Clever Print - The Details of Silk Screen Printing_ A Clever Print Guide

Silk screen printing, often referred to as screen printing, is a widely popular method of stencilling and surface printing. Despite the fact that this technique has existed for centuries now, it is still a tried-and-tested method of custom printing that’s still around to this date. Screen printing is applicable when creating pop art, designing custom t-shirts, or improving luxury fabrics. It is an extremely effective technique that doesn’t require expertise and amazing skills to perform. In fact, even you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

How is screen printing useful?

Whether in a personal studio or in a full-scale factory, t-shirt printing with a silk screen can be applied when it comes to creating custom t-shirts. Screen printing does not require heavy-duty equipment. The only things you’ll be needing are film positives, mesh screens, and a squeegee. As these materials can be easily acquired, screen printing is accessible to anyone who wants to get into the craft.

Screen printing procedure

To start, you’ll need a mesh screen that is stretched and attached to a frame. This part will be the screen, which will then be placed over the canvas.

Within this mesh is a stencil that features an image or design. It can be a final design if only a single colour will be used. For multiple-coloured designs, the image should be separated in different stencils based on the colour scheme. Inks are applied one at a time for colour separation accuracy.

When the stencils are prepared, the next step is the actual printing process. By lining up the mesh screen on top of the stencil, the area where the design is intended to be placed is left open. Afterwards, a squeegee will be used and pressed against the mesh to spread the ink onto the shirt’s surface. This forces the ink through the mesh and onto the canvas.

For better results, the ink should be applied a few more times—but not too much, or it will take longer to dry. Also, if you use too much ink, the final design will also tend to be bumpy.

When is screen printing used?

Silk screen can be performed for varying circumstances. For one, this process is extremely helpful for independent artists when creating their own work without the need for large equipment, especially, if it’s a personal project. That said, large manufacturers and custom t-shirt designers also utilize this technique to create multiple lines of products.

Artists who are getting into clothing design or just want to create wearable self-expressive art also utilize silk screen printing. Startup clothing lines or commissioned graphic artists can also apply this technique to mass-produce their own apparel and sell them to interested customers.

While there are other ways to print designs on t-shirts and other products, silk screen does not demand an expensive investment to start. Furthermore, artists and startup manufacturers have more control when it comes to the design, making the product better in terms of personal branding.

Conclusion

Screen printing is a fairly meticulous process, but with practice, it gets easier over time. Since this method is still a form of handcrafting, the level of accuracy is lower than other types of printing that involves heavy machinery. However, what separates the craft of silk screening from these heavy machinery-dependent processes is how freely the artist can interpret a design. It also gives an artist access to further detailing when necessary, guaranteeing customers a one-of-a-kind product.

Looking for silk screen printers near you? We’re an online printing shop based in Ottawa with an array of printing services to choose from, be it custom t-shirts or custom embroidery. Get in touch with us today!

Web: https://www.cleverprint.ca/