Screen printing has become an increasingly popular method for creating custom apparel, promotional products, and artwork, and it’s no surprise why. Whether you’re looking to start a business or take up a creative hobby, screen printing offers limitless possibilities. At Screen 27, based in London, we have seen firsthand how this versatile printing method has empowered businesses and individuals alike. But where do you begin if you want to start screen printing?
In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to get started, what equipment is needed, and how to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your screen printing journey is as smooth as possible.
1. What Is Screen Printing?
Before delving into the details of starting your screen printing journey, it’s essential to understand what screen printing is. Screen printing is a technique where ink is transferred onto a material (commonly t-shirts, posters, or paper) using a mesh screen. The mesh holds a stencil, and ink is forced through it to create a design. It is a preferred method for producing high-quality prints, especially when printing in bulk.
One of the key advantages of screen printing is its durability. The ink used in screen printing penetrates the material, allowing the print to last much longer than other methods, such as heat transfer printing. It is ideal for producing vibrant designs on fabric that can withstand numerous washes, making it the go-to method for creating long-lasting custom garments.
2. Why Start Screen Printing?
At Screen 27, we encourage those interested in starting their own screen printing projects to dive in because of the numerous benefits the craft offers:
- Cost-effectiveness: Once the initial setup is complete, screen printing is highly cost-effective, especially for larger quantities.
- Durability: As mentioned, screen printing offers high durability, meaning your prints will look new even after heavy use.
- Versatility: Screen printing isn’t limited to t-shirts. You can print on a variety of materials, including fabric, wood, glass, and more.
- Customisation: Screen printing allows for intricate designs and multiple colours, giving you creative freedom to bring your ideas to life.
3. The Essentials: What You Need to Start Screen Printing
To begin your screen printing journey, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. Starting off with the right tools is crucial to ensuring you produce high-quality prints that reflect your creative vision.
A. Screens and Mesh
The screen is the heart of the process. These screens are usually made from a wooden or aluminium frame with a tightly stretched mesh. The mesh’s fineness (measured in mesh count) will depend on the level of detail in your design. A lower mesh count is ideal for bold, simple designs, while a higher mesh count is better for fine details.
B. Squeegee
A squeegee is used to push the ink through the screen mesh onto your material. Squeegees come in different sizes and shapes, so choosing the correct one for your screen size and design complexity is vital.
C. Emulsion and Exposure Unit
To create a stencil on your screen, you will need a photo emulsion and an exposure unit. Emulsion is applied to the screen and left to dry in a dark space. Once dry, you expose your design (printed on a transparency) onto the emulsion under a UV light. The areas of the emulsion exposed to light harden, while the unexposed areas (where your design is) remain soft and can be washed away, creating a stencil.
D. Inks
Screen printing ink comes in various types, including plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks. Plastisol ink is the most commonly used due to its durability and ease of use. Water-based ink is eco-friendly and produces a softer feel, while discharge ink removes the fabric dye, creating a unique print finish.
E. Drying System
After printing, you will need to cure or dry the ink. This can be done using a flash dryer, heat gun, or conveyor dryer. Proper curing ensures the ink adheres permanently to the material, preventing it from fading or washing out over time.
F. Workspace
Finally, having a dedicated, well-ventilated workspace is essential. Screen printing can be messy, especially when working with multiple colours. A clean, organised area will help you maintain your equipment and produce consistent results.
4. Mastering the Screen Printing Process
Once you have your equipment in place, it’s time to start printing. While the basic process remains consistent, mastering each step is crucial to achieving high-quality prints.
A. Creating the Design
Before anything else, you’ll need a design. This is where your creativity comes into play. Digital software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW can be used to create a digital version of your design, which is then printed on transparency film. Remember, the design needs to be simple enough to translate well onto the material, yet bold enough to make an impact.
B. Preparing the Screen
Coat your screen with photo emulsion in a dimly lit area to prevent premature exposure. Once the emulsion is dry, place the transparency film with your design on the screen and expose it under UV light. After exposure, wash out the soft emulsion areas to reveal your stencil.
C. Printing the Design
Now that your screen is ready, place it over the material you want to print on. Pour a small amount of ink onto the screen, and using the squeegee, drag the ink across the screen, pressing it through the stencil onto the material. For multi-colour designs, repeat this process with different screens for each colour layer.
D. Curing the Print
After printing, allow the ink to air dry for a few minutes before curing it using a heat source. Curing ensures the ink bonds permanently with the material, making it durable and resistant to washing.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Screen Printing
While screen printing is a fantastic craft, beginners often make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your prints turn out flawless:
- Overcomplicating Designs: Simple, bold designs tend to work best, especially when you’re just starting. Avoid overcomplicating your design with fine details that may not transfer well.
- Incorrect Mesh Count: Make sure you’re using the right mesh count for your design. A mismatch can result in a blurred or incomplete print.
- Not Curing Properly: Inadequate curing can lead to ink cracking or washing out. Ensure your ink is fully cured before use.
- Overloading Ink: Applying too much ink can result in messy prints. Less is often more when it comes to screen printing.
6. The Benefits of Professional Screen Printing Services
While it’s possible to set up a home-based screen printing operation, there’s no replacement for the expertise and quality offered by professional services like Screen 27. Whether you’re looking to print bulk orders or need assistance with intricate designs, a professional studio has the experience, equipment, and technical knowledge to ensure the best possible outcome. Plus, outsourcing allows you to focus on your business or creative projects without worrying about the learning curve or setup costs.
7. Final Thoughts: Your Screen Printing Journey Starts Here
Starting screen printing can be a highly rewarding experience, whether you’re venturing into it as a business or a creative outlet. While it may seem overwhelming at first, once you have the right tools, a bit of practice, and guidance, you will be able to produce high-quality, long-lasting prints. And if the process feels daunting, Screen 27 is here to help.
Based in London, Screen 27 offers professional screen printing services for businesses, artists, and individuals. With years of experience and a passion for bringing creative visions to life, we’re ready to assist you in your screen printing journey.
Whether you need help with custom t-shirts, promotional products, or any other screen printing needs, get in touch with Screen 27 today and see how we can make your ideas a reality!
FAQs
If you’re considering starting your own screen printing project, you might have a few questions. Below are five frequently asked questions to help guide you as you embark on your screen printing journey.
1. What equipment do I need to start screen printing?
To start London screen printing, you will need a few essential items:
- Screen and mesh: A frame with mesh stretched across it.
- Squeegee: Used to push ink through the mesh onto the material.
- Emulsion and exposure unit: To create your design stencil.
- Inks: Plastisol, water-based, or discharge inks depending on your project.
- Drying system: A heat source such as a flash dryer or heat gun to cure the ink.
- Workspace: A dedicated area where you can set up your equipment and work efficiently.
2. What types of materials can I screen print on?
Screen printing is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of materials. The most common material is fabric, particularly for printing on t-shirts and apparel. However, you can also print on:
- Paper and cardboard
- Wood
- Glass
- Metal
- Plastics This versatility makes screen printing ideal for creating custom apparel, posters, signs, and promotional items.
3. What type of ink should I use for screen printing?
There are several types of ink you can use, depending on your needs:
- Plastisol ink: The most commonly used ink in screen printing, known for its vibrant colours and durability.
- Water-based ink: A more eco-friendly option that soaks into the fabric, creating a softer feel.
- Discharge ink: This removes the dye from the fabric, leaving a vintage-style print.
Each type has its pros and cons, so consider your project’s requirements and the material you’re printing on before choosing your ink.
4. How long does it take to learn screen printing?
The time it takes to learn London screen printing depends on your commitment and the complexity of the designs you want to create. Many beginners can start producing simple prints within a few days of practice. However, mastering the craft, especially more advanced techniques like multi-colour printing, can take weeks or months. If you’re serious about it, consider taking a screen printing course or working with professionals like Screen 27 to accelerate your learning.
5. Can I start screen printing at home?
Yes, screen printing can be done at home if you have the necessary equipment and a suitable workspace. You’ll need a clean, ventilated area to set up your screen printing gear and handle tasks like drying and curing. It’s also important to have a dedicated dark space for drying the emulsion on your screens before exposing your designs. Starting at home is a great way to experiment with screen printing, but for large or complex orders, working with a professional studio like Screen 27 in London can save time and produce higher-quality results.
