The history of screen printing is a fascinating one, spanning continents and centuries. It was first introduced in China during the Song Dynasty, when silk, paper stencils and mesh screens were used to print designs on fabrics.
The process would later evolve into modern screen printing with the invention of photo-imaged stencils by a trio of printers, Roy Beck, Charles Peters and Edward Owen.
Origins
The history of screen printing is a long one, stretching across continents and centuries. It began in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and grew into a well-known art form throughout Asia.
In Western Europe, screen printing did not catch on until the 18th century. Japanese artists created mesh woven from human hair to transfer designs, but it wasn’t until silk was imported into the region that screen printing truly began to take off.
In 1907, Samuel Simon patented the process in England; it quickly became popular for wallpaper and fabric. Then, in the 1960s, it came of age as a legitimate artistic medium thanks to the popularity of the Pop Art movement.
Techniques
Screen printing is a popular printing technique that can be used to print on fabric, paper, and other materials. The process involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen and then using a squeegee to push ink through it and onto the surface below.
The technique has been around since 960 AD, and it was popularised by the Chinese, who used silk, paper stencils, and mesh screens made from human hair to create images on textiles. The technique spread to Japan, and eventually into Europe, as each country adapted it to meet consumer demand.
The most basic method of screen printing involves placing a substrate beneath a woven wire mesh that is stretched within a frame. A special epoxy is then applied to block off specific areas, creating a design and allowing ink to be pushed through the mesh onto the substrate below.
Materials
Screen printing is a versatile process that can be used to print designs on a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, metal, plastic, and more. It is also a great option for customising a wide range of products.
First, the design is printed onto a transparency film or acetate to create a stencil. This is a valuable step because one stencil can be used many times in a row.
Then, the screen stencil is coated with a light-reactive emulsion. This is either diazo or SBQ-based and comes in different strengths. Diazo is cheaper but needs a longer exposure time, while SBQ is more expensive but cures faster.
Equipment
Screen printing is a process of transferring ink or pigment onto a product by using a mesh screen. The process can be used for a variety of applications, such as t-shirts, hats, and even shoes.
The equipment used in screen printing includes the screens, squeegees, and press wash. It is important to ensure that all of these are clean and free of ink before they can be used again.
The choice of emulsion is also essential in the screen printing process. Emulsions come in two types: photosensitive emulsions and dual-cure emulsions.
Applications
Screen printing is one of the most widely used print techniques in the world. It is a popular option for printing on a vast range of products, from posters to fabrics to packaging.
The process starts with a mesh screen that is coated in an emulsion. The emulsion forms a hardened stencil that is ready to be pressed with ink.
Once the screen has dried, it is lined up on a transparent film and exposed to an exposure unit. This is called “imaging.”
A squeegee is then used to pull the ink across the screen’s entire length, pushing it through any open areas in the stencil and imprinting the design onto the product. If multiple items are being printed, this process is repeated. Once finished, the emulsion is removed using a washing fluid, allowing the mesh to be reused for future stencils.