Navigating the Troubles and Opportunities of Screen Printing
Screen printing is an ancient art form that has remained popular in the digital age. It is a versatile and cost-effective way of producing custom designs on various surfaces, from fabric to plastic to metal. However, screen printing can also be challenging despite its many advantages. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges and opportunities of screen printing in OKC and the importance of paying attention to detail.
Why Screen Printing is Difficult
Screen printing involves pushing ink onto a surface through a stencil or mesh screen. This process requires precision, as the ink must be applied evenly and consistently to produce a high-quality print. You can get an idea of the difficulty because each color requires a separate screen and passes through the printing press.
One of the biggest challenges of screen printing process is registration or aligning the different colors in the design. The design will be misaligned and unusable if the registration is off, even by a fraction of an inch. Another challenge is ink consistency, which must mix to the correct viscosity and color intensity for each print job. In addition, it requires a lot of physical labor, as the screens must stay clean, and one must apply the ink by hand.
The Printing Process
The process starts with creating the stencil, which usually consists of a light-sensitive emulsion or film. The stencil stays on a mesh screen and remains exposed to light, which hardens the emulsion in the areas not covered by design. The unhardened regions begin to wash away, leaving a stencil that can print the design.
Next, the ink is mixed to the desired color and viscosity and applied to the stencil. The ink is then pressed through the mesh screen and onto the surface using a squeegee or other tool. After the ink has dried, the process repeats for each additional color in the design. Upon printing the final color, the product undergoes inspection for quality and cured to ensure that the ink is permanent and will not fade or peel.
The Importance of the Substance
One of the most critical factors in screen printing is the substance onto which the design printing occurs. This substance must absorb the ink without bleeding or smudging and withstand the heat and pressure of the printing process. Common substances used in screen printing include fabric, paper, plastic and metal.
Different substances require different types of ink and printing processes. For example, fabric requires water-based ink that will not stiffen or crack, while plastic requires solvent-based ink that will bond with the surface. The substance also affects the size and shape of the screen used and the curing process.
Attention to Detail
Finally, attention to detail is crucial in screen printing. Any mistake or imperfection in the printing process can ruin the final product. That includes registration and ink consistency, the screens' cleanliness, the substrate's quality and the curing process. Even minor errors can significantly impact the final product, so it is essential to have experienced professionals handling the job.
Screen printing is a challenging but rewarding art form that requires skill, precision and attention to detail. By understanding the challenges and opportunities of screen printing in OKC, you can ensure your next project succeeds. Whether you need custom t-shirts, promotional products, or other printed materials, University Silkscreen has the expertise and experience to deliver high-quality results.
University Makes Printing Easy
Are you looking for a professional company for screen printing in OKC? Contact University Silk Screen today to learn more about our services and get a quote for your next project. This way, you will get the best benefits of screen printing and embroidery in Norman, OK and several other locations in Oklahoma.
