How to choose the mesh for screen printing?

Let's dive into some info about FRESH MESH!

Mesh Count refers to how many threads cross each other per square inch inside a shirt's fabric. Although I'm sure no one with a brain would care about the Mesh Count, it seems to be a pretty big deal for people who print clothes for a living.

To select the best mesh for screen printing, you need to know your way around two factors to reach perfection. Because if you don't, you're gonna end up printing 9934 very UN-COOL shirts.

By the way, that's also the number of trees that Yammeya has helped grow until day-of-writing.

Screen printing mesh sizes

The mesh size depends on the frames, i.e., the mesh frames. If you want to achieve the perfect mesh size, the frame should be high quality, aluminum built, and stretchable. The frames can be expensive, so you may stretch our wallets first ;)

Even though wood-silk frames are cheaper, we don't suggest using them. They have a reputation for being bulky and yet weak (just like our CEO…but let's not dwell on that 😄).

Let's talk a little about the frame dimensions. Frames are judged by how many threads cross through per square inch in them. The general rule is that the higher the mesh count, the finer the threads become.

The main thing to understand is the more detailed your image is— it's less complicated than the reasons she left me—the higher mesh screen you'll need. If you use a low mesh screen for intricate designs, the ink may fall through the mesh spaces and cause distortion in the design. This can lead to the final image looking like the Joker when the image should be Donald Trump.

⚠️ You should also consider the emulsion ratios in mesh sizes and this cool website for the perfect prints.

Screen printing mesh count

To understand the basics of mesh count, you must know that "Count" means "the number of fiber crossings per one square inch of the frame."

A lower mesh count means fewer fabric crossings and, thus, more ink penetration. And a high mesh count means the EXACT OPPOSITE: more crossings, less ink penetration, more complicated designs.

Mesh counts can vary from 25 to 305… it depends on what you are printing. As people are smarter these days—Yes, boomers suck! They started using the HI-DRO (thin threads) because HI-DRO tech allows printing complex designs with great base prints.

But if you like your granny's handmade sweaters more, then you can use HI-TEX (thicker thread) technique. HI-TEX has been a trustworthy, reliable industry staple for many decades.

Remember those busted threads on your granny's sweaters? That's precisely what happens if you're careless with HI-TEX. Because this material is highly resistant to popping and tearing, what else would threads do except bursting out? Especially when they expand under the heat of an iron.

In the 21st century, though, choosing HI-TEX over HI-DRO may turn out to be a bad idea.