[jeron]

Hey everyone... so at the moment I have about 10 screens that are 110 mesh and 1 that is 220 mesh... obviously I'm just starting out and do it more as a hobby/side job... I normally only print spot colors ask that's why I got 110s.. I just recently picked up the 220 to play around with halftones...

But my question is after reading around it seems that allot of people print almost exclusively on meshes ranging from about 220-305.. I thought the higher mesh counts were just for halftones and that anything that is just a spot color should go on like a 110...

Any opinions are welcome on what mesh count to use, when and why... thanks guys

Thanks,
Jeron

 

[lben]

My screens range from 60 to 305. The finer mesh is also good for thinner inks. The larger mesh for thicker or specialty inks. A lot of people use 150 for most jobs.

 

[deepbluex]

I find 160 mesh to be a very versatile screen. I can get a good amount of fine illustrated detail but also get decent coverage. I use plastisol and discharge.
I also do 4 (5 with underbase) color process prints and get decent detail. 305 would allow for a more seamless image. I happen to like the look of halftone so I don't mind a smaller Line Per Inch count and visible halftone dots.

 

[Printavo]

Yeah we run 110 - 305. Generally use 110 for simpler designs and 305 for more halftoned designs. Careful when using higher mesh screens with thicker ink though, you could create a huge mess and have to clean things off before starting again.

 

[foot print]

All my screens are 160, 200. I use 300 for process color. But my go to screens are 160's.


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[PositiveDave]

Solid blocks should go onto a 110 but you will find more ink going through thicker screens, halftones definitely need higher screens.

 

[potatrick]

The majority of mine are 156 mesh, which I think is great for both solid colors and some halftones. I also have some 200's and 230's for better halftones. Another good thing about going up in mesh is if you do an underbase with a 110 or 156, and then you have another spot color that takes up a large area, use the lighter mesh to keep the print thickness ('hand') down. Or I'll do black in on a higher mesh since it's thinner.

Plus if you get into waterbase, you'll definitely want at least the 150's if not higher.