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In the screen printing industry, the term “silk screen” is second nature to us. To others however, it’s not something that’s often thought about, even though we do see the end results of silk screening on a variety of products.
Silk screening is a process where print is transferred to a material or surface, such as wood or fabric. In this process, there is the screen or printing plate, and this is covered in a tight mesh material. Traditionally, the mesh was made of silk, but today we use polyester. The mesh is then coated with a film that blocks the holes in the material when they dry. Paint or ink is forced through the screen using a squeegee. When the print is transferred, the screen is removed and the print can be hung to dry.
Silk screening is a fairly easy process to learn, and just about anyone can do it with the proper supplies. However, it takes a highly strategic process to yield perfect results, which is why the professionals at screen printing shops have had plenty of experience with silk screening. When working with fabrics, there are also some unique steps you’ll need to take. For example, for multi-color designs, the color of the ink needs to flow through the screen and onto the shirt multiple times. You must also start with the lightest color and move toward the darkest.
So why is silk screening used when we have fancy digital technology and computers?
Well, consider that to print paper, it takes time. Now imagine printing fancy designs or logos. Yes, you would be lucky to print one T-shirt every five to ten minutes, and you would be eating away at ink and toner. Plus, the machine would cost more and you would have to do each shirt by hand. Silk screening is cost-effective and efficient. Under trained hands, it yields high-quality results every time. When screen printing shops offer silk screening, it sets them apart from other businesses and allows customers to get a great product for less.
Blog sponsored by: Great Atlantic OutfittersÂ