Intro to Screen Printing
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is a technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a printing material (textile or piece of paper). A stencil is used to block the ink in certain areas that form the design.
Conventional Screen printing materials
Screen printing designs are typically made on the computer and transferred to screen using an emulsion.
Common Inks
Plastisol inks are PVC based and sit on top of the fabric. Water-based inks sink into the fabric.
Sustainability & Pigments
Where does the colour come from? Pigments can be synthetic or natural.
Synthetic
Lab created through chemical reactions
Usually coal tar or petroleum based
Natural
Plants - leaves, roots, barks
Minerals , stones and clays
Many conventional inks contain hazardous chemicals and require harsh solvents to clean the screens after printing.
Natural colours are a great alternative, however the farming of dye plants or extraction of mineral pigments must be managed sustainably.
Rounded Ink
Rounded Ink is made of plant-based ingredients and water, and is combined with natural colors to print on fabric.
Included in your kit is Denim Blue, it’s made from Indigofera tinctoria, sourced form Yogjakarta and processed by us from printing.
