Screen Printing Works

How Screen Printing Works: A Quick Beginner’s Guide

Screen Printing Works, also known as silk screening or serigraphy, is a popular and versatile printing technique used by many industries to transfer designs onto various surfaces. From T-shirts and posters to glass and wood, screen printing offers a durable and high-quality finish that stands out. At Screen 27, we specialise in providing bespoke screen printing services for businesses and individuals across London, helping them bring their unique ideas to life.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of how screen printing works, the essential equipment needed, and why it’s such a popular choice for printing.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a process that involves transferring ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate (the material you want to print on), using a stencil to block out areas where ink is not required. Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, so it’s a method often used for designs with fewer colours. The process is ideal for creating vibrant, long-lasting prints, making it particularly popular for custom clothing, posters, and promotional materials.

The Basic Steps of Screen Printing

The screen printing process may seem intricate at first, but it follows a clear, step-by-step method that ensures the final product looks professional and vibrant. Let’s break down the key stages of screen printing:

1. Design Creation

The first step in any screen printing project is creating the design you want to print. This can be done using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or any design tool that allows for creating vector images. It’s essential that the design is high quality and correctly sized for the item being printed, as the screen will replicate it exactly.

At Screen 27, we recommend keeping designs relatively simple, especially for beginners, since each colour in the design will require a separate screen and application. It’s also important to remember that complex details may be lost in the printing process.

2. Creating the Screen

Once the design is finalised, the next step is to prepare the screen. The screen is made of fine mesh, traditionally silk but more commonly polyester today, which is stretched tightly over a frame. To create the stencil, the mesh is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion.

The design is printed onto a transparent sheet (often called a film positive), which is then placed on top of the coated screen. The screen and design are exposed to a strong light source, causing the emulsion to harden in areas where the light passes through the transparent parts of the design. The emulsion in areas blocked by the design remains soft and can be washed away, leaving a stencil on the screen.

This stage is crucial as the quality of the stencil directly affects the final print. Any imperfections in the emulsion or exposure process could result in a blurred or incomplete print.

3. Setting Up the Screen for Printing

After creating the stencil, the screen is placed onto the printing press. The printing press holds the screen in place and ensures that each print is consistent in quality and placement. At Screen 27, we use both manual and automatic printing presses, depending on the size and complexity of the order.

Next, the substrate (such as a T-shirt or poster) is placed underneath the screen, ready for printing. For clothing items, a special platen (a flat plate that holds the garment) is often used to keep the fabric smooth and in place.

4. Applying the Ink

Now comes the most exciting part—applying the ink! Ink is poured onto the screen at one end, and a squeegee (a flat rubber blade) is used to drag the ink across the screen and force it through the mesh stencil onto the substrate. The pressure applied during this stage is crucial for even ink distribution.

One important thing to note is that screen printing uses specialised inks, which can vary depending on the substrate. For example, at Screen 27, we offer eco-friendly water-based inks that are ideal for T-shirts, as they provide a soft feel, while plastisol inks are often used for creating thicker, more vibrant prints.

5. Curing the Ink

Once the design has been transferred to the substrate, it’s time to cure the ink. Curing ensures that the ink dries and adheres properly to the fabric or material. This process usually involves heating the printed item in a curing machine or conveyor dryer, which fixes the ink in place.

For clothing, the item is heated to around 160°C to ensure the ink sets and remains wash-resistant. If the curing process isn’t done correctly, the print can fade or crack after washing, so this step is critical in ensuring the quality and longevity of the final product.

6. Finishing Touches

After curing, the screen-printed item is inspected for quality. Any excess ink or imperfections are corrected, and the item is ready for packing or further finishing processes, such as adding additional print layers or embellishments.

At Screen 27, we always carry out thorough quality checks to ensure that every print meets our high standards before it’s delivered to our customers.

Why Choose Screen Printing?

Now that you understand the basic process, you might wonder why Screen Printing Works is so popular. Here are a few reasons why Screen 27 and many others choose this method:

  1. Vibrant Colours: Screen printing allows for incredibly vibrant colours that last. The ink is applied in thick layers, which means the colours are bold and stand out, even on dark fabrics.
  2. Durability: Screen printing inks are durable and designed to withstand many washes without fading or cracking. This is especially important for clothing and promotional items that need to maintain their appearance over time.
  3. Versatility: Screen printing works on a wide range of materials, including fabric, paper, wood, metal, and glass. At Screen 27, we regularly print on T-shirts, hoodies, posters, and even packaging materials.
  4. Cost-effective for Large Orders: For bulk printing, screen printing is often more cost-effective than other methods, as the setup process remains the same whether you’re printing 10 or 1,000 items. This makes it a popular choice for businesses, sports teams, and event organisers looking to produce large quantities of branded items.
  5. Customisation: Screen printing is ideal for creating custom designs. Whether you want a one-of-a-kind T-shirt or a branded marketing item, the technique allows for flexibility in design and personalisation.

Screen Printing vs. Other Printing Methods

While screen printing has many advantages, it’s worth considering how it compares to other printing methods:

  • Digital Printing: Digital printing is more suited to smaller runs and detailed designs, as it doesn’t require the same setup as screen printing. However, screen printing produces more vibrant colours, especially on dark materials.
  • Heat Transfer: Heat transfer printing is often faster and cheaper for small orders, but the quality and durability of screen-printed designs are far superior.

Conclusion

Screen printing is a time-tested, versatile method for creating high-quality, long-lasting designs. At Screen 27 in London, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional screen printing services in London, ensuring every print is as vibrant and durable as possible.

Whether you’re a business looking for promotional materials or an individual wanting custom T-shirts, screen printing offers a reliable and effective solution. With its ability to handle large orders, deliver vibrant colours, and work on various materials, it’s easy to see why screen printing remains a popular choice.

Ready to get started? Contact Screen 27 today and bring your designs to life!