SCREEN-PRINTED LABELS
Screen printing is a widely used technique in printing, since it is used to reproduce images on any material. The possibilities offered by screen-printed labels are many, since the finishes can be very varied. It offers great resistance and color fastness. It is characterized by depositing a thick layer of paint on the print.
Brief history
It is an ancient printing system. An exact date cannot be given, but the printing process dates back to ancient China. According to what they say, women’s hair was used that later glued wood to achieve panels. With them they obtained drawings that were lacquered to be waterproof, and to be able to carry out the printing process. Later, silk began to be used, and from there comes its name: sericum (silk) graphe (write).
Screen printing as it is known today dates back to the early 20th century. both in Europe and in the US. Templates made from gummed paper together with cotton cloth were used. These were stretched in a wooden frame, where the paint was applied, dragging and pressing with a brush to obtain the reproduction of the images. It was used mainly in the printing of fabrics in the area of France, which is why it is given the name “Lyonnaise print”.
Subsequently, a type of fat emulsion was invented that would replace the gummed paper, which would provide greater perfection to the printing, developing the procedure as we know it today.
In the 1960s, this type of printing was very popular due to the Pop Art movement, today it is widely used in fine art and in the printing of many everyday objects.
Screen Printed Label Materials
As we have already mentioned, it is a process that allows printing on a multitude of materials, which is why screen-printed labels are very common and varied.
It is used in a wide variety of textiles: cotton, canvas, silk, as well as synthetic materials.
It is also valid for printing on plastic materials, pvc, self-adhesive materials, decals, ..
It can also be used on more natural materials such as leather, wood and cork.
On enamels, metallic materials or with glossy finishes, on any type of material.
finishes
The finishes can be many depending on the printing material and the inks used. Nowadays, there are fluorescent, transparent inks, with a satin, matt, gloss finish and varnishes that, combined with each other, offer a wide range of possibilities, such as relief.
Very vivid and saturated, long-lasting colors are obtained and it can be printed on cylindrical, spherical, conical, cubic shapes,…
The piece that receives the impression, only receives a small pressure at the time of stamping, so the material does not suffer in the process, being able to use noble and delicate materials.