Printing is a process of producing images and text, normally utilizing ink, paper and a printing press. Printing has changed considerably and improved over time. Screen printing is among the most common printing techniques.

Screen printing, also called silk screening, is ideal for printing on flat and even materials. A thin screen is stretched taut around a wooden or metal frame, and ink is pressed through the uncovered areas of the screen to create an image. To create a print, the silk screen is placed on top of your material and the image is covered with a thick ink. The ink is then pressed with a heavy piece of rubber through the image and the screen. The print is created where the ink is pressed through the unmasked areas. A heated tunnel is then used to dry the wet print; the prints can then be stacked and packaged.

When a multi-color print is made, the procedure is performed again, changing screens. Thus, multi-color prints necessitate multiple screens positioned on a rotary press or performed manually, aligning the various colored prints in conjunction.

There are a number of methods for ‘masking’ a screen. The easiest technique is via application of masking fluid right onto the screen. This is the perfect procedure for dual-color graphics, while for multiple-color tasks, a photosensitive emulsion is the proper procedure.

If you don’t specify what you want when you order a custom shirt, you may end up with your design printed in a sticky, plastic-containing ink. Water-based inks work best for the worn, vintage-looking shirts. If you want the look of a stark and heavier print, request an ink that contains plastics and is applied by a hot press.

Inks containing plastics are used by many screen printers because often they last longer, are richer, heavier and more easily seen, not to mention being easier on the screen printing equipment. Within a short time frame, plastic inks can begin to crack up, though. Natural inks last longer and they look best too.

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