tuan

Quote: Originally Posted by lcollado I was wondering for those who are screen printing their lables what mesh count are you using. I'm guessing a high mesh count but what and are you thining your ink?

What is "mesh count" and how does a screenprinter "thin" the ink? I would love to know so I can tell me printer to do that cuz I always want that very light feel of the ink on the graphics. I was also told about screenprinters using a "mesh" as a way to minimize the ink coverage when printing so you don't get a heavy layer of ink on your graphics. Does anyone know how that works exactly and can elaborate on that? Sorry for going off topic too.

 

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n.signia

the mesh count is how many "holes" in a square inch. normal mesh count is 110, but for fine detail and a lighter coat you use finer mesh count screens like a 156 or a 230.

you can reduce the ink using what is called a curable reducer, you can usually reduce ink 5% right from the bucket, but you can go more aggressive if needed.

when you reduce the ink you make it thinner, but also less opaque. how much you reduce depends on the look you are going for.

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tpitman

If this is your first job with the printer, I'd suggest discussing the desired printed finish with him, ask him to show you some printed samples that he thinks represents the final finish you've described, and then make a judgement as to whether or not you think he's the man for the job. A lot of the degree of softness depends not only on the variables discussed by Drue, but also on the artwork you're providing. If you've got a lot of big solid areas that you're printing on a black shirt, and you want that print nice and bright, there's only so much any printer can do to reduce the layer of ink and still make the print look good. On the other hand, if you go into his shop and tell him how to print the job based on the explanations here, you may just piss him off. Show him your art and let him show you similar stuff he's actually done.

 

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