What are the steps in screen printing? A simple answer is this, screen printing is simply a method of transferring an image or design on a surface using heat. The screen can either be a textile mesh or some type of special mesh designed for the job.
The steps in screen printing depend upon how you want to make the print. There are several ways in which to do the print; we shall look at those ones by one and list the required actions for each one. Basic Steps in Screen Printing
Choosing a T-Shirt Printing System
How are you going to create the picture? First of all, you need to choose a t-shirt-printing system. In most cases, you can go for the emulsion screen printing system. To create the emulsion, use the alcohol-based ink to soak the cotton into a liquid state.
Step in screen printing emulsion set up. Prepare the emulsion by dipping it into the alcohol solution. Then, place a piece of thin paper on the emulsion. Wait until it dries. Here is the next step:
Preparing the Stencil
How to do the print? The next step in screen printing is to prepare the stencil. For the stencil, use a non-permanent marker such as the black permanent marker or the latex rubber pen. When the stencil is ready, draw a line through the center of the stencil.
How do you do the print? The third step is to prepare the printing media. You can either utilize the traditional printing media or opt for digital printing. With digital printing, you will be able to do the printing directly to the media.
Considering Other Methods in Screen Printing
What are these different methods? There are various different methods that are used when printing. For instance, there are flexography, lithography, and digital printing. In the context of offset printing, this is the reproduction method that involves passing the print head through solid objects such as aluminum plates or sheet metals.
When you are doing the offset printing, the image is passed through the edges of the plates using an offset machine. The image remains intact. The flexography machine uses a squeegee to keep the image intact. This is one of the easiest ways to complete the entire screen printing process. To learn more, feel free to subscribe to our monthly tips.
Here are some steps in silk-screen printing. The first thing that you have to do is to determine the image you would like to print on the mesh screens. In most cases, it can be a simple image like a flower or a symbol. Then, choose the appropriate print option.
Next, you need to set the print tension depending on the weight of the ink. Tension is defined as the force that is applied when you are pulling the fabric. In order to achieve the best results, use a very high-quality ink with a high thread count.
It is important that you do not apply too much pressure. Instead, you should apply a light tug to test how much tension is needed. Another thing that is very important when it comes to this process is to set the correct digital printing temperature. You should do this because some printers adjust their temperature depending on the type of paper you are using.
For instance, if the paper you are using is glossy, you should avoid using the printer at lower temperatures. On the other hand, if you are using matte-finish digital printing, you should make sure that the printing temperature is set to the normal range. If you forget to do so, the outcome will be uneven and the quality of your prints will suffer.
Concluding Thoughts
Finally, you should attach the print area with the use of screen-printing tape. This tape should be connected to the inside part of the printing press. It helps prevent air bubbles from developing during the printing process. Then, you have to remove the excess tape and place the screen back.
However, it is very important that you do not remove the squeegee from the water in your printing press. The final steps in screen printing are the final stages. You should remove the screens and allow them to dry completely. After which, you should replace them with new screens and re-attach the caps. This process usually takes about an hour. If you don’t have one, make sure you seriously consider getting this screen printing kit for beginners.
