Beyond the standard plastisol ink screen printing, we explore some of the unique effects we can achieve by using this print method.
The process of screen printing involves creating a stencil of artwork by blocking parts of a screen (the negative space around the design) using a film or emulsion that is coated onto the screen. Beyond this fundamental process, there are many different techniques we can use to add or layer on interesting print effects. Here are some we’ve explored recently:
1. Metallic Inks
Using metallic screen printing inks we can incorporate silvers and golds into your print, adding a sparkling effect atop a standard screen print.
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2. Reflective Inks
By using special inks with reflective particles incorporated within, we can achieve a reflective quality to a screen print. This allows for a reflective shine and mirror-y effect.
3. “Layered” Effect
While we can’t achieve different opacities with screen printing, you can ‘fake it’ with your artwork file. Here we actually printed 3 different colours – although it creates the effect of “layering” red and blue to create a third colour.
4. Puff Additive
Standard waterbased inks can be mixed with a puff additive in order to create a puff or ‘raised’ effect upon interacting with heat. Similar to a raised embroidery, puff additive screen printing can create a highly unique effect.
5. Gradients
Often times people are hesitant about sending us artwork files with a gradient effect. However, using screen printing we’re able to achieve gradients, usually by using 3 colours on whites and 4 colours on colours/dark garments.
Screen Printing by ICON for (top to bottom) Syndicate, Dover Street Market, Company of Parrots