Printing is a process of images and text, usually using ink, paper and a printing press. Over time, printing technology has developed significantly. Diverse techniques are available, but screen-printing is used most of the time.

Screen-printing, or silk-screening, is a process ideally used on fairly flat surfaces. In this procedure, a fine mesh screen is secured snugly across a sturdy frame, with the screen masking the region which remains unprinted. To make the print, the screen is positioned atop the material along with a swath of dense ink. Using a squeegee tool, the ink is pushed through the screen part. The ink soaks into the region that is not masked, forming the print, while the masking keeps any ink from making contact, resulting in distinguished areas. Next the printed material goes through a hot passageway until the ink dries and it is ready to be packed up.

When more than one color is involved, the process is repeated, utilizing different screens. So, four screens would be necessary for a four-color print; they can be placed on a rotary press or done by hand, allowing each color to print in its proper place.

There are different methods of masking a screen. The easiest thing to do is to apply masking fluid right onto the screen. This process works very well for two-color graphics, while a photosensitive emulsion procedure is utilized for jobs involving multiple colors.

Screen-printed T-shirts using plastic inks are often stiflingly hot if you aren’t sure of what you’re getting as you order. For more subdued and vintage-looking screen-printed apparel, inks with a water base might be preferable. For a bold and heavy printing, application of plastic-based inks using heat might be a wise choice.

A lot of screen printing pros utilize plastic-based inks, since they are gentler on the screen printing gear and are often stronger, more vivid and bold. Inks containing plastic may begin cracking within a brief time. Choosing natural inks creates a more attractive and longer-wearing appearance.