Screen-printing is an economical way to advertise. One of the attractions of screen-printing is versatility. You can screen-print several types of apparel, including shirts, pants, hats and banners. An important factor when considering your options is fabric selection. The screen-printing quality depends largely on the fabric.
Fabric Type
The type of fabric you choose is the basis for your print job. The knit of fabric is more important than the weight. The following fabric types are tighter knits, making them ideal for screen-printing: fine jersey cotton, baby rib cotton, California fleece, interlock cotton, tri-blend, poly-cotton, cotton/spandex jersey and nylon taffeta. Fine jersey, baby rib and interlock cotton are all made with 100 percent finely knit, ring-spun, combed cotton. The remaining fabrics listed are comprised of various blends of cotton, polyester and rayon. When deciding on fabric type, test your print on several types of fabric to ensure you create the product you desire.
Mesh Tension
The mesh tension of your screen is important to the quality of your printing. The tighter the mesh, the higher the quality. Higher tension produces a tighter screen for a smoother surface for printing the ink. A square and rigid frame also enhances your screen-print quality. Poor mesh tension can lead to poor stencil wear, ink flow and performance. If you stretch your own mesh to construct a screen, follow the manufacturer's tension recommendations. Purchasing a new aluminum screen is a more desirable option, as the tension is already set when purchased.
Cure Temperature
The temperature and length of time you cure prints are important factors. The ideal temperature to cure rib cotton, baby thermal and jersey fabrics is 350 degrees for approximately 12 seconds. Micro-poly fabric requires a longer cure time of 24 seconds, but at the same temperature as cotton, baby thermal and jersey fabrics. Test your cure temperature and duration on multiple types of fabric to ensure you create the product you desire.
