Exploring the Technical Intricacies of Screen Printing

At Sunny Side Ink, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality custom printing solutions. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one of our specialties: screen printing.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a versatile printing technique that involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate. This method can be used on various materials, including:

• Textiles
• Paper
• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal

The Technical Process

The screen printing process consists of several crucial steps:

1. Screen Preparation

A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The design is then printed on a transparent film and placed on the emulsion-coated screen. UV light is used to harden the emulsion around the design, creating a stencil.

2. Ink Selection

Different substrates require specific ink types. For example, plastisol inks are popular for textile printing, while solvent-based inks work well on non-porous surfaces.

3. Press Setup

The screen is secured in the printing press, and the substrate is placed beneath it. Registration marks ensure proper alignment for multi-color designs.

4. Printing

Ink is placed on the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh onto the substrate. For multi-color designs, this process is repeated with different screens and inks.

5. Curing

The printed item is then passed through a dryer or heat press to cure the ink, ensuring durability and wash-fastness.

Advantages of Screen Printing

Screen printing offers several benefits, including:

• Vibrant, long-lasting colors
• Cost-effective for large runs
• Ability to print on various materials
• Durability and wash-resistance

At Sunny Side Ink, we leverage these technical aspects to deliver exceptional screen printing results. Whether you need custom t-shirts, promotional items, or industrial applications, our expertise ensures your project will shine.