Screen printing is a very easy to understand process, that involves creating a design on a t-shirt or other fabric. The design may consist of lettering as in a team shirt or a more complex multi colored pattern for fabrics or other paint or ink ready surfaces. Just as the process can be very simple, it can also become more complicated based on volume of prints desired or complexity of the design.
Creating the screen itself is the first step and will require two items the frame and the screen material that is stretched and attached to it. Deciding how permanent the screen will be will determine the materials used. The fabric for the screen is usually attached to a frame, which can be made of plastic or wood for a temporary or less durable version. A steel frame will last for many years and projects and does come at a higher cost.
Keeping the screen wrapped frame in mind, a design is chosen and the negative parts of the design are filled in with chemical filler. The design is created by pushing ink, dyes or paint through the open areas of the screen onto the fabric. This method is more permanent than the heat press method of applying ink or other materials to fabric.
The squeegee is another tool used in the screen-printing process to spread the ink through the screen and onto the fabric prepared to receive the design. These items also vary in quality and cost. Applying just the right amount of ink and spreading with the squeegee is an important technique to assure the best results.
The screen printing machine provides a more automated version of the process and is usually used by those in business who produce mass screen printed articles. They are available in bench or floor version and may contain one or more stations for printing.
The last piece of equipment used by screen printer are dryers or exposure units that expose the screen print to ultra violet or quartz lights as an alternate form of drying. Although not required they do help the designs to dry more quickly and may contribute to a more lasting design. The drying process is very important to the success of the project and complete drying is required.
For those interested in screen printing as a hobby or business screen printing equipment kits are available at various online stores and vary in price based on the type and number of materials included in the kit. Silk screen printing equipment like all other products come in all levels of quality and the shopper should determine their needs prior to investing in silk screen equipment. Screen printing machines are also available at these online sites.
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