subject: At Home Screen Printing | Beginners Information On Silk Screen Printing [print this page] Screen printing today has become an inexpensive alternative to other printing methods. It has evolved as a very lucrative work at home business opportunity for those looking to earn extra income. The screen printing technique can be mastered very easily and implemented in no time with the right equipment and supplies purchased inexpensively.
Silk screen printing is a simple technique of printing on t-shirts, paper and other surfaces where the design is transferred on to a frame that has a screen mesh stretched firmly over it. The ink is then pressed through the screen using a squeegee.
History
The concept of screen printing was originally invented in China and was first used in mid 1800s for an industrial printing process. The printing was used for political posters, machinery parts and included fabric printing as well. This printing method was later adopted by other Asian countries like Japan who developed it further.
Advantages
The advantages of silk screen printing are several. This technique can be used to print on fabric, plastic, metal, paper, rubber and any other surface that has a smooth texture. One can use different ink formulation as this technique involves direct printing on the surface resulting in bright, long lasting and high quality finished prints. It also requires minimal investment in equipment which makes it an affordable option not only for individuals but also businesses.
Commonly Printed Items
One of the most common items used for printing are t-shirts that are in huge demand as a promotional product. This printing technique can not only be very affordable but also helps you to print lot of sizes in huge quantities using your creativity in prints. Other commonly used items for silk screening involve bumper stickers, wallpapers, mouse pads, etc.
Silk Screening Inks
The most commonly used silk screening ink is plastisol often used on garments. However, the other types of inks used are water based inks, discharge inks, glitter or shimmer inks, expanding inks, glossy inks, suede or caviar beads. The water based inks are smoother and seep in to the fabric totally. Discharge inks are more appropriate inks for printing on dark backgrounds as they remove the dye from the cloth rather than dyeing it. Expanding inks are used to create a 3D effect by expanding the prints on the fabric.
Some Misconceptions
There are few misconceptions of silk screening being a cottage industry business, however, the amount of revenues that one can generate from it using it the right way can bring in huge amounts of revenue. There are many who have taken on this business as a hobby, part time work and even dedicating full time to it and earning a fortune which no longer makes it a pure cottage industry business venture.
So if you are looking out for a new business opportunity that is not only affordable but also fun and unleashes your creativity, then it is time you get home your biggest little printer and get started.
