Screen printing is a printing technique in which ink is forced through a fine mesh screen onto the surface of a substrate, such as fabric. It is a popular method for printing designs on clothing, as well as on other items such as posters, signs, and promotional products.
Here’s how the process works:
First, the design to be printed is created and transferred onto a screen. This is typically done by exposing a screen to light through a film positive of the design, which is then washed out with water, leaving the image on the screen in the form of a stencil.
The screen is placed on top of the fabric and ink is applied to the screen, using a squeegee. The ink is forced through the mesh of the screen and onto the fabric, creating the printed image.
The screen is then lifted off the fabric and the ink is allowed to dry. The process is repeated as necessary to apply multiple colors or to print multiple copies of the same design.
Screen printing is a fast and efficient way to produce large quantities of printed items, and it is often used for custom printing on clothing, such as t-shirts and hoodies. It is also an economical choice for printing large quantities of items, as the cost per unit decreases as the quantity increases.
Here are some pros and cons of screen printing:
Pros:
High durability: Screen-printed designs are known for their long-lasting quality and resistance to fading.
Versatility: Screen printing can be used to print on a wide variety of fabrics and materials, including cotton, polyester, and even leather.
High-quality prints: Screen printing allows for the production of sharp, high-resolution prints with a wide range of colors.
Cons:
Setup costs: Setting up a screen printing operation can be expensive, as it requires specialized equipment and materials.
Limited to flat surfaces: Screen printing is not well suited for printing on irregular or three-dimensional surfaces.
Long turnaround time: Screen printing can be a time-consuming process, particularly if you are printing a large number of garments or multiple colors.
Overall, screen printing is a reliable and cost-effective printing method that is well-suited for printing high-quality designs onto garments in large quantities. It is often the go-to choice for printing t-shirts, but it may not be the best option for printing on more complex or irregular surfaces.
There are several types of inks that are commonly used for screen printing on garments, including:
Plastisol ink: Plastisol is the most commonly used ink for screen printing on garments. It is a PVC-based ink that is thick and opaque, making it well-suited for printing on dark fabrics. Plastisol ink is easy to work with and can produce high-quality prints that are durable and long-lasting.
Water-based ink: Water-based ink is a more eco-friendly option that is made from water and pigments. It is thin and translucent, which makes it well-suited for printing on light-colored fabrics. Water-based ink produces soft, subtle prints that are less durable than plastisol ink. However, there are now new water-based inks that are opaque and can be applied on dark garments. They are plastisol-like in touch and are like plastisol durable.
Discharge ink: Discharge ink is a special type of ink that is used to print on dark fabrics. It works by removing the dye from the fabric, leaving behind a print that is the color of the ink. Discharge ink produces soft, vintage-looking prints, but it can be difficult to work with and may not produce consistent results.
Foil ink: Foil ink is used to print metallic or reflective designs onto garments. It is applied over a layer of adhesive, and a thin layer of metallic foil is then pressed onto the ink. Foil ink produces eye-catching, shimmering prints, but it can be expensive and may not be as durable as other types of ink.
Screen printing ink like plastisol can be used on polyester fabrics, as it is thick and opaque, and it produces durable prints that are resistant to fading. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is known for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, as well as its ability to stretch and retain its shape.
Water-based ink is also an option for printing on polyester, but it may not be as durable as plastisol ink and may not hold up as well over time.
It is important to note that polyester fabrics can be more challenging to print on than natural fibers like cotton due to their smooth, non-porous surface. This can make it more difficult for the ink to adhere to the fabric, resulting in prints that are less vibrant and less durable. To improve the adhesion of the ink, you may need to pretreat the fabric with a special solution or use a special type of ink, such as ink that is specifically formulated for printing on synthetic fabrics.
When choosing ink for screen printing on garments, you should consider the type of fabric you will be printing on, the color of the fabric, and the desired finished look of the print. Plastisol ink is a good all-purpose choice, but water-based ink may be a better option if you are looking for a softer, more eco-friendly print. Discharge ink can be a good choice for printing on dark fabrics, but it requires a bit more experience to work with. Foil ink is a good choice for adding a metallic or reflective element to your designs, but it can be more expensive and may not be as durable as other types of ink.
Special purpose inks
There are special inks for printing on fabrics, inks that allow for unique effects and finishes on fabrics. Here are a few examples of special inks that can be used for printing on fabrics:
- 3D inks: These inks are used for printing three-dimensional images on fabrics. 3D inks are applied in layers, allowing for the creation of a 3D effect on the fabric. To achieve an excellent 3D effect you have to use thick capillary 200-400 microns film instead of using standard photo emulsion
- Suede inks: Suede inks are used for printing a suede effect on fabrics. They are applied to the fabric through screens with emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films, allowing for the creation of a fabric with a suede-like texture.
- Shimmer inks: Shimmer inks are used for printing a shimmer effect on fabrics. They are applied to the fabric using also emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films, allowing for the creation of a fabric with a shiny finish.
- Metallic inks: Metallic inks are used for printing a metallic effect on fabrics. It allows for the creation of a fabric with a metallic finish.
- Glitter inks: Glitter inks are used for printing a glitter effect on fabrics. It allows the creation of fabrics containing small glitter particles. A capillary film of 50 -70 microns has to be used.
- Puff ink: Puff ink is used for printing a puffed effect on fabrics. Making it possible to create fabrics that have small puffed areas. Emulsion suited for HD inks should be used.
- Cork ink: Cork ink is used for printing a cork effect on fabrics. This enables the creation of fabrics with cork-like textures. An emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films of up to 400 microns is needed.
- Plush ink: Plush ink is used for printing a plush or velvety effect on fabrics. An emulsion suited for HD inks is recommended only.
- HD clear: HD clear is a clear ink used for printing a high-definition effect on fabrics. Can be used to create crisp, clear prints with fine details. An emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films of 200 – 400 microns is recommended.
- Rock base: Rock base is a special ink used for printing a rock-like texture on fabrics. Can be used to create a fabric with a rough, rocky texture. The ink should be applied through an emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films of 200 – 400 microns.
- Brittle base: Brittle base is a special ink used for printing a brittle or shattered glass effect on fabrics. A fabric with a broken glass-like texture can be created using this technique. An emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films of up to 200 microns is needed.
- Phosphorescent ink: Phosphorescent ink is a special ink that glows in the dark. Fabrics with glowing effects can be made in low-light conditions. An emulsion suited for HD inks or capillary films of 200 – 400 microns is recommended.
- Pearl base: Pearl base is a special ink used for printing a pearl-like effect on fabrics. It can be used to create a fabric with a pearlized finish. Capillary films are not recommended.
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