Screen Printing

Screen printing on denim can be a fun and unique way to add some personal flair to your favorite jeans or pants. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in screen printing on denim, as well as provide some tips and tricks for getting the best results. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this process. So whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or an experienced printer looking to expand your skillset, read on for all you need to know about screen printing on denim!

What you’ll need for Screen Print On Denim Pants

Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need to gather. First, you’ll need some denim pants or jeans that you want to print on. Next, you’ll need screen printing ink in the color or colors of your choice. You can find this ink at most craft stores or online retailers. Finally, you’ll need a screen printing frame and mesh. Again, these can be found at most craft stores or online retailers that sell screen printing supplies.

Preparing your fabric for Screen Print On Denim Pants

Once you have all of your supplies gathered, it’s time to prep your fabric for printing. Start by giving your pants a good wash and letting them dry completely. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the printing process. Next, lay your pants flat on a surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Once your pants are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step: screen printing!

Screen printing your design onto denim

Now that you’ve gathered all of your supplies and prepped your fabric, it’s time to start screen printing! Begin by setting up your screen printing frame with the mesh of your choice. Once your frame is set up, you’ll need to load it with ink. To do this, simply pour some ink onto the screen and spread it around evenly with a squeegee. Once your screen is loaded with ink, it’s time to start printing!

To print your design onto the fabric, simply place the screen on top of the area you want to print and press down firmly. Once you’ve pressed down, lift the screen up and away from the fabric. Repeat this process until your design is complete.

Finishing up your Screen Print On Denim Pants

Once you’ve finished printing your design, it’s time to cure the ink so that it will be permanent. To do this, simply place your pants in a clothes dryer on the high heat setting for about 30 minutes. Once they’re done drying, your pants are ready to wear!

Screen printing on denim is a fun and easy way to add some personality to your favorite pair of jeans or pants. With just a few supplies and some simple steps, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing that’s sure to turn heads. So gather your supplies and give it a try!

Tips and tricks for Screen Print On Denim Pants

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the best results when screen printing on denim:

• Use a light-colored ink on dark denim, and vice versa. This will help your design stand out more.
• If you’re printing a large design, use multiple screens to speed up the process.
• Experiment with different types of mesh to create different effects.

FAQs about Screen Print On Denim Pants

Q: Can I screen print on denim?

A: Yes! Screen printing on denim is a great way to add some personality to your favorite pair of jeans or pants.

Q: How do you print designs on denim?

A: To print your design onto the fabric, simply place the screen on top of the area you want to print and press down firmly. Once you’ve pressed down, lift the screen up and away from the fabric. Repeat this process until your design is complete.

Q: What type of printing should be done on denim?

A: Screen printing is the best type of printing for denim. It’s a durable method that will hold up well to wear and tear.

Q: How do you put designs on pants?

A: You can put designs on pants by screen printing them onto the fabric. Screen printing is a great way to add some personality to your favorite pair of jeans or pants. With just a few supplies and some simple steps, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing that’s sure to turn heads. So gather your supplies and give it a try!

In this blog post, we will compare Vinyl T-shirt Printing vs. Screen Printing to determine which is better for your T-shirts.

Vinyl printing is a cheaper option with lower quality than screen printing but it can be durable because of the nature of its print process.

Vinyl prints are typically plastisol inks and water-based ink whereas screen printing has more versatility with different types of pigment inks that make for brighter colors and higher resolution images.”

How does vinyl T-shirt printing work?

Vinyl printing is done by a printer called an “offset press” that presses ink onto paper. Vinyl T-shirt printing works the same way, but instead of pressing ink onto paper it presses ink on fabric to make your t shirts. Vinyl printers have large rollers with different colors or one roller with all the colors and they use silicone to transfer the ink to your shirts.

Vinyl T-shirt printing is great for very detailed images and custom designs that require a lot of colors, but it will not last as long or be as clear on dark fabrics.”

What does screen printing entail?

Screen printing is a more advanced and expensive process that uses screens, stencils or an etched plate to hold the ink. The artwork is “burned” onto the screen using heat (in some cases), making it possible for printers to be more creative with their designs by mixing colors in multiple layers on top of one another as well as adding certain effects like glitter, sparkles and metallic ink. Screen printing is the more traditional type of T-shirt printing because it’s been around longer than Vinyl T-shirt Printing.”

Vinyl T-shirt printing or screen printing: Which is best for you?

1. When it comes to details, you can’t go wrong with screen printing. You can see even the small details in screen printing. The same goes for intricate designs. Screen printing is better because it allows for a lot of design detail and colour detailing. Vinyl T-shirts are not as good because most of the design will be lost when you
2. Colours: If you want bright colours, then screen printing is the best option for you. You have more choice of colours and can blend them so that they don’t run together to make a mess.
3. Screen printing will last longer than vinyl printing for shirts. Screen printing will make the shirt last a long time.
4. Vinyl printing is used for small runs of items. Screen printing is good for big orders. If you do a large order, it will take the same amount of time as if you did a small order.

WHY VINYL PRINTING BEST?

• Vinyl T-shirt Printing is cheaper than Screen Printing.
• Vinyl printing usually has lower quality but can be durable because of the nature of its print process.
• Vinyl prints are typically plastisol inks and water based ink whereas screen printing has more versatility with different types of pigment inks that make for brighter colors and higher resolution images.
• Vinyl printing is done by a printer called an “offset press” that presses ink onto paper, vinyl Tshirt printing works the same way but instead of pressing ink on paper it presses ink on fabric to make your t-shirts.” Vinyl printers have large rollers with different colors or one roller with all the colours and they use silicone to transfer the ink to your shirts. Vinyl T-shirt printing is great for very detailed images and custom designs that require a lot of colors, but it will not last as long or be as clear on dark fabrics.”
• Screen Printing is more expensive than Vinyl printing, so if you’re looking for durability over cost then screen printing would be best because it’s more long lasting and detailed. Vinyl printing is best for small runs of items, while screen printing is good for big orders.”
• Vinyl T-shirt Printing has some limitations on designs because of the nature of its print process so it may not be your best option if you’re looking to make a statement with your design. Screen printing will last longer than Vinyl printing for shirts. Vinyl screen printing is best used to print designs on dark fabrics that Vinyl will not work well with.”

WHY SCREEN PRINTING BEST?

• Screen Printing is more expensive than Vinyl printing, so if you’re looking for durability over cost then screen printing would be best because it’s more long-lasting and detailed. Vinyl printing is best for small runs of items, while screen printing is good for big orders.”
• Screen Printing has more versatility than Vinyl, because Vinyl only prints in plastisol and water based ink whereas screen printing has more options with different types of pigment inks that make for brighter colors and higher resolution images. Vinyl T-shirt Printing is great for very detailed images and custom designs that require a lot of colors, but it will not last as long or be as clear on dark fabrics.”
• Screen printing has the best quality because you are getting your design printed with ink onto a special mesh that is pulled tight on the frame. Vinyl printing has only one roller, which limits detailed design and colors.”
• Screen Printing can last longer than Vinyl because Vinyl prints are typically plastisol inks and water based ink whereas screen printing has more opportunities for different types of pigment inks that make for brighter colors and higher resolution images.”
• Vinyl Tshirt Printing has some limitations on designs because of the nature of its print process so it may not be your best option if you’re looking to make a statement with your design. Vinyl screen printing is best used to print designs on dark fabrics that Vinyl will not work well with.”
• Screen Printing is the best option if you want to have a long lasting design with high quality. Vinyl Tshirt Printing is great for very detailed images and custom designs that require a lot of colors, but it will not last as long or be as clear on dark fabrics.”

The video below goes through artwork preparation and separation for screen printing. We’ve also included links to download free shirts and art templates to help you get professional art for great prints.

Below are some artwork templates that you can use to help with artwork creation and separation.

Free Software For Screen Printing

Illustrator File

EPS File – Use for CorelDRAW

Registration Marks PDF – A quick guide to creating custom registration marks in Illustrator.

T-Shirt Templates

Illustrator File

EPS File – Use for CorelDRAW

Degreasing screens, do you have to do this? That’s a big yes! If you purchase a new or used screen, YOU MUST DEGREASE THE SCREEN. Never jump the direct coating stage!

Here’s why it’s important to decrease your screens prior to applying direct emulsion: If you purchase pre-stretched screens or you stretch your own screens, keep in mind that the mesh has been handled and has been subjected to the surrounding conditions, oils, dust, and dirt. Those factors will always find a way of making it onto the surface of the mesh. If those elements are not removed they will cause the emulsion to separate around the effected area and may cause premature screen breakdown!

Read More:

The Best Emulsion for Screen Printing

Here are some examples of screen breakdowns.

• THE FISH EYE: is an area of the screen were the emulsion has separated away from the mesh. It resembles a Fish eye.
• PIN HOLES: This is the most common of all screen problems, small random holes that show up during the print process. Sometimes they can be detected by looking through the screen. You can use a water based screen block out to seal off the unwanted areas or plain old transparent tape will work too.

SCREEN DEGREASING PROCEDURE:

• Pre Rinse both sides of the mesh with water. A pressure washer is recommended however a garden hose with a dial setting will work too.
• For this next step you will need a clean scrub brush and a spray bottle. Pour the contents of your Degreaser liquid into the spray bottle. Spray a small amount onto the surface of the screen. Take your brush and scrub from top to bottom or side to side on both sides.
• Turn the screen to the inside portion of the frame. It really does not matter what side you rinse first but I prefer to do the inside first. My reasoning for this is the degreaser is essentially soap and when activated by water it’s going to find places to hide, like in the corners of the frame. Start your spray from the top and sweep from side to side, working the spray downward.
• Flip the screen and repeat the process. Continue to rinse until the bubbles disappear and the water runs smoothly down each side of the screen. That’s it. Be sure to rinse all soap residue off the screen, left over degreaser can also act as a barrier between the mesh and the emulsion.

TIPS TO SPEED UP DRY TIME:

Now you have successfully rinsed your screens they have to dry before you proceed to the coating stage. Yes, they can air dry, but you don’t want the water residue drying on them either. You also want to dry in a DUST FREE area. A forced air fan or forced air space heater works fairly well. However, if you’re in a hurry, you may be wondering how to speed up the dry time? Here are a few tips that I have used in the past.

1. Use a hair dryer. It’s a great way to get the excess water out of the screen. Don’t get to close to the screen, the heat could damage or destroy the screen!
2. An air compressor with a hose attachment will remove the water from the screen very quickly! Be careful with this however, some air compressors have water and small amounts of oil in their lines.
3. Place a box fan next to the screens in a warm area to evaporate water quicker.

In this blog post, we will go over the basics of what emulsion coating is and when you should apply it to your screen printing project. We’ll also cover a few tips and tricks that can help you get a more accurate print on your screens.

1. Fill the scoop coater with the emulsion.
2. Fill the scoop coater ¾ to the top.
3. Make sure the scoop coater is level from end to end, or the emulsion may flow out of the ends of each side!
4. Using a scoop coater, spread a thin layer of paint onto your screen. Using the template as a guide, firmly press into the screen and angle the scoop flat against it. To end your stroke, quickly turn the scoop coater back to its original position by angling it outward.
5. Turn the screen inside out (where the ink goes) and repeat steps 3 through 4.

If you are using a DUAL DIAZO you will need to mix the Diazo into the emulsion one hour prior to coating screens.

Pour the emulsion into the scoop coater. Fill it ¾ of the way full and then pour out any excess that may be in your container so that when you coat your screen it is not too thick or thin. This makes applying an even layer much easier!

We recommend having a piece of paper on hand while coating your screens in case there is a spillover from either end, this can help catch anything else that might come out during application before going onto your tabletop surface where clean up could spread these chemicals elsewhere!

Holding your scoop coater from its bottom center, make sure it is level so that the emulsion does not run out from either end of your scoop coater. Once you’ve coated both sides of your screen make certain to use a dry paper towel or rag and wipe any excess off.

Pressing firmly into the screen, press against the screen and pull upward towards the top quickly angling back toward the center with each stroke! If this isn’t done in quick succession (within about one second) then it will be difficult to get an accurate print because the image won’t come out even on all parts of your printing surface – essentially resulting in underexposure!

Remember there are no rules here just guidelines for successful coating applications, if you do find yourself doing several coats then it’s best practice to re-rinse your screen with water and a garden hose.

How to Apply the Layer of Emulsion for Screen Printing?

Common mistakes when applying the layer of emulsion:

• Not using enough water (emulsion will be too thick) – you want your image just barely to dissolve as it runs across surface.
• Not rinsing screens well after application – You not getting an accurate message on all parts of printing area.
• Rinsing screens in high pressure setting which can force chemicals out from other areas. 
• Using old emulsions – Emulsions have about a year shelf life before they become unusable. Don’t use old emulsion! 
• Leaving screens in water too long.

How to coat a screen with emulsion without a scoop coater?

Use a dry paper towel and wipe off any excess liquid. Press firmly and pull towards the top with each stroke.

If you are applying more than one coat, then it is good practice to rinse your screen with water and a hose.

How to DIY Screen Coating

When it comes to applying emulsion, you need the best scoop coater in order to get the job done right. A scoop coater can be used for two very different purposes when working with photopolymer plates.

Each has its own purpose and both are great tools that will help your printing business excel in efficiency!

The first use is an application of a negative film (emulsion) onto a plate using ultraviolet light.

When this happens, there are no rollers or squeegees involved anywhere along with the line-just simple gravity feeding so you don’t have issues like ghosting on press due to backside wetting!

Image	Product	Rated
Silk Screen Printing Coating Tool	Dual Edge Aluminum Scoop Coater 4-22 inch 14 Inch Recommend for Frame Size: 18" x 20” Plastic end caps Check Price	Check Price
Silk Screen Printing Aluminum Coating	Emulsion Scoop Coater 8-18 inch 1 pc 14"(35CM) Edges fall off so easily Check Price	Check Price
Emulsion Scoop Coater for Silk Printing	DELIOU Dual Edge Coater 6-16 inch The scoop coater should be 2-5 inches shorter than the screen. Aluminum with plastic end Check Price	Check Price

5 Common Mistakes Beginner Screen Printers Make When First Coating a Screen with Emulsion

Designing for print is one of the most rewarding pastimes of today’s graphic artists. Successfully transferring your creative vision from paper to reality is the mark of a true professional. Many new screen printers are under the misconception that using a silkscreen allows anyone to create quality, professionally printed goods at home.

Although there are less expensive ways to achieve great results, you truly get what you pay for when it comes to printing screens and emulsions. If you’re thinking about dipping your toe into the waters of silk screening as a hobby or as part of an up-and-coming business venture, here are five common mistakes that beginning screen printers often make when coating their own screens with emulsion:

Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong screen mesh.

Screen mesh refers to the material used for the mesh portion of a silkscreen, where light can pass through to make your design transfer onto your substrate. The optimum choice for emulsion is 100% polyester.

Mesh count refers to how many threads there are per inch. Think of this as another way to describe how open or tight the weave is on a certain piece of material, and the tighter it is the finer detail you will be able to achieve with that particular type of screen mesh.

Professional quality screens should have an industrial coating, meaning they should be able to hold up over time when exposed to various types of chemicals during production runs. It’s crucial that you know exactly what kind of screen mesh you are using for your project because the wrong choice can make or break the success of your printing.

Mistake #2: Not purchasing enough emulsion.

Just like it’s important to know what kind of screen mesh you are buying before opening the box, it’s also crucial that you understand how much emulsion is needed for each project.

Some level of trial and error will be involved here, but most silk-screening experts agree that about 2 ounces is necessary per square foot of material used for stenciling projects. For example, if you wanted to print a t-shirt with an 8-inch diameter circle on the front, 3/4 ounce would probably be sufficient (3/4 is one-quarter of 2).

However, if you needed to print a 12 inch square on t-shirt fabric, you’d need 1 3/4 ounce (3/4 is one-quarter of 4). Keep in mind that this is only an estimate though. You won’t actually know how much emulsion is needed until you complete the design process and it’s time to coat your screen with emulsion.

Also, keep in mind that you may need more or less than the recommended amount depending on the project at hand.

Mistake #3: Waiting too long or not long enough between each coat of emulsion.

An important step during silk screening is allowing your freshly coated screens ample time to “cure” before running another project. Top silk screen printing experts recommend waiting at least 6 hours after coating your screen with emulsion before beginning to expose it.

This helps ensure that the emulsion is adequately dried out so it won’t hold water or other fluids when you are trying to transfer light through it during exposure. However, far too often people will either try to save time by exposing screens earlier than recommended, or they wait too long and end up having to re-coat their screen because the emulsion has dried out beyond use.

Mistake #4: Exposing your screens in an area where lighting is less than ideal.

Most home silk screening operations are conducted in basements, garages, shops, etc., but these locations are often plagued by less-than-perfect lighting during the day. Silkscreen exposure is a very precise process, which means that if your environment isn’t properly lit, you may end up with a print that’s too dark or too light.

If you can avoid it, don’t expose silk screens in any area where sunlight isn’t available at some point during the day to help ensure proper exposure time and quality results.

Mistake #5: Not washing out screens carefully enough after exposing them to light.

You certainly don’t want to run your freshly exposed screen through the washer as soon as you are finished exposing it because water tends to interfere with the proper curing of emulsion.

However, there are some risks involved with not washing out your screens carefully, too. If you wait too long to clean off the emulsion or don’t clean it thoroughly enough after exposing it to light, you run the risk of having a screen that won’t hold ink when you need to use it.

Conclusion:

Professionals understand these common mistakes and have the experience needed to avoid them altogether. Whether you’re a beginner silk screening newbie or a seasoned pro who has been doing this for years, here is one final piece of advice from all the professionals at Silk Screen Supply: Be patient! Don’t attempt multiple projects before allowing your first project adequate time between coats of emulsion or properly exposing your screen.

Silkscreen printing is a precise process so you want to do it right the first time. Fortunately, this level of precision means achieving excellent results isn’t terribly difficult once you have all of your equipment and understand how to properly prepare your screens. When you are just starting out, take your time and don’t expect perfect results immediately.

You will probably have some failed prints at first or projects that look slightly off before refining your silk screening process over time. If something doesn’t go quite as planned during the first few attempts at silk screening projects, simply try again until you are satisfied with the outcome!

Making good screens is not rocket science. It isn’t difficult or outrageously expensive. Sometimes taking shortcuts can make it every time-consuming and costly. Focus time and attention on the areas discussed next and you will experience consistent/ predictable results, better image quality, and longer-lasting screens.

There are several things to consider when you are selecting a screen frame: construction, mesh type, mesh color, the tension of the mesh, and durability. There are two types of screens: static and roller, they both have their place!

A static screen means that the mesh is stretched to a frame and does not move once it is stretched. A screen is actually stretched by a pneumatic ram that pulls the mesh extremely tight across the frame. Once it is stretched it is glued down and chemically locked to the frame.

A roller frame moves and creates its own tension by tightening the mesh as the roller moves away from the mesh. The mesh is locked into the roller frame using locking strips. In our classes and with our beginning screen printing packages we typically discuss static frames. Static frames cost much less and are very easy to use.

Roller frames give you a high tension screen and allow you the ability to re-stretch the screen manually. However, they are more expensive and you have to learn how to properly stretch them.

Read More:

The Best Emulsion for Screen Printing

The best Screen Printing Press for shirts

Wood vs. Aluminum Wood screens is naturally made. Since wood is less expensive than aluminum it also cost less. However, during the screen printing process, there is a lot of moisture and different products involved. Degreasing with water, printing with wet ink, cleaning the screen with chemicals, reclaiming, and dehazing. It’s common knowledge that when wood gets wet, it warps. The advantage of an aluminum frame is that it will not warp; it will remain structurally sound much longer and is worth the extra cost! 

More About Aluminum Frames As stated, the advantage of an aluminum frame is the durability and longevity it retains. Unlike wood frames, when repeatedly exposing frames to water in a dip tank or washout sink aluminum frames will not warp. This will ensure a flat frame for literally thousands of prints. Aluminum frames can also be stretched and re-stretched many times. The mesh and glue are simply removed from the frame using a professional tool that doesn’t damage the aluminum. Once cleaned, the frames can be re-stretched which will give you the ability to use that frame for many years of work in your shop.

Aluminum frames are also lightweight, which makes shipping less expensive, saving you money in the long run. If you’re looking to maximize performance in your shop aluminum frames are excellent items to add to your screen printing equipment.

Visit Ryonet’s Blog to read the article below titled “Mesh Count and You to learn more about the different mesh counts for screen printing.