Printing in its various forms is technology that is used on a daily basis in our world. For those times where a non impact form of publishing is desired in artistic or commercial uses printing using screen printing mesh is a cost effective option. With its low cost and range of options many amateurs and professionals use this type of technology for clothing, paper and other surfaces.
Starting with ink on silk screens in Japan, China and other Asian nations and then expanding to Europe in the 18th century it became popular in the 20th century. Technology advanced so the materials and technologies for this type of design became cheap. This press for the average man that did not require specialized and expensive equipment has been one of the widest used publishing tools.
The technique can be applied to many surfaces and in many combinations to allow a wide range of options. The ink that is used in the process can produce any effect from a cracked surface to a high gloss metallic shine. The ink can also be waterproof and combined with other ingredients to create a texture or beaded surface.
The mesh that filters the ink is as varied as the range of inks you can use in the process. The basic plain weave polyester is the typical screen used for printing. This combination provides fine image design as well as lower cost. For other projects steel, nylon and silk can be used depending on the ink and surface where it is applied.
Along with the material and weave the mesh count of the screen is an important factor to consider especially for high resolution images. The mesh count is the number of threads per inch that overlap per inch of screen. On the low side the numbers can go below 100 threads per inch with the high end being in the upper 300 strings per square inch. The higher the weave count the more detailed the final image will be.
In addition once you have learned the basics you should prepare to get additional materials and screens for your work. You should have at least two screens with one being 110 count and the other 156 for starters. Then depending on your designs getting some that have a lower or higher count would be a good idea.
Then when you get a new screen material use an abrader and degreaser to improve the surface performance of the material used. Treating the new screen with these chemicals allows the ink to stick to the threads better than untreated screens. Then after some use an older screen should be cleaned with haze remover that cleans off ink buildup. These steps will extend the lifespan of your supplies and give you the best quality images.
From beginner to experienced craftsman the use of screen printing mesh for your needs is a easy to learn and affordable option. With the range of options provided by different inks and weaves many items can be printed for a low cost. From pottery to clothing and many other surfaces this is the means to your design goals no matter what materials you work with.
Starting with ink on silk screens in Japan, China and other Asian nations and then expanding to Europe in the 18th century it became popular in the 20th century. Technology advanced so the materials and technologies for this type of design became cheap. This press for the average man that did not require specialized and expensive equipment has been one of the widest used publishing tools.
The technique can be applied to many surfaces and in many combinations to allow a wide range of options. The ink that is used in the process can produce any effect from a cracked surface to a high gloss metallic shine. The ink can also be waterproof and combined with other ingredients to create a texture or beaded surface.
The mesh that filters the ink is as varied as the range of inks you can use in the process. The basic plain weave polyester is the typical screen used for printing. This combination provides fine image design as well as lower cost. For other projects steel, nylon and silk can be used depending on the ink and surface where it is applied.
Along with the material and weave the mesh count of the screen is an important factor to consider especially for high resolution images. The mesh count is the number of threads per inch that overlap per inch of screen. On the low side the numbers can go below 100 threads per inch with the high end being in the upper 300 strings per square inch. The higher the weave count the more detailed the final image will be.
In addition once you have learned the basics you should prepare to get additional materials and screens for your work. You should have at least two screens with one being 110 count and the other 156 for starters. Then depending on your designs getting some that have a lower or higher count would be a good idea.
Then when you get a new screen material use an abrader and degreaser to improve the surface performance of the material used. Treating the new screen with these chemicals allows the ink to stick to the threads better than untreated screens. Then after some use an older screen should be cleaned with haze remover that cleans off ink buildup. These steps will extend the lifespan of your supplies and give you the best quality images.
From beginner to experienced craftsman the use of screen printing mesh for your needs is a easy to learn and affordable option. With the range of options provided by different inks and weaves many items can be printed for a low cost. From pottery to clothing and many other surfaces this is the means to your design goals no matter what materials you work with.
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