Producing quality screen prints hinges on a thousand variables, none more than squeegee durometer and squeegee angle. How they influence ink deposit, print quality, and durability can have an enormous influence on your screen printing achievement.
In this tutorial, we’re going to decipher what squeegee durometer and angle are, how they impact your prints, and selection and usage best practices. With these under your belt, you’ll be printing cleaner, more precise prints with less aggravation, whether you’re a beginner or experienced screen printer.
Table of Contents
What is Squeegee Durometer?
Understanding Durometer Ratings
Squeegee durometer refers to the hardness of the squeegee blade. It is rated on a numerical scale, with lower numbers for softer blades and higher numbers for harder blades.
| Durometer | Blade Hardness | Ink Deposition | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-60 | Soft | High | Thick inks, heavy deposits, fabric printing |
| 70 | Medium | Balanced | General-purpose screen printing |
| 80-90 | Hard | Low | Detailed prints, minimal ink deposit, fine lines |
How Durometer Impacts Your Prints
- Soft squeegees (55-60 durometer): Permit more ink to pass through the mesh, so utilize them for printing on materials that need a heavy ink deposit.
- Medium squeegees (70 durometer): Give an even-balanced ink deposit, so they are the most versatile for general screen printing.
- Hard squeegees (80-90 durometer): Lay down barely any ink, so use them for fine details, halftones, and high-detail prints on smooth substrates.
The Importance of Squeegee Angle
Ink Deposition: How Squeegee Angle Impacts It
The way you hold the squeegee when printing has a direct influence on the amount of ink transferred through the screen. The lower the angle, the higher the ink deposit; the higher the angle, the lower the ink deposit.
| Angle | Effect on Print |
| 45° | Well-balanced ink deposit, suitable for general print |
| 60° | Less ink, suitable for thin layers and fine details |
| 30° | More ink, suitable for high-opacity prints and textiles |
Choosing the Right Angle for Different Applications
- For fine details and halftones: A 60° angle will help manage ink flow and keep it from building up too much.
- For standard printing: A 45° angle is ideal for even coverage.
- For bold designs and thick prints: A 30° angle is ideal to lay down more ink and achieve high opacity.
Best Practices for Squeegee Screen Printing
1. Selecting the Proper Squeegee for Your Job
- Soft squeegees (55-60 durometer) for printing on textiles and high-opacity prints.
- Medium squeegees (70 durometer) for standard printing.
- Hard squeegees (80-90 durometer) for intricate designs, halftones, and small details.
2. Maintaining Proper Squeegee Pressure
- Too much pressure will push ink through the mesh, blurring the design.
- Too little pressure can lead to incomplete prints with missing details.
- Strive for even, consistent pressure for smooth ink deposit.
3. Replacing Worn-Out Squeegees
- Squeegee edges will deteriorate over time and lead to uneven ink application.
- Inspect for nicks, cracks, or warping and replace blades as necessary.
Conclusion
Squeegee durometer and angle are critical to creating consistent, high-quality screen prints. By using the correct squeegee hardness and printing at the correct angle, you can enhance your ink control, print clarity, and efficiency.
For newcomers, an excellent starting point is a 70 durometer squeegee and a 45° angle. As you become more experienced
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What durometer do I need to print on t-shirts?
A good all-around durometer for printing on t-shirts is medium (70).
How often should I replace my squeegee?
It depends on usage, but professional screen printers will change squeegee blades every few months to maintain consistent prints.
What if my squeegee angle is too high?
Holding the squeegee at too steep an angle (nearer to 90°) closes off ink flow, resulting in partial or faint prints.
Can I use the same squeegee for all types of ink?
Yes, but some inks may require a different durometer for best application. Plastisol inks, for instance, are best applied with medium to soft squeegees, and water-based inks need harder blades.