In a world where digital printing is all the rage, screen printing continues to hold its own as a reliable and highly versatile print method. Whether you’re printing a simple t-shirt design or a multicolored composition, this technique is ideal for creating high-quality prints. With recent technological advancements, it’s also possible to create unique effects like glow-in-the-dark and metallic finishes that simply wouldn’t be feasible with other printing methods.
Screen printing requires a bit of a learning curve, but once you’ve perfected your craft, the results are nothing short of amazing. Here are a few key things to know about the process:
1. Design Creation
The first step of any screen printing project begins with a design, often crafted digitally today. From simple single-color motifs to intricate masterpieces, the complexity of these designs can range anywhere from amateur to professional.
Once the design is finalized, it’s time to prepare the screens. This involves coating the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion, which, when exposed to a light source, hardens the unexposed areas of the canvas. The printer then rinses the excess emulsion away, leaving a stencil. The next step is to apply ink to the screen, and when pressed by the squeegee, it flows through the open parts of the stencil, transferring the design onto the substrate.
3. Prepping the Screens
Once a job has been sold, it moves into intake, where it’s counted in and set to a status such as “GOODS READY – PREPARE SCREENS”. This tells everyone in the shop that the order is ready to be printed, and it’s up to the next department to make (or image) the screens needed for each color of the composition.
4. Printing
After the screens are prepared, they’re loaded on a platen, which is essentially a platform that shirts or other substrates lay on to be printed. The printer then presses the ink onto the garment using a squeegee, which leaves behind a colorful design.
5. Curing the Prints
Depending on the fabric, some screen prints require curing to set the ink and ensure that it won’t wash off. This often involves heating the material to a certain temperature. While this process can add to the overall cost of the project, it helps ensure that the print won’t fade or crack over time.
Unlike many other print methods, screen printing is highly durable and can be used on a wide variety of materials. This versatility makes it the go-to method for t-shirts, posters, and other apparel. It’s also ideal for producing a wide range of other products, from vinyl stickers to polypropylene wallets and binders.
While screen printing is a relatively low-cost process, the initial investment can be significant. This can deter some entrepreneurs from pursuing their dream of running their own shop. However, with the advent of online ordering platforms that allow small businesses to create a storefront for a fraction of the cost, it’s never been easier to get started. If you are looking for a screen printing company in Minneapolis make sure you work with a reputable local print services professionals in your area.