Screen printing, also known as silkscreen printing, is a method of printing images onto a surface using a stencil. It involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate, like fabric or paper, using a squeegee.
Key Characteristics / Core Concepts
- Uses a stencil: A design is created on a mesh screen, blocking ink from passing through in unwanted areas.
- Ink is pushed through the mesh: A squeegee forces ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the substrate.
- Versatile substrate options: Screen printing can be used on various materials, including fabrics, paper, wood, and plastic.
- Wide range of ink types: Different inks are available for diverse materials and effects (e.g., plastisol, water-based).
- Layer printing capabilities: Multiple colors can be achieved by layering the prints, using a separate screen for each color.
How It Works / Its Function
The process starts with creating a stencil on a fine mesh screen. This stencil accurately represents the desired image. Ink is then applied to the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the material below. This process is repeated for each color in a design if required.
Examples
- T-shirt printing: A common use for screen printing is producing custom-designed t-shirts.
- Poster printing: Screen printing produces high-quality, vibrant posters.
- Packaging: Many products use screen-printed labels and packaging.
Why is it Important? / Significance
Screen printing remains a popular printing method because it’s relatively inexpensive for large quantities, allows for highly detailed images, and can print on a wide variety of surfaces. It’s a crucial process in many industries.
Related Concepts
- Stencil
- Squeegee
- Mesh