Optimizing Screen Printing: Using 110 Mesh Count Screens with Water-Based Inks

When it comes to screen printing with water-based inks, selecting the appropriate mesh count is critical for achieving high-quality results. Many screen printers have shared their experiences and tips, particularly when using a 110 mesh count screen. Here's a comprehensive overview to help you navigate this process effectively.

Mesh Count Considerations

Mesh count refers to the number of threads per inch in a screen. A lower mesh count like 110 means fewer threads and larger openings, allowing more ink to pass through. Conversely, a higher mesh count, such as 200+, has more threads and smaller openings, restricting ink flow but providing finer detail.

Common Practices and Recommendations

1. Design Complexity and Ink Consistency:
   • For simple designs without intricate details, a 110 mesh count can be effective. It's especially useful when working with water-based discharge inks, where a more substantial ink deposit is often required.
   • Water-based inks with a creamy consistency work well with a 110 mesh screen. Thinner, more liquid inks may bleed if too much pressure is applied during printing.
2. Squeegee Selection and Technique:
   • A hard squeegee is recommended for 110 mesh screens. It helps control the amount of ink being laid down, preventing excess ink from seeping through and causing a bleed.
   • The technique of "print, heat, print, heat" is often used. This involves printing a layer, curing it with heat, and then printing additional layers. This method helps build up the ink opacity without flooding the screen.
3. Achieving Optimal Results:
   • Balance is key. Too much pressure can cause ink to bleed, while too little may not transfer enough ink onto the substrate.
   • Using a rounded or soft squeegee might deposit too much ink, making it less suitable for detailed designs with a 110 mesh count.

Practical Experiences

Several screen printers have shared their insights:

• One user successfully uses either 110 or 156 mesh count for water-based discharge inks, specifically for white discharge inks. They switch to 156 or 200 mesh for regular water-based inks, suggesting that higher mesh counts handle detailed designs better.
• Another printer has managed to achieve satisfactory results with 100 mesh screens by keeping designs simple and using a creme-like ink consistency. They emphasize the importance of moderate pressure to avoid bleeding.

Expert Tips for Success

• Test and Adapt: Before committing to a large print run, conduct tests with different squeegee hardness and pressures to find the optimal balance.
• Monitor Ink Consistency: Ensure the ink maintains the right consistency throughout the printing process. Stirring or adjusting the ink may be necessary to keep it in the best state for printing.
• Layering Technique: Utilize the print, heat, and repeat method to build up opacity without overloading the screen with ink in one pass.

By understanding the properties of your ink and adjusting your technique accordingly, you can achieve excellent results with a 110 mesh count screen. While higher mesh counts are often recommended for detailed designs, a 110 mesh screen can still produce high-quality prints with the right approach.

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