Ī loose screen can ruin the screen printing process as it will compromise the final printed image.Screen frame (a wooden frame that contains the ink, mesh, and the artwork).Material (fabric for t-shirts, a poster board, etc.).With the artwork and ink prepped, gather the rest of the materials necessary for screen printing: 3) Gather all the required materials first. Need help ensuring your artwork is prepped correctly? Consult a professional. If correct, the artwork will block the emulsion on the screen, allowing the ink to pass through the screen and create the image on the desired surface. The goal should be to create a copy of the artwork that is black and on a clear background. While complex designs are possible, a beginner should look to try to screen print simple designs with clear-cut lines first. The best way to do this is to have the image copied onto a transparent layer, which you can have a local printer do for a very small fee. Just as important as preparing the ink, setting up the artwork correctly for your screen printer is a must. 2) Ensure the artwork is ready for screen printing. Once your ink is smooth and appears "creamy," you're ready to pour. The stirring ensures a proper consistency and eliminates chances for blotches and clumps to form. With the correct texture established, you must stir the ink before pouring and using it in your screen printer. If the ink is too thin, try storing it in a room temperature - or even slightly cool - setting, waiting another 24-36 hours to try printing. This product will help the ink spread easily and give you less work to do. In the case of ink being too thick, make sure the reducer you add to it is soft hand and clear. Should the ink not be of print-quality consistency, you can add products to help thin or thicken the ink. If it's too thin or too thick, the printing quality is difficult to regulate. 1) Properly prepare the ink.Īn ink's quality is crucial to the quality of the final image produced. Ready to begin? Read the 13 screen printing tips first. Some screen printers do more than others, so make sure you know all the details and full capabilities of yours. Screen printing may seem like an easy trade to learn, but you must master all of the minor details in order to ensure a high-quality image is created on a consistent basis. ![]()
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