Screen printing towels requires careful consideration due to their absorbent and textured surface. A key technique employed to ensure proper ink penetration and vibrant results is using multiple print strokes.
Essential Technique: Multiple Print Strokes
Based on approaches for screen printing on materials like towels, performing multiple print strokes is a common practice. As highlighted in a referenced video, applying two print strokes is recommended when screen printing towels.
Why Use Two Print Strokes?
This technique is specifically used to drive sufficient ink into the dense fibers and textured loops of the towel. The primary goal of using two print strokes is to get enough ink into the towel so that the final printed design looks good. This overcomes the challenge presented by the towel's absorbency, which can prevent ink from sitting on the surface or fully saturating the fabric with just a single pass.
By applying the squeegee across the screen twice for the same print area before lifting the screen, more ink is forced through the mesh and into the textile, resulting in a more solid and vibrant print that effectively covers the towel's nap.
Here's a simple breakdown of the technique and its purpose:
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Two Print Strokes | To get enough ink into the towel for a good look |
While this specific technique addresses ink saturation, successful screen printing on towels also involves selecting appropriate ink types and screen meshes designed for printing on absorbent and textured fabrics to ensure durability and optimal results.
