5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Screen Printing Frames
While many aspiring t-shirt designers are excited to choose a brand of ink and experiment with burning their own screens for printing, this can lead them to overlook essential but less interesting details when purchasing equipment. Frames are particularly easy to overlook, especially since you can buy them pre-assembled or as plain frames that you cover yourself with mesh. Make sure your first frames last as long as possible by considering these five factors before stocking up on new screen printing supplies.
Go with Aluminum
While wood was once the only material used for screen printing frames, aluminum is now the most popular material despite being a little more expensive. The slightly higher price tag for metal frames is well worth the advantages, which include the following:
- No warping when exposed to moisture from inks, emulsions, and more
- Lighter weight, which saves a lot of energy over the course of a busy day
- Higher durability, reducing replacement costs in the long run
- Better results when new mesh is stretched over an older frame
- Easier removal of glue and mesh for re-stretching without damaging the frame.
Wood frames will work for a beginner, but they don't cost much less than similar frames made from aluminum. It's worth the investment to get the better frames from the beginning.
Consider Retensionable Frames
To really take your screen printing process to the next level, consider retensionable frames instead of fixed ones. These frames are made from aluminum as well, but they feature interlocking tracks so that the mesh is clamped along the edges rather than glued down. Since mesh naturally stretches over time as you push ink through it, being able to add tension to an existing screen can help you make it last for years instead of just a few months. These frames also require a lot less work to restretch, resulting in lower costs when it comes time to refresh to mesh on your frames. If you decide to start stretching your own mesh, it's far easier with an adjustable frame than with fixed models.
Watch Your Mesh Size
The mesh screen that gives screen printing its name is described by the number of holes between the filaments found in a single square inch. The number can range from around 40 to 305, with higher numbers corresponding to finer details in the print. However, it's not wise to go for the highest possible mesh number assuming it'll produce the best results. Low count meshes are essential when you're using a thick ink or one that includes glitter and metallic particles. These kinds of inks simply won't go through a finer mesh. Fine meshes are also trickier to burn out and tend to trap emulsion to make reclamation difficult. Aim for the middle of the range unless you've got a very complex halftone design or use very thick or thin inks.
Measure Twice
Frames are available in a wide range of pre-assembled sizes, and custom assembly is also available. But how do you know what size to buy? Start by creating a least a few designs for your shirts, mousepads, or other products before ordering frames. Once you've picked out the largest design, measure it and add at least six inches to the width and height for the general size of the mesh. Don't forget that the frame depth, which is usually less than two inches, must be added as well and in double for both length and width. This gives you the total size you need.
Test the Glue
Finally, order a single frame and dip it in all your inks, emulsions, and other chemicals before committing to a large order of multiple frames. Poor quality glue can make a frame that seems like a great deal into a waste of money if the adhesives start to peel or dissolve in reaction to one or more of your supplies. Ordering only from trusted brands and suppliers can help you avoid this testing step.
For more information, visit a website such as http://www.schillinggraphics.com.
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