The principle of screen printing or silk screening involves the technique of applying an ink blocking stencil to a screen (either constructed of silk, synthetic or metallic material). The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink or other printable materials which can pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A roller or squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink past the threads of the woven mesh into the open areas.
Screen printing is more versatile than traditional printing techniques. The surface does not have to be printed under pressure, unlike etching or lithography, and it does not have to be planar. There are many types of screen printing ink systems designed and formulated to print with a variety of materials, such as textiles, ceramics, wood, paper, glass, metal, and plastic, offering a varied selection of end uses such as; product labels, signs and displays, textile fabrics, (e.g. clothing), wallpaper, fine art prints, medical devices, printed electronics, thick film technology and other commercial applications.
Sterling Colour fluorescent pigments are highly suitable for a vast majority of screen printing formulations from water-based, aliphatic/aromatic solvents to UV curable. The pigment series selection is dependent upon the solvent system used in the ink formulation and the end use application. Where maximum strength or economy is required, the Sterling Colour 850 series is highly recommended. Starting formulations are available upon request.