Monday, January 3, 2011

Screen Printing

This type of printing involves the technique that uses a woven mesh to reinforce an ink-blocking stencil. The screen is constructed with a piece of absorbent woven fabric which is called mesh, which is stretched over the frame. This stencil then forms an open area of mesh which transfers ink on a printable material. This can then be pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A squeegee or rubber blade is then moved across the screen stencil, which forces the ink past the threads of the mesh in open areas.

There are three common types of screen printing presses.

  • flat-bed
  • cylinder
  • rotary (most common)


Screen printing is very versatile. It is most often used to create t-shirts, but many different items can be designed with one such as a cloth bag. Plastic and metal can even be used. Small and intricate details can be captured, but its better suited for much bolder designs.

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