How to choose the correct number of mesh for screen printing?

Mesh Number Basics

To understand the number of sieves, you must first understand the meaning of counting. The mesh number indicates how many fibers are in one square inch of screen, so a 160 mesh screen has 160 fibers in one square inch of screen. Screens with a lower mesh count have larger openings, allowing more ink to flow through, while screens with a higher mesh count can provide finer detail in your print, but with less ink coating.

Know which grid number to use

Experience will help you determine which mesh numbers you prefer to use in individual projects, but there are some guidelines to help you get started with different mesh numbers.

• 25 to 40 mesh screens are ideal for glitter or shimmer inks because these inks contain particles that cannot pass through finer meshes.

• 60 mesh allows for heavy ink deposition. it is often used for block numbers and letters on sweatshirts

• 80 to 86 mesh are typically used for thermal transfer, when printing thick substrates , and when using certain specialty inks such as puff inks.

• 110 to 160 mesh screens are the most versatile and are commonly used in screen printing. Screens at the lower end of the mesh count spectrum reduce heavier ink deposits and are ideal for printing substrates or printing bold colors on dark fabrics. At the higher end of the mesh count range, you can print more detailed images while maintaining fair ink deposition.

• 180 to 200 mesh is good for some detailed images using light inks on dark fabrics.

• 230 to 280 mesh screens will provide finer prints and a softer feel; however, prints created with these finer screens will not be as bright or vivid because they allow lighter ink deposits.

Additional Considerations When Selecting a Sieve Mesh Size

There are a few other considerations to keep in mind as you experiment with different mesh counts in screen printing. First, screens of different densities will hold different amounts of emulsion, with lower meshes holding more. This means that when you use a lower mesh screen, you need to expose the screen for a longer period of time for the emulsion to cure properly.

Also, if you print with water-based ink, the ink will dry faster on finer screens. Combined with this, you may want to add a retarder to your water-based inks to keep the ink from transferring and the job moving.

While there are guidelines on which mesh sizes are right for which jobs, the decision on which mesh size to use is ultimately up to you. Through experience and experimentation with different screen densities, you will discover which screens give you the results you want when working with different types of projects.