As detailed in ScreenPrinting.com’s article “How To Make A Better Screen For Screen Printing,” achieving a high-quality print starts with a well-made screen. However, screen creation can be challenging due to variables such as humidity, mesh counts, and emulsion aging. By following a precise process and using the right tools, you can significantly improve your screen printing results.
Step 1: Degreasing the Screen
Degreasing removes oils, dust, and debris that could interfere with emulsion adhesion. Without proper cleaning, issues like “pinholes” (light spots in the emulsion) and “fisheyes” (small holes caused by trapped oil) may occur, compromising the final print.
- Materials: Use a water-based degreaser, such as Sgreen® Degreaser, to gently clean the screen.
- Process: Rinse the screen with water, spray a generous amount of degreaser, and scrub both sides of the mesh thoroughly. Rinse with low-pressure water until all soap residue is gone.
Step 2: Drying the Screen
Once cleaned, place the screen in a drying rack with the shirt side facing down. If a drying rack is unavailable, use objects like 2x4s to suspend the frame horizontally, ensuring air can flow over both sides of the mesh. A fan and dehumidifier can speed up the drying process. Do not proceed to the emulsion step until the screen is completely dry.
Step 3: Applying Emulsion
Choosing the correct emulsion is crucial for achieving long-lasting prints.
- Water-Based and Discharge Inks: Require water-sensitive emulsions due to the ink’s high water content.
- Plastisol Inks: Are more forgiving, as their low water content minimizes emulsion erosion.
Application Process:
Use a scoop coater that is approximately 4 inches narrower than the width of your screen. This allows even coverage while maintaining enough open mesh space for optimal printing. The emulsion should be applied evenly on both sides of the screen to prevent gaps or inconsistencies.
Creating the perfect screen is an essential foundation for successful screen printing. Careful attention to detail during the degreasing, drying, and emulsion coating steps ensures a smooth, durable screen that produces crisp, clean prints. Whether you’re working on large production runs or one-off custom prints, a high-quality screen can elevate the final result.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of screenprinting.com.