Screen Printing

Screen Printing- Definition

Screen printing (or serigraphy) is a time-honored printing technology that is used to print everything from t-shirts and short-run posters, to novelties like coffee mugs, decals, and other fun goodies. Screen printing is most valued for its ability to print on a wide variety of materials with flexibility.

Each color requires a screen. A frame is covered with screen material, and a stencil is affixed to the screen. Solid areas in the stencil block the ink from getting through the screen, while open areas in the stencil allow the ink to flow through. The ink is forced through the screen using a squeegee.

You can get started in screen printing with a minimal investment in materials. The most simple jobs require only a screen, a stencil, a squeegee and ink. Stencils can be created either photographically or by hand by cutting lacquer films. As you move up on the complexity scale, you'll need a screen printing press of some type to provide registration between multiple colors.