The term 'printing' may be explained as the procedure of creating lettering and pictures, usually using ink and paper via a printing press. The science of printing has really advanced and progressed over the years. Screen-printing, in all of its various forms, is a popular technique.

Screen-printing, also referred to as silk screening, is a method that is best for surfaces that are relatively flat. In this process, fine mesh or a screen is tightly stretched around a rigid frame, with the screen masking areas which will not be printed. In order to make a print, the screen is placed atop the item that is to be printed; then a blob of thick ink is applied. Next the ink is pressed through the screen with the assistance of a squeegee. The ink bonds to the unmasked area, thereby creating the print, and the masked area is protected from ink incursion. After this, the printed item goes through a heated tunnel that dries the ink so that items can be stacked or put into packages.

When more than one color is involved, the process is repeated, utilizing different screens. So, four screens would be necessary for a four-color print; they can be placed on a rotary press or done by hand, allowing each color to print in its proper place.

There are many different methods for masking a screen. For simple projects, a masking fluid may be applied directly on the screen. Two-color graphics work best with this method; more complex multi-colored jobs will look better with a photosensitive emulsion process.

If you don't specify what you want when you order a custom shirt, you may end up with your design printed in a sticky, plastic-containing ink. Water-based inks work best for the worn, vintage-looking shirts. If you want the look of a stark and heavier print, request an ink that contains plastics and is applied by a hot press.

Inks containing plastics are used by many screen printers because sometimes they last longer, are richer, heavier and more easily seen, not to mention being easier on the screen printing equipment. Within a short time frame, plastic inks can begin to crack up, though. Natural inks last longer and they look best too.