What is hand screen printing? How to do hand screen printing?
What is hand screen printing? How to do hand screen printing?Hand Screen Printing is a technique that allows to print, with greater accuracy, large and bright images on any type of fabric. Hand Screen printing is made with just a frame, inkWhat is hand screen printing?
Hand Screen Printing is a technique that allows to print, with greater accuracy, large and bright images on any type of fabric. It is an ancient technique, that has evolved over time and is still one of the most common for textile printing. Hand Screen printing is made with just a frame, ink and a stencils. The stencil is the negative of the image you want to print and is in waterproofing material. After mounting the fabric on the frame and placing the stencil, the ink is spread. The operation have to be repeated several times if working with multiple colors. In this case, the fabric must dry completely between one color and the next. The technique of Hand Screen Printing, while being less prone to human error, requires a high level of competence: the craftsman who makes the press must be familiar with the pigments used and the fabric, to be sure of obtaining a good results.
The core tools involved in hand screen printing are:
- Stencil: A negative template of the image to be printed, often made from waterproof materials.
- Screen or Mesh Frame: A fine mesh stretched tightly over a frame, through which the ink is applied.
- Squeegee: A rubber blade used to push the ink through the screen onto the fabric or other surface.
- Ink: Specially formulated inks that vary depending on the type of material being printed.
This method has been in use for centuries, evolving from ancient China and Japan to become one of the most widely used techniques for textile and poster printing today. While it has been modernized with digital and automated processes, the hand screen printing method is still prized for its craftsmanship and the level of control it offers.
How to do hand screen printing? hand screen printing process What is the process?
1, check the screen printing screen
First of all, the first step in hand printing is to check the sealant condition of the printing plate, whether the printing plate is broken or not, the looseness of the printing plate and the bottom plate, whether the mesh distance is proper, whether the positioning of printing rules is correct or not, .
2, screen printing scraper selection
Hand screen printing must choose the right screen printing squeegee. Screen printing scraper length should be slightly longer than the printed graphic, different substrates should choose different shapes of scraper. Rubber squeegee should have some flexibility, in order to facilitate the screen and the substrate contact properties, so that the ink evenly. Scrapers require smooth formation, such as uneven application of sandpaper grinding, scraper material optional 5mm acid rubber production.
- Size and Type: The squeegee should be slightly longer than the width of the design to ensure even ink distribution. Different substrates (such as fabric, plastic, or paper) may require different shapes and types of squeegees.
- Material: The rubber blade of the squeegee should have some flexibility to create smooth, even contact with the screen and fabric. A flexible squeegee helps ensure the ink is spread consistently.
- Edge Maintenance: The squeegee edge should be smooth and free from nicks or wear, as uneven blades can result in streaks or gaps in the print.
3, printed material preparation
Hand screen printing material preparation should be based on printed material and printing requirements to determine the type and composition of the deployment of the key is color, adjust dryness, viscosity adjustment, and strive to meet the requirements of scratch. The printed material should be adjusted first, stored for one day, to make it stable performance, except gold. Should also check whether there is any foreign material in the print to prevent scratches when printing plate.
- Choosing the Right Ink: The type of ink used depends on the material being printed on (e.g., fabric, paper, wood, or plastic). The ink’s composition, color, and viscosity must be adjusted to suit the specific project and achieve optimal results.
- Consistency and Viscosity: The ink should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to rest for a day (except for metallic inks like gold) to stabilize its consistency. Proper ink consistency is key to achieving even coverage without streaks or gaps.
- Checking for Impurities: Any foreign materials in the ink could ruin the print. It’s important to check for and remove dust, particles, or debris from the ink before applying it to the screen.
4, Hand screen printing cast screen printing materials
Screen printing materials generally fall in front of the network frame at the starting position and within the width of the blade, the frame can not be placed too much printed material, ready to add to facilitate the control of the amount of ink scraping operation is easy.
5, Scraping the Ink with the Squeegee
- Setting the Substrate: Place the fabric or material securely on the printing surface or platen. Make sure it’s properly positioned and fixed in place, as any movement can affect the print quality.
- Angle of Application: Hold the squeegee at a 50° to 60° angle to the screen. This angle allows the right amount of pressure to push the ink through the stencil evenly.
- Smooth Movement: With a steady, consistent motion, drag the squeegee across the screen. The pressure applied should push the ink through the stencil and onto the fabric below. Depending on the size of the print, use one or both hands to apply the ink.
- Lifting the Screen: Once the ink has been spread, carefully lift the screen to avoid smudging, and remove the printed material.
6. Cleaning the Screen During and After Printing
- Mid-process Cleaning: If the screen becomes clogged or ink builds up during printing, clean it with a soft cloth or cotton pad soaked in solvent. Always clean the areas around the design first to avoid damaging or smudging the printed area.
- Post-print Cleaning: After finishing the printing session, thoroughly clean the screen and squeegee to prevent ink from drying and clogging the mesh.
7, color printing
Hand screen printing sets of color printing for color sets of color printing to distinguish between the ink color printing level, in general, should be printed after the light-colored printing dark, the first printed after the main India, printing plate in the system should be arranged. Set color version must be overprinting accurate, especially the first color version of the rules to be printed very accurate. In a mixed-color scratch, should be considered mixed color to change the version of the plate on the form, in order to facilitate scraping.
- Layering Colors: When printing multi-color designs, it’s crucial to use a separate screen for each color. Start with lighter colors and work towards darker shades. Proper alignment of each layer is necessary to maintain the sharpness of the final print.
- Registration: Ensure each screen is properly registered (aligned) with the previous layer to avoid blurring or misalignment between colors.
- Adjusting for Mixed Colors: For mixed or blended color effects, you may need to adjust the stencil or modify the ink application process to achieve the desired result.
8, Hand screen printing is completed after the dry
Hand screen printing should be carried out after each printing dry, but the middle of the two-color drying only requires printing on the Road will not be stained on Road Road, the last dry but also consider the outer layer of dry, in order to ensure the adhesion of ink fastness. Some substrates due to climate change easily inflated and contracted, such as overprinting is not timely, prolonged shelving can cause overprints are not allowed, which should be noted when dry.
- Dry Between Layers: After printing each color layer, allow sufficient time for the ink to dry completely before applying the next color. This prevents smudging and ensures a clean, crisp print.
- Final Drying: Once all layers are complete, ensure the print is fully dry to maintain the ink’s adhesion and durability. Depending on the material and environmental conditions, drying can take from several hours to a day. For materials prone to shrinking or warping, make sure to check for any issues during the drying process.
Advantages of Hand Screen Printing
- Durability and Vibrancy: Hand screen printing allows for the use of thick layers of ink, resulting in long-lasting, vibrant prints. The colors are less likely to fade over time, even with regular washing or exposure to sunlight.
- Versatility: This method can be used on various materials, such as fabrics, ceramics, paper, and wood, making it a versatile technique for both artistic and commercial purposes.
- Precision in Details: Hand screen printing offers a high level of detail and sharpness, making it ideal for intricate designs or logos.
- Scalability: While hand screen printing is labor-intensive, it is scalable, making it suitable for both small batches and larger production runs.
Conclusion
Hand screen printing remains a popular method for creating high-quality, custom designs on a variety of surfaces. Despite its time-consuming nature, it offers unparalleled control over color application and image detail, making it ideal for textiles, posters, and more. The skill required to master the process ensures that each print is a testament to craftsmanship, combining artistic flair with technical precision.
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