Screen printing is one of the indispensable printing methods in both the textile and industrial production sectors today. It is preferred by both amateur and professional users due to its high durability, vibrant colors, long-lasting print quality, and applicability to a wide variety of surfaces. However, to truly unlock the power of screen printing, it's essential to understand "how screen printing is done." This type of printing involves many technical details, from surface preparation and plate exposure to ink density and squeegee angle.

In this section, I explain the basic principles, materials used, working logic, and initial stages of the printing process in detail for those who want to start screen printing from scratch. Later in the article, I will demonstrate the process step-by-step, provide product recommendations, and offer guidance through internal links.

What is the basic principle behind screen printing?

Screen printing is based on the principle of ink transferring from a mesh surface to the surface below. This mesh surface is called a "screen printing plate" or "silk stretcher frame". Only the areas to be printed are open on the plate; all other areas are covered. This ensures that the ink only passes through the desired areas, resulting in a clear and sharp print.

What makes screen printing so special is that, thanks to the microscopic pores of the mold, the ink is transferred to the surface in a controlled and concentrated manner. Therefore, it gives excellent results on both rough and smooth surfaces.

Printable surfaces:

• T-shirt
• Hooded sweatshirt
• Cloth bag
• Metal surfaces
• Wooden panels
• Pine
• Plexiglass
• Plastic surfaces
• Tags
• Cardboard boxes
• Industrial panels

This wide range of applications makes screen printing the most robust printing technique still used worldwide today.

Materials Needed for Screen Printing (Professional List)

In screen printing, it is impossible to achieve good print results unless the materials used are of high quality. Therefore, the equipment used must be professional-grade.

1. Screen Printing Mold (Metal / Aluminum Frame)

The stencil is the most fundamental part of screen printing.
Product recommendations for choosing the right frame:

• 👉 3x3 Metal Frame 40x60
• 👉 4x4 Aluminum Frame 50x70

Metal and aluminum frames are the ideal choice for high voltage and long-lasting use.

2. Screen Printing Paint

The paint varies depending on the surface.

For textiles: Plastisol or water-based.
For Metal / Wood / Glass: Solvent-based
For advertising products: UV-based

Product →
👉 Screen Printing Paint

3. Ragle (Squeegee)

It transfers the ink from the mold to the surface.
Angle, stiffness, and pressure are very important.

Product →
👉 Screen Printing Squeegee
👉 Ragle Rubber

4. Printing Machine

The machines we'll be highlighting on this blog are:

• 👉 Screen Printing Vacuum Manual Printing Machine
• 👉 Screen Printing Desktop Printing Apparatus
• 👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

Vacuum cleaners are perfect for flat and hard surfaces, while desktop and t-shirt machines are ideal for textile work.

5. Drying Systems

Drying is crucial for the longevity of the print.

• 👉 Rayk Screen Printing Paint Drying Rack

Rayk is ideal for workshops that require fast drying.

6. Film Output + Exposure Equipment

• Film output printer
• Exposure machine
• Emulsion
• Squeegee and emulsion application tool.

These topics will be discussed in detail later in the article.

How many stages are there in the screen printing process?

The screen printing process is divided into six main sections as follows:

1. Design preparation
2. Getting a movie output
3. Mold emulsification
4. Exposure
5. Oppression
6. Drying

Her bir aşama baskı kalitesinin %20’sini etkiler. Bu nedenle tüm adımlar profesyonelce uygulanmalıdır.

1. Design Preparation and Film Output

“The most critical step in answering the question "How is screen printing done?" is design preparation. A faulty film output will lead to a poor-looking print.

Things to keep in mind:

• The lines should be a minimum of 0.15 mm.
• The text shouldn't be too thin.
• It must be a vector illustration.
• The film must be completely black and opaque.

Before printing the film, the design is positioned to fit the plate dimensions. "Registration points" are added to the film to facilitate alignment in multi-color printing.

2. Mold Preparation: Emulsion Application

Applying the emulsion to the mold is a fundamental step in determining print quality in screen printing.
Basic rules:

• The emulsion should be thick, in a single layer.
• The room light should be yellow.
• The mold must be completely dry.
• There should be no dust.

Poor emulsion application leads to punctures, edge distortion, and printing errors.

Metal/aluminum frames provide better exposure performance at this point because they offer higher voltage.

Product links again:
👉 Metal Mold
👉 Aluminum Mold

3. Exposure: The Formation of the Design in the Mold

The exposure process is done with UV light. Areas covered by the film prevent the emulsion from being exposed to light and remain as the printing area.

The important thing about exposure is:

• Correct time
• Correct light intensity
• The film and the mold have a tight connection.

Studios that do continuous printing create an exposure "recipe" by noting the exposure times.

For more detailed information:
👉 https://www.okangokhan.com/serigrafi-kalip-pozlama-ayarlari/

Preparing for the 4th Edition

After the plate is exposed, the following steps should be taken before printing:

• The mold is fixed to the table.
• The paint is prepared.
• Squeegee stiffness is selected.
• A test print will be made.
• The t-shirt/product is positioned correctly.

In vacuum applications →
👉 Vacuum Manual Printing Machine
It provides excellent product fixation.

In t-shirt printing →
👉 T-shirt Printing Machine
It specializes in position stabilization.

5. How is the Printing Process Done? (Summary of Steps)

1. The paint is poured onto the top of the mold.
2. Ragle is pushed at the correct angle.
3. The paint is transferred to the surface by passing through the mesh pores.
4. The squeegee is withdrawn and the second stroke can be made.
5. The mold is lifted up and the print is checked.

The Ragle angle determines the fate of the print:

• Very steep angle → fine print
• Horizontal angle → bold print
• Too hard squeegee → less paint will transfer.
• Soft squeegee → fuller print.

Products:
👉 Ragle
👉 Ragle Rubber

6. Drying: Ensuring the Print Lasts

Drying is the most important stage in determining the lifespan of the print.

In small workshops:
👉 Rayk Paint Drying Rack

In textile printing:
– Plastisol requires a temperature of 160–170°C.
– Air drying is sufficient for water-based paints.

Conveyor dryers are recommended for professional production:
👉 https://www.okangokhan.com/urun/konveyor-kurutucu-fikse-tuneli/

How is screen printing done? (Application Steps – With Professional Techniques)

Screen printing is a technical process that requires the precise management of many variables, from surface preparation and exposure time to ink density and drying temperature. In the first part, we explained the basic principles and materials. In this part, we will discuss...“How is screen printing done?”We will explain the answer to this question clearly and practically, addressing each stage with professional details. This will enable both amateur and professional printing workshops to achieve much more consistent and high-quality results in their production.

One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is that it can be used on both textile and industrial surfaces thanks to controlled ink flow. clear, long-lasting and high opacity The goal is to obtain high-quality prints. However, to achieve this result, every step of the printing process must be carefully planned. Incorrect mesh selection, wrong exposure time, insufficient vacuum power, or an unsuitable squeegee angle can seriously reduce print quality. Therefore, creating a professional workflow is essential when screen printing.

The following steps are the stages of screen printing according to international standards, and this guide has been prepared to minimize application errors in workshops in Türkiye.

⭐ 1. Preparing the Exposed Plate for Printing

After exposure, the plate undergoes several preparation steps before printing. This stage is often where novice users make the most mistakes.

Things to keep in mind:

● The mold must be allowed to dry completely.

If printing is done with a wet or slightly damp plate, the ink will not adhere properly to the pores, resulting in a blurry print.

● The mold should not be exposed to light.

Unnecessary exposure may occur due to residual light sensitivity after exposure.

● The edges of the mold should be cleaned with water and dried.

This process prevents "edge bleeding" during printing.

● It must be positioned at the correct angle to the printing plate.

If the mold mounting angle is incorrect, the print will be crooked.

At this stage, the type of printing press becomes important.
For those who want secure fastening on all surfaces:
👉 Vacuum Manual Screen Printing Machine
For those who want a quick solution for t-shirt printing:
👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

⭐ 2. Paint Preparation – Correct Density and Mixing Ratio

One of the most frequently asked questions about screen printing is the ink preparation process. This is because the ink concentration directly affects the opacity, durability, and texture of the print.

The most crucial answer to the question of how screen printing is done. It is proper paint preparation.

1) Preparation of plastisol paints

• Its natural structure is dense.
• It is cured by heat.
• Provides maximum durability in t-shirt printing.
• It becomes fluid when mixed.

Ideal dye for textile applications:
👉 Screen Printing Ink (Plastisol and solvent options)

2) Preparation of water-based paints

• It is more environmentally friendly.
• It dries in the air.
• Soft textured printing is achieved on thin surfaces.

3) Solvent-based paints

It is used on surfaces such as glass, metal, and plexiglass.
Vacuum printing machines offer a significant advantage on these types of surfaces.

⭐ 3. Squeegee Selection and the Correct Squeegee Angle

The most critical technical aspect of how to do professional screen printing. It is the use of a squeegee.. Ragle:

• It transfers the ink from the mold to the surface.
• Determines the print thickness.
• It affects opacity.
• It directly determines the detail resolution.

Things to consider when choosing a squeegee:

● Hardness (Shore values)

• 65 shore → Soft (Full print)
• 75 shore → Medium (General use)
• 85 shore → Hard (Fine details)

Products:
👉 Screen Printing Squeegee
👉 Ragle Rubber

● Ragle angle

• 65–70° → Fine, clear print
• 45–50° → Fuller print
• 80–85° → Sharp results on fine lines.

Incorrect angle = Ink shadowing, loss of detail, and blurring.

⭐ 4. Printing Process – Step-by-Step Instructions

Before starting screen printing, the surface must be clean and smooth.
If the surface of the t-shirt is folded like a child's clothing fold, the print will come out crooked.
On surfaces such as metal and glass vacuum It is absolutely essential.

The following steps are professional application steps:

1) The product is placed on the printing table.

If a vacuum machine is being used, the vacuum is turned off.
👉 Manual Vacuum Machine

2) The mold is lowered.

3) The squeegee distributes the paint with a "draw stroke" over the paint.

4) A "print stroke" is performed at the appropriate angle.

5) The mold is removed and the print is checked.

6) If the printing is successful, mass production continues.

The most practical method for t-shirts and textile products:
👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

⭐ 5. How to do multi-color screen printing?

Multicolor printing (CMYK, spot color, gradient work) is one of the most demanding areas in screen printing. This is because each color is printed with a separate plate, and the colors must overlap with millimeter precision.

This process registration settings It is called.

If the registry settings are not configured correctly:

• The colors shift from each other.
• A shadow is formed.
• The text appears to flicker.
• Gradient prints deteriorate.

Professional tips for multi-color printing:

• The molds must be stretched with the same mesh number.
• Registration pins must be used.
• The film should have alignment marks.
• The color sequence must be determined correctly.

For the most accurate pattern selection:
👉 Metal Mold 40×60
👉 Aluminum Mold 50×70

⭐ 6. Post-Printing Drying – A Step That Determines the Life of the Print

Drying ensures the print remains permanent in screen printing.
“One of the most critical answers to the question "How is screen printing done?" is the correct drying method.

Textile printing drying

• Plastisol printing → 160–170°C
• Water-based printing → 40–60°C air circulation

The best solution for small workshops:
👉 Rayk Paint Drying Rack

Conveyor tunnels are essential for high-volume production:
👉 https://www.okangokhan.com/urun/konveyor-kurutucu-fikse-tuneli/

Drying on industrial surfaces.

Since solvent-based inks are used in metal, glass, and plexiglass prints, the drying time is longer. Therefore, Rayk rack drying or oven drying is preferred.

⭐ 7. Application Tips for Every Surface

The beauty of screen printing is that it can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces.
Below you will find short but crucial tips specific to surfaces.

1) T-shirt Printing

• A lint-free surface should be chosen.
• The t-shirt should be stretched and secured.
• Drying should be done between colors.

The most suitable product:
👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

2) Metal Printing

• Without a vacuum, the surface will slide.
• Solvent-based paint should be used.
• 2nd edition possible

3) Woodblock Printing

• The rough surface needs to be sanded.
• The paint shouldn't be too thick.
• Drying time should be extended.

4) Glass Printing

• It is the most difficult surface.
• Vacuum machine required
• Two prints may be required for high opacity.

The most accurate machine:
👉 Vacuum Manual Printing Machine

Professional Screen Printing Tips, Common Mistakes, and Methods to Optimize Production

Screen printing requires more than just a step-by-step process. Achieving truly professional print quality requires the correct application of technical knowledge, powerful use of printing machines, the correct matching of plate, exposure, and ink, and optimization of the production flow. This section discusses...“How to do screen printing”We will address this question from an advanced perspective, explaining methods that will take printing to the next level in terms of both quality and speed.

This information is of critical importance to all established workshops, textile manufacturers, packaging, advertising, wood, and plexiglass manufacturers, glass printing companies, and professional screen printing studios.

⭐ 1. Three Golden Rules for Determining Quality in Professional Screen Printing

There are three main factors that determine quality in all screen printing jobs:

● 1. Mold quality

No matter how good the ink you use, the print quality will be poor if the exposure is not done correctly. Especially:

• Emulsion thickness
• Mesh number
• Exposure time
• Film opacity
• Mold tension

kalitesi baskının %60’ını belirler.

Bu nedenle profesyonel atölyelerin %90’ı metal veya alüminyum çerçeve kullanır:
👉 Metal Mold 40×60
👉 Aluminum Mold 50×70

● 2. Paint density – the correct mixture

If the paint is too runny:

• The edges disintegrate.
• Fine details are distorted.

If the paint becomes too thick:

• Ragle does not move
• Accumulation occurs in the mold.
• The print appears raised.

Using high-quality paint is essential for the most stable results.
👉 Screen Printing Paint

● 3. Machine and surface fixing quality

Printing on a non-vacuum surface is considered an amateur mistake. This is because if the surface moves, the print will shift, resulting in double images and shaky text.

The best solution for professional flat printing:
👉 Vacuum Manual Screen Printing Machine

For textile products such as t-shirts:

👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

Bu üç unsur doğru olduğunda serigrafi baskı kalitesi %100’e yakın mükemmelliğe ulaşır.

⭐ 2. Common Mistakes in Screen Printing and Their Solutions

Below, I will explain the most common problems encountered in screen printing workshops, one by one.

❌ ERROR 1: Incorrect exposure time.

If the film is not completely opaque or the exposure time is too long/too short, defects will occur in the plate.

✔ Solution: Test the exposure time separately for each mesh number.
✔ Kullanılan film %100 siyah olmalı.
✔ The light should be evenly distributed in the mold.

❌ ERROR 2: The paint is too thick or too thin.

Incorrect ink density can cause smudging, waviness, or blistering in the print.

✔ Solution: Mix the ingredients for 20–30 seconds before starting the print job.
✔ Gentle heating with a heat gun can be effective for plastisol paint.

Correct paint link:
👉 Screen Printing Paint

❌ ERROR 3: Incorrect squeegee stiffness or angle.

When the wrong level of hardness is chosen:

• Fine details get lost.
• Thick areas overflow
• The paint does not spread evenly.

✔ Solution:

• 85 shore for detailed work.
• 75 shore for general operations
• 65 shore in full print.

Ragle products →
👉 Screen Printing Squeegee
👉 Ragle Rubber

❌ ERROR 4: Surface is moving (no vacuum)

This error specifically:

• Plexiglass
• Metal
• Wood
• Pine
• In label printing

It is very common.

✔ Solution: Print using a vacuum machine.
👉 Vacuum Manual Printing Machine

❌ ERROR 5: Insufficient drying

Insufficient drying causes the print to crack.

✔ Solution:

• Plastisol → 160°C
• Water-based → 40–60°C
• Solvent → natural drying + Rayk rack

👉 Rayk Screen Printing Paint Drying Rack

❌ ERROR 6: Low mold voltage

Low voltage = blurry edges and shadowed print.

✔ Solution: Use a metal/aluminum frame.
👉 Metal Mold

⭐ 3. Techniques for Increasing Production Speed (Professional Workshop Approach)

Production speed is just as important as print quality. The biggest mistake workshops make is not planning machine speed correctly.

The following methods should be implemented to speed up production:

● 1) Prepare the molds in series.

If you take on more than one job a day, prepare your molds the day before.

● 2) Prepare the paints in color order.

Especially in multi-color printing, color sequencing significantly speeds up production.

● 3) Use the operator-assistant system.

1 kişi baskı yaparken diğer kişi tişörtleri/ürünleri yerleştirir → hız %40 artar.

● 4) Enlarge the drying area

A small drying system hinders production.
📌 The best solution:
👉 Rayk Shelf

● 5) Obtain high-volume work with a screen printing desktop apparatus.

For small non-textile products:
👉 Desktop Printing Apparatus
It provides a significant speed advantage for small orders.

⭐ 4. Choosing the Right Machine for Each Job

One of the golden answers to the question of how screen printing is done. It's about choosing the right machine.

T-shirt and bag prints:

👉 T-shirt Printing Machine

Metal / Wood / Plexiglass prints:

👉 Manual Vacuum Machine

Rapid production of small products:

👉 Desktop Mount

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

⭐ 5. Advantages of Screen Printing

Screen printing is much more durable and opaque compared to other printing methods.

• High durability
• It is resistant to laundry washing.
• It does not fade in the sun.
• It offers a bold and solid print appearance.
• It adheres even to industrial surfaces.
• Large format printing is possible.
• The opacity is excellent.

Therefore, it is still a preferred method over digital printing.

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

⭐ 6. Most Frequently Asked Questions by Users Regarding Screen Printing

Q: Can screen printing be done on any surface?

Yes, it can be applied to surfaces other than textiles, such as metal, glass, wood, and plexiglass.

Q: Is the print long-lasting?

When properly dried, it can last 5–10 years.

Q: Is multi-color printing difficult?

When the recording settings are correct, it produces extremely professional results.

Q: How long does it take for a beginner to learn?

Basic level practice can be learned in 1-2 days, while professional level development takes a few weeks.

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

“"To learn the detailed working principles of semi-automatic systems, you can consult this comprehensive guide:"
👉 Guide to Semi-Automatic Screen Printing Machines”

⭐ 7. Essential Equipment Needed to Set Up a Professional Screen Printing Workshop

Here's a list for those opening a new workshop:

• T-shirt printing press
• Vacuum printing machine
• Desktop mount
• Molds (metal/aluminum)
• Screen printing inks
• Ragles
• Rayk drying rack
• Exposure machine
• Film output printer

Related blog:
👉 https://www.okangokhan.com/serigrafi-atolyesi-kurmak-2025-rehberi/

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which machine is used for screen printing?

For t-shirt printing, a t-shirt printing press is preferred, while for hard surfaces, a vacuum manual printing machine is used.

2. Is screen printing long-lasting?

When properly dried, it lasts 5–10 years.

3. Which surfaces can be screen printed on?

It can be applied to textile, metal, glass, wood, plexiglass, and plastic surfaces.

4. How to choose screen printing ink?

Depending on the surface type, plastisol, water-based, solvent-based, or UV-based paint should be selected.

5. How long does it take for a beginner to learn?

Basic level: 1-2 days, professional level: several weeks.

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

👉 Printful – What Is Screen Printing

👉 The Met – Screenprint Date

👉 Wikipedia – Screen Printing

👉 Ynvisible – What Is Screen Printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing

How to do screen printing