31/07/2018

What is the best fabric for serigraph screens?

Nylon: The nylon fabrics were the first to be created for serigraph screens, for this reason, they are the oldest in the sector. They feature more elasticity and excellent mechanical resistance. Consequently, they are great for printing of bags and abrasive inks, such as ceramic and reflexive ones.

Polyester: The polyester fabric is newer in the market and, since it features less elasticity than nylon, it is better for a large amount of printing, or printing happening for longer periods. It is better for flat surfaces, such as fabric, glass, paper, acrylic, vinyl, wood, among others.

Tip: Usually for printing on fabric for shirts, a line screen of 77 lines is used. For white ink, however, 55 or 62 lines may be used. Because this ink is more consistent than other colors, it is more difficult to work with it and it clogs the screen more easily. Fabric with more open weave may prevent this problem.

Solvent-­?based inks, such as the vinyl, may be used on a more closed fabric, such as the ones with 120 or 150 lines. Since its drying takes longer, and this ink is more liquid, the line screen tends to help better define the drawing at printing. Line screens of 90 to 100 lines are ideal for reticules of up to 12 points, detailed drawings and smooth fabrics with any thickness. But line screens of 120 lines are excellent for cardboard, paper, glass, wood, leather, plastic and fine fabrics such as silk.