How do you print screen on a shirt?

Printing a design onto a shirt using the screen printing method involves several steps. Here’s a basic guide on how to print a screen on a shirt:

1. Prepare Your Design:
   • Create or obtain the design you want to print on the shirt. This can be a digital design created using graphic design software or a hand-drawn design transferred onto a transparency film.
2. Prepare the Screen:
   • Choose the appropriate mesh screen for your design. Coat the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • Place the screen in a dark room or use a yellow safelight to prevent premature exposure to light.
   • Place the design onto the coated screen, ensuring it is positioned correctly.
3. Expose the Screen:
   • Use an exposure unit or UV light source to expose the screen to light. The light will harden the emulsion in areas not covered by the design, creating a stencil on the screen.
   • The exposure time will vary depending on factors such as the type of emulsion and the strength of the light source. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the optimal exposure time.
4. Wash Out the Screen:
   • After exposure, wash out the unexposed emulsion from the screen using a pressure washer or hose.
   • The areas of the emulsion covered by the design will remain intact, creating open areas on the screen where ink can pass through.
5. Set Up Your Printing Station:
   • Place the shirt on a flat surface, such as a printing table or pallet.
   • Secure the screen in place using clamps or a screen printing press.
6. Apply Ink to the Screen:
   • Place a line of screen printing ink at the top of the screen, above the design.
   • Use a squeegee to pull the ink down across the design, pressing firmly to ensure even coverage.
   • Lift the screen to reveal the printed design on the shirt.
7. Dry or Cure the Print:
   • Once the design is printed, the ink may need to be dried or cured to set it permanently on the shirt.
   • Depending on the type of ink used, this may involve air-drying the shirt or using a heat press or conveyor dryer to cure the ink at the appropriate temperature.
8. Finish and Quality Check:
   • After drying or curing, inspect the printed design for any imperfections or inconsistencies.
   • Trim any excess ink or clean up any smudges or smears as needed.
   • Your screen-printed shirt is now ready for wear or further processing.

By following these steps, you can print a design onto a shirt using the screen printing method. Keep in mind that screen printing requires practice and attention to detail to achieve high-quality results, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect. With practice and experience, you can master the art of screen printing and create professional-quality prints on shirts and other garments.