BX Explains: Screen Printing Methods

To print your promotional merchandise BX Merchandise use a wide range of techniques to produce the high quality goods that you receive. One of the processes we use most frequently is silkscreen printing; I thought it would be helpful for everyone to know how this age old technique is still used today to promote your brand! In this digital world isn’t it reassuring that this process is still being done? The same process is still being used today as it was in 1907 when Samuel Simon of Manchester England was awarded a patent for the process of using silk fabric as a printing screen. The scale is larger and some of the human input has been replaced with a machine, but the general gist it still the same!

Silk screening is a process which is used to create prints on a wide variety of materials, from fabric to wood. Many commercial printers use silk screening to print since when done well, it results in high quality prints. Screen prints are used on products that have flat or relatively flat surfaces such as Caps, Umbrellas, T-shirts and mugs.

To silk screen, a very fine mesh is stretched tightly onto a frame. This mesh was made from silk until the mid-twentieth century, although it is usually polyester today. A negative design is created on the screen using a variety of techniques, and ink is rolled or sponged onto the screen, which is pressed onto the object being printed. Most printers use a squeegee or a similar tool to gently press the ink onto the printed product before removing the screen and hanging the print up to dry.

Most people use photosensitive screens for screen printing. The screen is covered in a light sensitive emulsion which reacts to UV light. The printer places a stencil of the desired pattern on the screen, exposes it, and washes the screen. The areas exposed to light will harden, creating an impenetrable layer, while the covered areas of the emulsion will wash away, allowing ink to pass through.

As a general rule, the screens are designed to be reusable, to make as many prints as desired. After printing, the screen can be saved for another run or washed and used again with a new design. Most people who practice silk screening also use frames to hold the screens in place while they work.

Watch how it’s done here: BX Merchandise Screen Printing Channel

WATER BASED INKS

With the environment such an important consideration nowadays, developments have been made in screen printing, with the use of water based inks. These inks contain neither PVC nor phthalates, making them an environmentally friendly choice, especially when branding Eco friendly items such as organic cotton t-shirts, recycled or cotton bags and biodegradable pens.

Water based ink ingredients are non-toxic, lead-free and do not contain any heavy metals. As such, they are safe for use on infant clothing, underwear and swimsuits.  Unlike plastisols, water based inks contain no ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFC’s and HCFC’s, aromatic hydrocarbons or any volatile solvents. Best of all, instead of dangerous solvents, water based inks wash out easily and safely with water.

If you would like to read more please subscribe to our blog here.  To receive our Gold Edition 2012 catalogue please email us here, or contact our sales team on 0207 737 0315.