Screen printing is a popular and versatile technique used to create long-lasting designs on T-shirts and a wide variety of other materials. It's a fantastic way to bring our ideas to life.
The Basics
Here's how screen printing works:
Make your design
Draw it, print it, whatever you like!
Create a stencil
This blocks the parts of the design where you don't want ink.
Stretch the mesh screen tight on a frame
Think of it like a window screen, but for ink.
Coat the screen with light-sensitive emulsion
This special liquid hardens when it's exposed to light.
Place your design on the screen and expose it to light
The areas with your design block the light, keeping the emulsion soft underneath.
Wash away the soft emulsion
This leaves open areas in the mesh where the ink can go through.
Spread ink across the screen
Use a tool called a squeegee to push the ink through the mesh.
Lift the screen
Your design is on the T-shirt (or whatever you're printing on).
Ink Types: A World of Possibilities
One of the great things about screen printing is the variety of inks you can use. This allows for a wide range of effects and finishes. At OVER THE SKY, we're committed to providing the softest and highest quality prints, so we primarily use these two types of water-based inks:
Rubber Ink:
Provides a unique rubbery texture with a slightly raised effect.
Durable and flexible, making it ideal for athletic wear and items that need to withstand stretching and movement.
Offers a vintage aesthetic.
Dye Ink:
Soaks deep into the fibers of the fabric, resulting in an incredibly soft feel and excellent breathability.
The print becomes part of the fabric, so you won't even feel it's there!
To ensure we achieve the best result for every design, we also utilize a range of other inks, including:
Plastisol Ink:
The most common ink for T-shirt printing.
Known for its vibrant colors and durability.
Provides a slightly raised, plasticized feel.
Specialty Inks:
Puff ink: Creates a 3D, raised effect.
Discharge ink
Glow-in-the-dark ink
Metallic inks
And many more!
The Advantages of Screen Printing
Vibrant and Durable: Screen printing produces bold, long-lasting colors that can withstand repeated washing.
Versatile: It can be used on various materials, including fabric, paper, wood, and even glass.
Detailed Designs: Achieve intricate designs with fine lines and complex patterns.
Cost-Effective for Larger Quantities: While there's an initial setup cost, screen printing becomes very economical for larger orders.
Our Expertise
At OVER THE SKY, we're passionate about screen printing! We use high-quality inks and equipment, combined with the expertise of our skilled printers, to create exceptional custom products.