screen printing

Screen printing is a sophisticated stenciling technique used for surface printing. In this method, a design is transferred onto a fabric by forcing ink through a mesh screen stretched over a frame. Originally developed around 1900, it was initially used for advertising and displays. By the 1950s, fine artists began adopting the process.

For the textile industry, screen printing allows for the application of pigments or dyes in intricate patterns. The process can be done by hand or using automatic machines. A screen, typically made of silk or nylon gauze, is prepared with the design for a single color. This screen is then placed over the fabric, and print paste is spread across it with a squeegee, pushing the color through the open areas of the design. For multi-colored prints, separate screens are used for each color, ensuring accurate registration for a cohesive final pattern.12