Screen Printing on Different Fabrics: A Comprehensive Guide

Screen printing is a popular method for printing designs onto different fabrics, with the process of screen printing varying depending on the type of fabric you’re working with. With over 500 screen printing businesses operating in the screen printing sector in Australia. We thought we would share some expert tips and advice for screen printing on different types of fabrics, including Cotton, Polyester, and delicate fabrics like Silk and Rayon.

Whether you're a professional screen printer or just starting out, this guide will give you the information you need to achieve great results when screen printing on any type of fabric. From pre-treatment to ink selection and screen mesh count, we'll cover all the key considerations you need to keep in mind.

Screen Printing on Cotton

Cotton and cotton blends are one of the most popular fabrics for textile screen printing because it is a durable fabric that is easy to print on. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when working with cotton.

• Pre-treatment

  Before printing on cotton, it's important to pre-treat the fabric with a solution that will help the ink adhere better to the cotton. This can be done by using a solution of water and a small amount of soda ash, or by using a commercial pre-treatment solution.

• Use the right ink

  When printing on cotton or cotton blends, it's important to use ink that is specifically formulated for cotton fabrics. These inks are typically water-based and have a higher thickness compared to other types of inks, which helps the ink stick better to the fabric.

• Use a higher screen mesh count

  It's also a good idea to use a higher mesh count for your printing screen as this will help to ensure that the ink is applied evenly and that the design is crisp and clear. A mesh count of around 230-300 is recommended for all cotton fabrics.

Screen Printing on Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often used in sportswear and activewear. Compared to cotton fabrics, it is often more difficult to print on because the material is less porous than natural fibres so making your printing ink stick to the material can pose a challenge. However, by following our advice below you can achieve great results with polyester fabrics.

• Pre-treatment

  Just like cotton, you need to focus on pre-treatment when printing on polyester fabrics. A solution of water and a small amount of soda ash can be used, or alternatively, use a commercial pre-treatment solution for the same purpose.

• Use the right inks

  Additionally using inks that are specifically formulated for polyester fabrics is recommended for printing on this fabric. These inks typically have a higher viscosity than other types of inks, and they are formulated to adhere well to synthetic fabrics.

• Use a lower screen mesh count

  Finally, it's a good idea to use a lower mesh count for your screen because this will help to ensure that the ink is applied evenly and that the design is crisp and clear. A mesh count of around 110-160 is recommended for all polyester fabrics.

Screen Printing on Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics such as Silk and semi-synthetic materials like Rayon can be more challenging to screen print on compared to polyester and cotton fabrics. This is because they are often more delicate, and it’s easier for them to be damaged by the screen printing process.

• Pre-treatment

  Like cotton and polyester pre-treatment is important when printing on delicate fabrics. A solution of water and a small amount of soda ash or a commercial pre-treatment solution can be used. This will help to ensure that the ink holds well to the fabric as well as not damage your silk or rayon fabric.

• Use the right inks

  Like with any screen print job make sure that you use the correct inks that are specifically formulated for delicate fabrics when printing on silk or rayon. These inks are typically water-based, formulated to be gentle on fabric and they do not cause damage.

• Use a lower screen mesh count

  When printing on delicate fabrics, it's a good idea to use a lower mesh count for your screen. This will help guarantee that the ink is applied evenly and that the design printed is crisp and clear, without causing damage to the fabric. A mesh count of around 110-160 is recommended for delicate fabrics such as silk and rayon.

Finally, it is important to take extra care during the screen-printing process when you are printing on delicate fabrics. This is to help the fabric to remain intact during the printing process to look its best once it is printed. It is recommended to use a softer squeegee and print on your delicate fabrics at a lower pressure to minimise damage.

By keeping in mind these tips, you can achieve great results when screen printing on any type of fabric. To know more about the best fabric for your print job, contact the experts at Gildan Brands Australia.