How Screen Printing Works

Screen printing is an ancient process that transfers ink through a wire mesh and onto the intended surface. Any pattern you can think of can get applied to a surface using screen printing. In the modern world, screen printing is used to make colorful and intricate designs and patterns on t-shirts, posters and signs. Screen printing is also used as an art form. Artists create a design and then use it to produce a painting. The screen printing process may seem complicated, but it is actually very straight-forward.

Screen printing method

Screen printing makes use of a wooden frame across which is stretched a thin mesh. Over this mesh, a layer of emulsion is spread. This emulsion serves to block all the tiny holes in the screen, preventing any liquids like paints or inks from passing through. A stencil is then applied to the mesh. This stencil is the negative of the final design you want. Only the blank spaces on the stencil are filled with ink. An exposure unit, such as an ultraviolet light, is then used on the mesh screen. This burns away the unnecessary emulsion, leaving the final stencil. The screen is then placed over the surface you want to print on. A squeegee is used to spread ink or paint over the mesh. The ink is forced through the holes in the mesh and creates the pattern on your material.

Screen printing is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. If you do not have an exposure unit or emulsion, you can use strong, spreadable glue and poke through the mesh holes with a sharp object to make your pattern. Screen printing can open a whole new world of creativity, and once you understand the process, it is simple to do.