Screen Printing
Also known as stencil printing, screen printing is a technique that involves pushing ink through a matrix. The matrix is a printing form (stencil) placed on a fine mesh, either woven metal or synthetic fibers. This method allows for precise and high-quality prints on various materials.
Main Elements of Screen Printing
The key components include: A – Ink, B – Squeegee, C – Open mesh area, D – Mesh covered by stencil, E – Mesh frame, F – Printed graphic. Understanding these elements ensures proper preparation and execution of prints.
The Mesh
The mesh is a rectangular frame, usually made of aluminum, with a stretched screen. Historically, silk or cotton threads were used, while modern meshes are made from nylon, polyester, or metal. Most printing meshes contain between 100 and 150 threads per cm², with mesh openings between 30 and 40 micrometers.
To print anything, a stencil (matrix) is also required. The stencil blocks non-printable areas of the mesh. Several methods are used depending on the ink type, mesh, print run size, and desired effect. These include: hand application of a blocking solution that dries to form a non-permeable layer, drawing with ink or lithographic pencil, cutting templates from paper or foil, or coating the mesh with a photosensitive emulsion that is exposed and developed in a copy frame.
- Manual application of a solution onto the mesh, which, after drying, forms a non-permeable layer.
- Drawing on the mesh surface with ink or a lithographic pencil.
- Stencils cut from paper or foil.
- Coating the mesh with a photosensitive emulsion, which, after drying, is exposed in a copy frame.
History and Development of Screen Printing
Screen printing originated in the Far East. Initially, it was used in Japan to decorate kimonos. Paper-cut patterns were applied to a mesh made of human or animal hair, stretched on a wooden frame. Moreover, on the Fiji Islands, perforated banana leaves were used as stencils. Consequently, the method gained popularity and was soon applied not only to textiles but also to furniture, walls, and various objects.
The greatest development occurred in the United States, where multicolor printing from a single printing form was introduced. Furthermore, a major breakthrough was the invention of the shellac film called PROFILM, which allowed for faster and more precise stencil preparation. Eventually, it was replaced by celluloid film, which continues to be used today.
Discover Printing Techniques
Do you want to learn more about printing methods and their applications? Explore detailed information about different techniques and choose the ideal solution for your materials.