Silk screen printing is a tried and true method that's been used to put designs on fabric for decades. However, the process can become quite tricky when printing on dark-colored fabrics. Despite the challenges, it's an achievable task that's worth taking on. Whether you're a CMO looking to create awesome merch or a DIY enthusiast interested in creating custom apparel, this guide will provide useful insights on how to silk screen print on dark-colored fabrics.
Printing on Dark-Colored Fabrics:
To successfully print on dark-colored fabrics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of fabric types and apply high-quality inks along with proper preparation techniques. Here are some essential steps to achieve impeccable prints on dark fabrics.
1) Choosing the Right Ink:
To make sure the design shows up on your dark t-shirt or fabric, it's essential to select the right ink. Opting for a highly opaque or dense ink is best suited for dark fabrics. Water-based inks may not be adequate as they can wind up translucent instead of fully opaque. Solvent-based inks, on the other hand, are highly pigmented and provide a vibrant, opaque finish, making it the optimal choice. Additionally, adding something we call a “white base” before printing the color makes for an artificial white layer to help the colors pop.
2) Preparing the Fabric & Screen:
Before beginning the silk screen printing process, ensure the fabric is prepared correctly. You can use fabric pre-treatments like fabric softeners, conditioners, and detergents to clean and soften the fabric. Then, let the fabric dry thoroughly before continuing to the next stage. The screen must also be in good condition and clean. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing your screen. When purchasing finished garments, the fabric handling has been already done unless they are PFD (prepared for dye) garments.
3) Proper Film Making:
Creating a film of each color and ink layer is vital. Take precaution when creating your film by making sure there aren't any non crisp borders or damage/stains to the film. Place the film on the screen, and tape the edges to ensure it remains in place during the exposure process. Don't forget to check for anything not belonging to the film layer.
4) Applying Ink:
The ink application depends on the type of ink you choose. Screen printing can be done with either a top or bottom application. Generally, the most effective method is the flood and stroke technique. Put a generous amount of ink at the top of the stencil, and use a squeegee to pull the ink smoothly across the stencil. Repeat this process a couple of times, ensuring the ink is applied correctly. This process can be achieved with an automatic machine as well as a manual machine.
5) Curing the Print:
The curing process is crucial once the printing process is complete. Curing the fabric enables the ink to bind correctly, ensuring a more robust print that can withstand wear and washing. Whether curing in a heat press, oven, or by air drying, ensure the temperature range meets the manufacturer's instructions for standard curing time and temperature.
Silk screen printing on dark fabrics can seem daunting, but by following the tips above, you can achieve impressive results. It's imperative to choose the right ink, prepare the fabric, and screen correctly, utilize proper film making, apply the ink accurately, and then cure the print. Whether you're a purchaser or dark merch or an arts and crafts enthusiast, with this guide, you'll be all set to take on your next silk screen printing project.
