Screen printing is a process that allows for the production of multiple copies of the same image or design. It is a versatile method that can be used for a wide variety of materials. It has long been a popular form of commercial printing, but it is also a widely used artistic medium. Artists such as Eduardo Paolozzi and Andy Warhol have utilized this process to create iconic works of art that question the boundaries of what constitutes fine art.
Unlike traditional forms of printing that require the use of inks that are mixed together, this technique uses stencils made from screens. The stencil is then pressed onto the surface of the desired material, and the ink is pushed through it using a squeegee. This is a labor intensive process, especially when it comes to multicolored prints. The printer must be able to properly register each color to ensure that the finished product is as expected.
The screen is prepared by adding a coating of emulsion to the mesh fabric, which is usually made out of polyester. The emulsion must be thick enough to remain opaque when printed, but not so thick that it is difficult to work with. Commercial printers often have a special scoop coater that can apply emulsion to the screen quickly and evenly, but home or hobby printers may find it more economical to simply apply the emulsion with a spoon and spread it evenly with a squeegee.
Once the emulsion has been added, the screen is placed under a light for a specified amount of time. This darkens the areas of the screen that are covered by the design, leaving only the parts that are open as stencils. The emulsion that is not blocked by the design will be washed away, making it ready for printing.
The stenciled screen is then lowered onto the printer’s printing board, which is typically a table that is set up for this purpose. The printer will then add ink to the top of the screen, and the squeegee is used to pull it across the entire stencil, causing it to print on the garment or other material.
When the print is complete, the squeegee is removed, and the screen is washed so that it can be reused. This can be done by hand, or most commercial printers use tubs filled with a specific washing fluid that can remove the ink and the emulsion from the mesh fabric. Some printers will take a further step of de-hazing the screen, which will help to eliminate ghost images from previous prints.
It is important to note that each time a new color is needed for the final product, a new screen must be prepared. This makes it important for the printer to be able to accurately register each color, and make sure that the stencil is lined up correctly in order to get an accurate print. This can be difficult, especially if the printer is working with very dark colors on light fabrics or vice versa.
By using promotional t-shirts and other products to promote your business, you can increase exposure for your brand in the community, generate customer loyalty, and ultimately grow your sales. When choosing a screen printing company in Minneapolis, be sure to find one that maintains high-quality standards and can produce consistent results such as the Spark Printshop.