Burn multiple designs on one screen is a simple and cost-effective method of getting the most out of your screen printing business. As a beginner printer or seasoned pro, having the correct techniques and tricks of the trade under your belt will enable you to produce quality prints without wasting material unnecessarily. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to burn multiple designs on one screen from beginning to end.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Benefits of Multi-Design Screens
Having one screen shared among multiple designs has the following advantages:
- Cost Savings – Reduces the number of screens, saving material and money.
- Efficiency – Enhances workflow efficiency through having many prints from one setup.
- Space Management – Occupies less screens, thus saving space in your shop.
- Versatility – Allows different designs on one screen, ideal for small batch production.
Materials & Tools Needed
Ensure you have the following materials before starting :
- Screen printing screen (proper mesh count for your designs)
- Emulsion (photo-sensitive for proper exposure)
- Film positives (one design printed in black on clear film per design)
- Light source or exposure unit
- Squeegee and ink
- Transparency tape or blocking tape
- Washout booth or pressure washer
Step-by-Step Guide to Burn Multiple Designs on One Screen
1. Prepare Your Screen
- Clean the screen carefully and completely dry it.
- Apply a thin, uniform coat of photo emulsion on both sides.
- Allow the emulsion to dry in a dark room to prevent unwanted exposure.
2. Arrange Your Designs
- Use programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to position your art.
- Leave a minimum of half an inch space between designs for avoiding ink overlapping.
- Print out film positives rich black ink to ensure good exposure.
3. Expose the Screen
- Secure the printed out film positives over the screen and position them rightly.
- Hold it in place by using transparent tape to prevent any movement.
- Expose the screen under a UV light or exposure unit for the time indicated.
4. Wash Out the Screen
- Rinse the exposed screen with a soft water spray following exposure.
- The unexposed areas wash out, but your designs are left behind.
- Allow the screen to dry completely before printing.
5. Test Print and Adjustments
- Print a test run on scrap fabric to ensure sharp lines and even ink coverage.
- Tape off unused designs if adjustment is necessary.
Expert Tips for Burning Multiple Designs on a Screen
1. Use High-Quality Film Positives
- Ensure film positives are printed at 100% opacity to prevent light leakage.
2. Maintain Proper Design Spacing
- Keep at least 0.5 to 1 inch between designs to prevent ink bleeding.
3. Select the Right Mesh Count
- Use a 110-160 mesh for general designs.
- Opt for 200+ mesh for fine details.
4. Block Off Unused Designs
- If you’re only using one design from the screen at a time, use screen tape to cover the others.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlapping Designs – Results in ink bleeding and poor alignment.
- Underexposure or Overexposure – Leads to weak designs that don’t hold ink properly.
- Using Low-Quality Ink or Emulsion – Causes premature breakdown of screens.
- Skipping the Test Print – Leads to wasted materials due to misalignment or ink smudging.
Conclusion
Picking up the method of printing multiple designs on one screen can seriously improve your screen printing efficiency. With these best practices in place, you’ll get the most from your materials, save money, and achieve professional-quality prints each time. These techniques will help you streamline your process for optimum results, whether you’re a do-it-yourself printer or a print shop.