While many ambitious t-shirt designers are optimistic about choosing the brand of ink and experimenting with burning their own screens when printing, this can result in them underestimating the essential but less exciting details when buying equipment. Frames, for instance, are easy to forget, mainly since they can be bought pre-assembled or as basic frames that can be covered with mesh by yourself. Ensure that the initial frames last as long as possible by taking these five considerations into account before buying new screen printing frames.
Stick With Aluminum
At some point, wood was the only material utilized for screen printing frames. Still, nowadays, aluminum is viewed as the most preferred material despite it being a bit more on the pricey side. The slight difference in price for metal frames are worth the benefits, that includes the following:
- No warping once being exposed to moisture from emulsions, inks, etc.
- It is more lightweight, which saves energy during a hectic day.
- Higher durability, lowering replacement fees long-term.
- Easier discarding of glue and mesh for re-stretching, without causing damage to the frame.
Wood frames work well for an amateur; however, the cost for wooden frames doesn’t differ too much from frames that are made from aluminum. It is worth investing in good quality frames from the start.
Opting For Retensionable Frames
To really upgrade your screen printing procedure to a higher level, choose retensionable frames over fixed ones. They are also produced from aluminum but have interlocking tracks to allow the mesh to be clamped along the edges as opposed to being glued down. Because mesh stretches naturally with time once the ink is pushed through it, adding tension to the present screen can make it last for years instead of a few months. When you opt for stretching your own mesh, using adjustable frames, make the process a lot easier than fixed ones. Have a look at Holden’s Screen Supply for a more comprehensive review between steel and wooden screen printing frames.
Checking The Mesh Size
A mesh screen that provides screen printing with its name is referred to by the number of holes that are found between filaments in a singular square inch. The number can be anything from forty to three-hundred and five with the higher numbers corresponding to the finer details in a print. It’s not always best to choose the highest mesh number with the assumption that it will produce the optimal results. Low count meshes are essential if a thick ink is used or one that has metallic or glitter particles. Finer meshes also tend to trap emulsion that makes reclamation tricky. The middle range is recommended unless you have an intricate halftone design or are utilizing thin or thick inks.
Measuring Twice
To evaluate which size to buy, start by creating a few designs for mousepads, shirts, and other products before ordering your frames. Once you’ve selected the most significant design, add about six inches to the height and width for the regular size of the mesh. Frame depth is typically less than two inches and must be added too and in double for both width and length. This gives you the full size you require.
Testing The Glue
First, order a single frame to experiment with all your emulsions, inks, and other chemicals. Weak quality glue can result in adhesives starting to dissolve or peel as a reaction to one or more supplies. Only order from trusted suppliers and brands.
