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Screen Printing Tip of the Week: Keep It Creative



November 6, 2013

Although there are basic parameters and best practices for how to screen print, the process still allows for a lot of artistic leeway.

Given the variety of inks and tools, screen printing is not always an exact science. Using various inks and additives, printers can still infuse a lot of creativity, even into a simple design.

Many screen printers seem to have lost that experimental sense of approach when it comes to trying something new or combining various inks. If you’re too afraid to make a mistake, you can miss out on developing a new technique or an interesting texture.

Most additives can be added to standard inks. You can add stretch additive, a nylon catalyst to make ink stick better, a low-cure additive, etc. The only thing to remember is that any additive will cause a reaction. 

If you add something to change one characteristic of the ink, you are diluting one of its other characteristics. For example, if you add 5% curable reducer to lower the viscosity, then you can expect that the opacity of the ink will lessen. If you add a regular type of ink to low-bleed polyester ink, then you may see some kind of reduction in its bleed-blocking capabilities. Or, if you add a nylon type of adhesive additive, then you may experience a tougher, more durable ink film.


Keeping this in mind, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. You can even add or mix small quantities at a time just for testing purposes.

Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.


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