What is Screen Printing? A Complete Guide to Screenprinting

Screen printing, also known as silk screen printing, is a popular method used to print designs on various materials, including fabric, paper, and plastic.

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, understanding how to screen print can help you achieve high-quality prints with vibrant colours and intricate details.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil (or screen) onto a surface. This method is widely used for printing t-shirts, posters, and packaging materials. It offers durability and rich colour application compared to other printing methods.

How do You Do Screen Printing?

The screen printing process follows these steps:

1. Design Preparation– A design is created and transferred onto a screen using silk screen emulsion.
2. Screen Coating– The screen is coated with photo emulsion screen printing material and dried.
3. Exposure to UV Light– The coated screen is exposed to UV light for screen printing, which hardens areas not covered by the design.
4. Washing & Drying– The unexposed emulsion is washed away, leaving a stencil.
5. Printing– Ink is applied and pushed through the stencil onto the material.
6. Curing– The print is heat-set to ensure durability.

For a detailed breakdown of another high-quality printing method, read our guide on Understanding What Is Gravure Printing & Its Entire Process!.

Types of Screen Printing

There are various types of screen printing used in different industries:

Materials for Screen Printing

To create high-quality screen printing designs, you need the following materials:

• Screens & Stencils– Made using stencils for screen printing.
• Inks & Dyes– Choose water-based or plastisol inks depending on the desired effect.
• Paper & Fabric– Paper for silk screen printing is ideal for posters and art prints.
• Screen Printing Machine– Helps automate the process for large-scale production.

How to Make a Screen Print Step-by-Step

If you’re wondering how do you make a screen print, follow these steps:

1. Select the Right Materials– Use high-quality screen printing supplies.
2. Prepare the Screen & Emulsion– Apply silk screen emulsion to the mesh screen.
3. Expose the Design– Use UV light for screen printing to harden the emulsion.
4. Wash & Dry– Rinse out the unexposed emulsion to create a stencil.
5. Print & Cure– Apply ink, squeegee it through the screen, and heat-set the design.

Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies

For beginners and professionals alike, investing in the right screen printing equipment is essential:

Applications of Screen Printing

Screen printing is widely used across different industries:

• Fashion & Apparel– Common for t-shirt printing.
• Marketing & Advertising– Ideal for printing PVC banners.
• Retail & Branding– Used for custom shelf talkers and promotional displays.
• Industrial & Packaging– Printing on cartons, labels, and corrugated packaging.

Market Insights: Screen Printing in the UK

According to a study by the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), the UK printing sector is worth over £14 billion, with screen printing remaining one of the top printing techniques for textiles and packaging.

Future of Screen Printing

The screen printing industry is evolving with new advancements:

• Eco-Friendly Inks – More brands are opting for sustainable, water-based inks.
• Automated Screen Printing – Reducing production time and increasing efficiency.
• Digital-Screen Hybrid Printing – Combining digital precision with screen printing durability.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what is screen printing and its applications can help businesses and individuals make informed printing choices. Whether you’re creating screen printing designs for apparel, promotional materials, or packaging, investing in quality screen printing supplies and equipment ensures long-lasting and professional results.

With the right screen printing machine and materials, you can produce high-quality prints that stand out in today’s competitive market.