Silk Screen Printing

What is Silk Screen Printing?

What is silk screen printing? It’s one of the oldest and most popular printing techniques that dates back throughout history. Also referred to as silk screening or silkscreen printing, it involves layering colours and using stencils to transfer designs onto fabric or material.

The layers of colour or design are achieved by only allowing ink to pass through certain parts of the silk screen, using different stencils for each colour. This controlled transfer allows for precise and vibrant designs. Many people also wonder, what is silkscreen or what is a silk screen print? Essentially, it’s a method where each layer of the image is pressed through a screen onto the fabric, with each stencil allowing a different section of the design through.

Silk screen printing has been used throughout history to make clothing, and that’s what we mainly use it for at Garment Printing – it has also been used to make pieces of art (posters and prints), home decor and large pieces of decorative material, etc.

These are generally the items needed for screen printing:

Common silk screening materials include:

• Screen (usually made of mesh, and stretched over a frame)
• Transparent material (to print the design)
• Photo emulsion kit
• Brushes (to transfer the ink)
• A lamp (or a window if working in a well lit daytime studio)
• Water source (a shower head works fine)
• Chosen inks
• Squeegee

Can you screen print onto black or dark t-shirts?

Yes, you absolutely can! When t shirt printing silk screen designs onto dark fabrics, a white base layer is added first. This ensures that the colours printed above aren’t absorbed by the darker fabric and appear vibrant and bold. Without this layer, your print might look faded or even invisible.

A history of Silk Screen Printing​​

With origins possibly tracing back to ancient China during the Song Dynasty, silk screen printing has stood the test of time. Some say it began in India or Egypt as early as 3000 BC. As the technique spread across Asia and into Europe in the 18th century, it gained popularity, especially when silk became more available and affordable.

The technique rose to prominence again with the invention of photography, and by the 20th century, artists like Andy Warhol had turned silkscreen prints into iconic art. Warhol’s ‘Marilyn Diptych’ is perhaps the most famous example of a silkscreen print in pop culture today.

Silk Screen Printing Today

At Garment Printing, we continue to use silkscreen shirt printing techniques to create everything from custom clothing and uniforms to artwork and decorative pieces. Whether you're wondering how to silk screen, looking for the best silkscreen print machine, or curious about the full silk printing process, we’ve got you covered.

We specialise in high-quality silk screen t shirt printing and silkscreen prints on various fabrics, offering expert guidance and sustainable options. Whether you’re producing bulk orders or one-off designs, the process of silk screening ensures vibrant and durable results.

Please Note:

Printed garments are more sensitive and need extra attention when it comes to washing.To preserve the print and the garment, it is recommended that you wash it inside out on a cold wash. Do not use a tumble-dryer and do not iron over the print.

Additional Screen Printing Techniques

Explore even more ways to bring your designs to life with our extended range of screen printing techniques. Whether you're after bold textures, striking finishes, or vibrant colour effects, we offer innovative solutions to suit every style and fabric. These techniques are ideal for adding a creative edge to your garments and can help elevate your brand or personal expression with a unique, high-impact look.

More Printing Techniques

Our range of additional printing techniques offers versatile solutions for complex designs, small runs, or specialty fabrics. Whether you're creating standout merchandise, branded uniforms, or personal pieces, these options provide exceptional quality and flexibility.