Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a versatile and widely-used printing technique that involves transferring ink onto a substrate, typically fabric, through a mesh screen. While the basic concept may seem straightforward, the process encompasses a series of intricate steps that ensure precise and vibrant results.
At its core, screen printing involves creating a stencil, known as a screen, which is stretched tightly over a frame. This screen is then coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and a design is either manually or digitally imposed onto it. The areas of the screen where the design is intended to appear are blocked off, while the remaining areas remain open.
Next, the screen is placed over the fabric or other substrate to be printed. Ink is then applied to the top of the screen and spread evenly across its surface. A squeegee is used to press the ink through the open areas of the screen, transferring the design onto the substrate below. This process can be repeated with different screens and colors to achieve multi-colored or intricate designs.