Screen Printing is a technique used for printing that involves the use of a mesh screen, printing ink and a special brush so as to transfer those colors onto a surface forming the desired design. Screen printing has been around for a long time now and it has become a popular way that is put to use in several different kinds of industries. The process can be used to print on several different surfaces such as wood, plastic, metal, etc. with the use of specialized inks but the most common surfaces used are paper and fabric.
Screen printing is widely used because of several reasons such as that it can produce bright results on even darker fabrics and the layers of paint on the surface give it a unique look. The screen which is once made can then be used to produce multiple pieces of the same design and therefore it is commonly used to produce mass products such as sports jerseys. Using the same screen to produce multiple quantities also gives benefits of scale as the cost of the screen becomes a one-time cost only. The print not only provides an attractive look but it is also quite durable and does not wear off easily.
When compared to digital printing, screen printing has several advantages but also certain disadvantages. In the case of digital print printing of a variety of colors is easier and it is also the best-suited option for the printing of a small quantity. It is extremely easy to customize and can print a massive range of designs more accurately. But digital print is also limited in the range of fabrics that it can print on, the print that is produced tends to wear off easily after a few washes and it also does provide any benefit of the cost when used to print in large quantities. And therefore, digital print is a better option than screen printing only if the printing has to be done in very small quantities or for display purposes. It is also the best technique for printing photographic images as screen printing might not be able to capture and print the image as accurately as digital printing.
Screen Printing Can Be Done On A Variety Of Surfaces But Its Most Common Use Is Fabric As A Surface.
The Best Fabrics for Screen Printing are:
Cotton Fabrics: Natural fabrics are the best choice for screen printing as natural fabrics tend to absorb more ink than fabrics that are man-made. Cotton is a very commonly used option because it is soft and the first choice of use for both the consumer as well as the printer
Silk fabric: Silk is another natural fabric that can be printed on. Silk is a delicate and thin fabric and therefore it’s capacity to absorb the ink is definitely lower than a piece of thick cotton fabric. This kind of cloth also tends to shrink and move when the process is taking place and therefore making it very difficult to properly print on.
Wool fabric: Wool provides an excellent surface for screen printing as it is generally thick and therefore allows the inks to seep through creating a much brighter and long-lasting print.
Acrylic and Polyester Fabric: natural fabrics provide a much better print as compared to manmade fabrics but several additives are available to make prints on such fabrics long-lasting as well with their increase in popularity among consumers
Screen printing is a form of art and some truly unique designs can be created with it. . The process has gained popularity and small machines are now available so that it can be used by individuals at homeÂ. The process has majorly evolved from its  origins and now is the best technique to print massive quantities very easily.