Importance of using the right screen printing mesh

Choosing the right Screen printing mesh size for screen printing can be tricky because it depends on how youintend to use it. Sounds confusing? You are not alone.

Screen printing mesh comes in different threads-per-inch (TPI) or mesh counts. This means ifyou have a 110 screen printing mesh count then it means that there are 110 threads placedvertically and 110 threads in horizontal position per square inch. The spaces between the meshthreads are the open areas where the ink goes through and onto the fabrics. To put this inperspective, the open areas are larger on lower mesh counts (or TPI) while the openings arefiner when the TPI is higher.

There are different mesh sizes that are being used for different applications during the screenprinting process. Here are some useful scenarios:

* If you plan to have a high-detailed image for screen printing then you should use a mesh withhigher TPI. This way, the fine lines or image dots will be correctly represented. Most of thetime, thinner inks are being used in this process. Having a larger opening will not work since theink will just blot and spread throughout the fabric thereby defeating the purpose.

* Screen printing using a thicker ink requires a mesh with larger opening because doingotherwise won’t do the trick. It will be difficult for the thicker ink to pass through the mesh witha higher TPI due to the smaller open areas.

* For beginners, the basic and industry-standard screen printing mesh sizes are 110 mesh and 156 mesh.The 110 TPI mesh is a great option in designs of larger spot colors and block text letters. The156 TPI mesh is for images with higher details because it allows you to emphasize the fingerdetails of the graphic.

Here are some additional guides that will help you find the right mesh size for screen printing: 

• Universal fabric – 125 mesh Screen printing mesh
• Overprint – ranging between 80 to 110 mesh Screen printing mesh.
• Heavy fabrics (e.g. denims) – ranging between 45 to 123 mesh Screen printing mesh 
• Smoother fabrics (e.g. curtains, table cloths) – ranging between 110 to 155 Advertising signs – 110 to 195Source

screen printing mesh size

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