Screen printing

Screen printing is a traditional image transfer process that duplicates an image or illustration on the surface of an object. It is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh screen to support an ink-blocking stencil with a desired image.

The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink or other printable materials which can be pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. Several types of inks or paints can be used. For screenprinting on wood, a waterbased, low VOC paint would be the best choice.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
		High energy The ingredients of UV curing and silk screening inks are petrochemicals. The embodied energy is significant for large prints. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low Energy Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Edge band wood Flour paint Lime paint Wood filler (putty) High footprint The ingredients of UV curing and silk screening inks are all products of the petrochemical industry, which is linked to emissions dangerous to people and the environment Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low footprint Beeswax Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Flour paint Laser engraving Tung oil Veneer (wood) Wood filler (putty)

		High water use Screen printing requires a lot of water. Every couple of prints the mesh screen should be cleaned thoroughly with water to prevent the paint to dry and clog it. Difficult reuse Shelf life of inks is about 1 year. Make sure you reuse the ink or paint that remains on the screen after printing. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing that make it easier to reuse Beeswax Furniture wax Spray paint Toxicity All products use in screen printing offgas toxic fumes. UV curing inks used for the screen are the most dangerous component, toxic to touch, inhale, and definitely ingest. Solvents for cleanup also have dangerous fumes. PVC-free, phtalate-free and water-based inks are safer alternatives (1). Use ventilation. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Flour paint Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Shellac Tung oil Veneer (wood) Water based paint Wood filler (putty)

	Long lifespan Screen printing is in general a durable technique. Some inks are more resilient than others.	Toxicity If the ink contains chemical compounds like phthalates, that can leach out after curing (1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic 2 parts PU lacquer Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Edge band plastic Edge band wood Epoxy filler Flour paint Furniture wax Laser engraving Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Polyester filler Polyurethane varnish Shellac Tung oil Water based laquer

		Difficult recycling Most screen printing chemicals qualify as hazardous waste. Look online for waste reductino tips for screen printing. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Easy recycling Milk paint (casein) Wood filler (putty)