Top 10 Types Of Screen Printing Process in 2023

Overview

Screen printing, also known as silkscreen printing or serigraphy, is a popular and versatile printing technique. It is used to transfer ink onto various materials, including fabric, paper, plastic, metal, and wood.

If you want a step-by-step lesson on how to screen print with vinyl, go to the blog. 

Application:

The adaptability of screen printing is one of its main benefits. It can be applied to a variety of materials, such as:

• Textiles
• Promotional products
• Posters
• Signage
• Packaging

It allows for excellent color saturation and opacity, making it ideal for producing bold and vibrant designs.

Screen printing has several benefits. It enables prints that are of the highest caliber, durable, and have outstanding opacity.

It supports a wide range of ink types, including plastisol, water-based, and solvent-based inks, enabling printing on various materials.

Screen printing is versatile, accommodating large-scale production runs as well as small custom orders. It is also cost-effective for bulk printing, making it a preferred choice for many businesses.

Additionally, screen printing allows for precise control over ink thickness and texture, resulting in raised or textured prints that add a unique tactile element to the design.

While screen printing is often associated with mass production, it is also suitable for smaller print runs, making it a viable option for both large-scale commercial printing and individual customization projects.

You may further look at several best printing methods with pros and cons that are discussed in this blog.

Screen Printing Process

The screen printing process involves the following steps:

Design Preparation

The first step is to create or prepare the design that will be printed. This can be done by hand drawing, computer graphics software, or by photographically transferring the design onto a transparent film or stencil.

Screen Preparation

A screen is used as a stencil through which the ink is pushed onto the printing surface. The screen is typically made of fine mesh fabric, such as polyester or nylon, stretched tightly over a frame.

The areas that should not receive ink are blocked out with a stencil, leaving open the areas corresponding to the design.

Screen Setup

Once the emulsion has hardened, the screen is rinsed with water, which washes away the uncured emulsion, leaving behind the stencil. The screen is then dried and mounted securely onto a printing press or a frame.

Ink Preparation/Application

The desired colors are prepared by mixing pigments with a printing medium, such as water-based or solvent-based inks.

Different screens are used for each color in the design, so multiple screens and inks may be required.

Application

• The surface to be printed on is placed securely below the screen.
• The ink of the desired color is poured onto one end of the screen.
• A squeegee is used to spread the ink evenly across the screen while applying downward pressure.
• The squeegee is dragged across the screen, forcing the ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the surface below.
• The screen is lifted, and the printed material is removed for drying.

Printing Process

The screen is placed on top of the substrate to be printed, with the stencil side facing down.

1- A squeegee or rubber blade is used to push the ink across the screen, forcing it through the open mesh and onto the substrate.

2- The ink passes through the open areas of the stencil and creates the desired design on the substrate.

3- Multiple passes may be needed to achieve the desired color intensity and coverage.

Drying And Curing

Once the printing is complete, the printed substrate is typically dried or cured to ensure the ink adheres properly and becomes permanent.

This can be done by air drying, heat drying, or using specialized drying/curing equipment, depending on the type of ink used.

Types of screen printing process in 2023

In 2023, this age-old printing method continues to thrive with advancements in technology, materials, and creative applications.

Before delving into the details of the printing operations, look through the features of the automatic screen printing machine explained in our blog.

This article will be discussed the top 10 types of screen printing processes that are expected to be popular in 2023.

1- Traditional Screen Printing

Traditional screen printing, also known as the silk screen printing process, remains a popular choice due to its simplicity and versatility.

Using a squeegee and a mesh screen, ink is transferred onto a substrate in this process. This screen printing process enables the creation of exact and vivid designs on various materials.

2- Water-Based Screen Printing

This screen printing process utilizes water-based inks instead of solvent-based or plastisol inks. It is ideal for designs that require a lighter hand and a softer feel.

This type of screen printing process is more environmentally friendly, as it contains fewer chemicals and produces softer prints with excellent breathability on fabrics.

3- Discharge Printing

The discharge screen printing process involves using a special ink that removes or “discharges” the dye from the fabric, resulting in a bleached effect.

This technique is commonly used on dark-colored garments and produces a soft, vintage look. It is often combined with water-based inks to achieve vibrant and intricate designs.

4- Plastisol Printing

Plastisol screen printing is one of the most popular screen printing methods for screen printing on textiles. It uses a PVC-based ink that doesn’t dry unless heat is applied.

Plastisol inks offer excellent opacity, vibrant colors, and durability. This screen printing process is ideal for garments, accessories, and promotional items.

5- High-Density Printing

High-density printing is a technique that creates a raised, three-dimensional effect by applying multiple layers of ink onto the substrate.

This screen printing process adds texture and depth to the design, making it visually appealing and tactile and used for creating eye-catching logos, text, graphics, and other embellishments.

6- All-Over Printing

All-over printing, also called jumbo printing or oversized printing, is a technique used to cover the entire surface of a garment with a design.

This process involves printing on oversized screens and requires specialized equipment to ensure accurate registration and consistent color distribution. 

This screen printing process is commonly used for creating bold, eye-catching designs on T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel items.

7- Foil Printing

Foil printing adds a touch of luxury and shines to screen-printed designs. It involves applying a layer of metallic or colored foil onto the substrate using heat and pressure.

The foil adheres to the areas where an adhesive has been applied, resulting in a metallic or reflective effect. The foil screen printing process is often used for creating premium apparel, invitations, and packaging.

8- UV Screen Printing

UV screen printing, also known as ultraviolet screen printing, is a printing technique that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or dry the ink as it is printed onto a substrate.

The UV screen printing process is commonly used in various industries, including signage, advertising, packaging, electronics, automotive, and promotional products.

It provides a versatile and durable printing solution, especially when vibrant colors, precise details, and quick turnaround times are required.

9- Four-Color Process Printing

Four-color screen printing process, also referred to as CMYK printing, is a technique that uses a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create a full-color image.

By using halftone dots and layering the four colors, a wide range of colors and gradients can be achieved.

This screen printing process is commonly used for reproducing complex, photorealistic designs.

If you’re just starting, go and check the blog on the CMYK screen printing process with helpful tips.

10-Sublimation Screen Printing

The sublimation screen printing process involves transferring ink directly onto a substrate through sublimation.

It is commonly used for printing on polyester fabrics and produces vivid, long-lasting prints. Sublimation printing is especially popular in the sports apparel industry.

Don’t forget to learn about tried and tested methods making sublimated prints illustrated in our blog.

Conclusion

In 2023, screen printing continues to be a versatile and widely adopted method of printing. From traditional techniques to innovative processes, there are numerous options available to suit various applications and design preferences.

Whether you’re looking for environmentally friendly alternatives, textured prints, or metallic finishes, the types of screen printing processes discussed in this blog post provide a glimpse into the exciting possibilities.

Embrace these screen printing methods to bring your creative visions to life and make a lasting impression with your printed designs.