Product Info Tip of the Week 7/25/12 - Screen Printing Mesh

[Blick Art Materials]

Tip of the Week – Screen Printing Mesh


One of the hardest things about screen printing is choosing the correct screen mesh. The type of screen fabric you choose depends on the type of ink you will be using and the type of print you would like to make. We carry both monofilament and multifilament screen printing mesh. Monofilament screen is woven of single strands and is identified by the number of threads per inch . It is uniform in weave, giving a smoother ink flow and a sharper print. Multifilament is woven of twisted strands and is identified with an XX number. It is less uniform than monofilament but gives more surface area to adhere to emulsions and stencil film and allows for heavier ink flow.


For a water based fabric ink we recommend 86 to 109 threads per inch . This helps eliminate clogging as the ink passes easily through it. For posters or prints on paper we recommend 124 to 140 threads per inch which will give a smoother edge to the print image. Blick also stocks specialty mesh from 61 up to 305 threads per inch for unusual applications.


Jim
Product Information Specialist


For further assistance using art supplies, feel welcome to contact our Product Information Department at 1-800-933-2542 or e-mail us at info@dickbick.com. Hours of operation: M-F, 8:00am-5:30pm CST.