Your Comprehensive Guide
Here at LL Potters, silkscreen printing is one of the most steadily popular services that we offer. Working with a wide range of clients in a number of different sectors, we have carved out a name for ourselves as real experts in the field. If you have ever wondered what the silkscreen printing process involves, then you have come to the right place. We’ll talk you through it – and then tell you what to do next.
The history of silkscreen printing
First things first, what is silkscreen printing? Well, it’s one of the oldest and most reliable forms of printing in the world, having been used as far back as Ancient Egypt and Greece. Over the centuries, the process has been refined with the development of technique aided by technology – and here we are today! Silkscreen printing delivers clear, defined results with high levels of vibrancy, and can be carried out on a wide range of materials. We, of course, specialise in silkscreen printing on metal.
The process
The process itself is largely straightforward – thanks to the expertise of our team and the tools that we have at our disposal. First, we create a stencil from a pre-agreed image – say, something like a company logo, or part of a more complex design. Once we have that in place, the actual printing part of the process can begin in earnest. We pass incredibly durable inks through a porous fabric, following the line of the stencil. This creates a high-resolution, sharp-edged, single-colour image. We then cure the metal in one of our specialist ovens, which ensures that the paint fully adheres to the surface.
If more than one colour is required, then we will follow the above process for every shade. It’s for this reason that single-colour silkscreen printing is a much quicker process, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t handle a fast turnaround with a more complex design containing a range of colours. We pride ourselves on our efficiency and can work with you to agree on a time frame that works for you and your business.
The results
The results of silkscreen printing really do need to be seen to be believed. The finish is so smooth, it can often be impossible to feel the print by touch alone. Best results are achieved on bare metal or one with a smooth finish, as too much texture can distort an image and make finer details hard to spot. It also works on lightly textured wet painted or powder coated metals – which are additional services that we also offer here at LL Potters. So maybe we’ll be able to take care of you for the entire process, from start to finish!
Contact us today
If you want to find out more about us and our silkscreen printing services, then please do reach out to a member of our team today. They will be delighted to answer your questions and kick-start the process.