Deciding the proper screen mesh count can be a puzzling task especially if you are new to the screen printing industry, but we have made this guide to help.
Selecting the proper mesh is determined by the amount of screen printing ink deposited, the thickness of ink, color of garment, and how detailed the artwork you are working with is.
Mesh Size/Mesh Count:
Mesh size is measured by how many threads there are per square inch. EX: 110 mesh screen has 110 threads per square inch.
Low Mesh Count:
The size of the mesh has to do with how thick the ink you are using is. If you are printing with white, a thicker ink, a lower mesh count will work best.
High Mesh Count:
If you are looking for a detailed print then you would use a higher mesh count. This is due to the fact that the holes in the screen are more detailed while using a higher mesh count. This allows for finer detail in your print. A high mesh count will hold the fine lines or dots in the image.
Guidelines:
Course (40-110 mesh count) Medium (156 mesh count) Fine (200 and up mesh count)
-40-61 Mesh Count – This mesh count is also known as a course mesh count. We recommend using this mesh count if you are working with metallic, shimmer, or glitter inks. This is due to the fact that these specialty inks have particles within them that will not go through finer meshes.
-86 Mesh Count – This is considered a course mesh as well. This count works best for a heavier ink deposit. It is typically used for printing a bold copy onto a darker color fabric. 86 mesh count is perfect for an underlay.
-110 Mesh Count – This is considered a medium course screen mesh and works great for spot colors and text. Most screen printers use 110 mesh count.
-156 Mesh Count – This medium screen mesh is great for printing on light colored fabrics with regular detail and a medium ink deposit.
-200-240 Mesh Count – This fine mesh is perfect for a lighter color garment or white garment and has a soft feel. It is great for high detailed artwork and halftones. This is not recommended for four color process or extremely detailed halftone artwork.
-305 and Higher Mesh Counts– This fine mesh count works for high detail textile printing and fine halftones including four color process and simulated process prints.
If you find yourself challenged by a particular situation please don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call. We are always happy to help!
Please click on the image to shop low temperature ink!!
