INTRODUCTION TO SCREEN PRINTING ONTO FABRIC

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh or screen is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. The impermeable areas are created with the help of photographic emulsion. The photographic emulsion technique involves the photosensitive substance reacting with light and becoming insoluble. This screen is made of fine material. Nylon, polyester or silk have been used till the recent addition of metallic fibres for screen printing fabric mesh. The fabric count is such that it is possible for the print paste to pass through the interstices between the yarns.

As with other methods of colour transfer, the number of screens needed for a design will depend on the number of colours used. The width of the screen decides the repeat size of the print.

As part of our endeavour to bring modernism to our indigenous crafts, we have collaborated with Finnish Textile Designer, Maria Tolvanen. Drawing inspiration from minerals & stones, Maria's print designs have been translated to hand-printed fabrics in this collaboration. This also includes some of our screen printed fabrics.

HISTORY OF SCREEN PRINTING:

Screen printing first appeared in a recognizable form in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). It was then adapted by other Asian countries like Japan and was further created using newer methods.

The screen printing process was largely introduced to Western Europe from Asia sometime in the late 18th century but did not gain large acceptance or use in Europe until silk mesh was more available for trade from the east and a profitable outlet for the medium discovered.

WHY IS THE SCREEN PRINTING PROCESS USED?

1. It produces vivid colours, even on darker fabrics.

2. The ink or paint lies in layers on the surface of the fabric or paper, which gives the print a pleasingly tactile quality.

3. The technique allows the printer to easily reproduce a design multiple times since the same stencil can be used to replicate a design again and again.

3. It is an efficient technique for creating large batches of custom clothing for sports teams or work uniforms.

4. When carried out using professional equipment by an experienced printer, it's also possible to create intricate multicoloured designs. 

5. While the complexity of the process does mean there's a limit to the number of colours the printer can use, it does allow for more intense colouring than is possible to achieve with digital printing alone.