Choosing The Right Mesh Count For T-Shirt Printing

Choosing the right mesh count is crucial when it comes to screen printing on T-shirts. The mesh count refers to the number of threads crossing each other per square inch on a screen, with higher counts providing finer details and lower counts accommodating thicker inks. For T-shirt printing, a higher mesh count is generally recommended due to the smoother and more absorbent nature of the fabric. Additionally, the type of artwork, design complexity, and ink used are important factors to consider when selecting the appropriate mesh count.

Mesh count and image detail

When printing images with fine details, such as halftones, neck tags, or small text, a higher mesh count is recommended. For example, a mesh count of 196 or higher is suitable for capturing finer details and preventing thin inks from bleeding through the fabric. On the other hand, for block colours on white and light-coloured shirts, a lower mesh count of 110-156 is typically used.

The type of ink used also plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate mesh count. Thicker inks, such as glitter or shimmer inks, require a lower mesh count to allow the ink to pass through the screen freely. In contrast, thinner inks, such as water-based or discharge inks, call for a higher mesh count.

It is important to choose the right mesh count to avoid common screen printing issues such as blurred or distorted images, inadequate ink deposition, or spoilage of garments due to incorrect ink application.

Mesh count and ink type

The mesh count you should use depends on the type of ink you are using. Mesh count refers to the number of polyester threads crossing each other per square inch on a screen, with higher counts providing finer detail and lower counts accommodating thicker inks or rougher surfaces.

If you are using a thicker ink, such as glitter ink, you will need a lower mesh count. This is because you need to allow more space between the threads on the screen so that the ink can pass through freely. For glitter ink, you should use a 40-60 mesh count. For shimmer ink, you should use an 86 mesh count.

If you are using a thinner ink, such as water-based ink, you will need a higher mesh count. The thinner threads and smaller gaps will allow less ink through. For water-based ink, you should use a 43T mesh count (110T US measure).

If you are using white ink on a white base, you can use a 230 or 180 mesh count. For white ink on a dark colour shirt, you should use a 156 or 180 mesh count to lay down a thinner and softer layer of ink.

For CMYK true process prints, you should use a 305 mesh count.

Mesh count and substrate

The substrate is the material being printed on, which in this case is t-shirts. Different substrates require different mesh counts. T-shirts are made of woven materials arranged in a grid, so they have a "resolution" that can hold a certain level of detail.

When printing on t-shirts, a higher mesh count is needed compared to printing on paper or card. This is because the t-shirt fabric is smoother and more absorbent, allowing for finer details, better ink control, and improved overall print quality. A higher mesh count also means smaller holes with less ink going through, resulting in a softer print.

The specific mesh count to use will depend on the design and the type of ink. For example, a low mesh count (30-61) is suitable for thicker inks and simple designs, while a higher mesh count (200 and above) is better for detailed designs and thinner inks. The most commonly used mesh count for t-shirt printing seems to be 110, with 156 and 180 also being popular options.

Mesh count and image quality

For instance, a 110 mesh count is a common choice for printing onto white t-shirts, while a 156 mesh count is often used for colour printing. A higher mesh count, such as 200-230, is suitable for intricate designs with finer details and thinner inks.

The type of ink used is also a crucial factor in determining the mesh count. For thicker inks, such as glitter or shimmer inks, a lower mesh count is required to allow the ink to pass through the screen freely. On the other hand, thinner inks, such as water-based or discharge inks, require a higher mesh count.

It is important to choose the right mesh count to achieve the desired print quality. A low mesh count with a detailed design can result in distorted details due to excess ink, while a high mesh count with thicker inks can lead to uneven ink distribution.

Additionally, the substrate, or material being printed on, should also be considered when choosing the mesh count. Different materials have varying abilities to hold detail, similar to the concept of "resolution" in digital images. For example, printing on a t-shirt requires a higher mesh count compared to printing on paper or card stock.

In summary, selecting the appropriate mesh count involves considering the level of detail in the image, the type of ink used, and the substrate. By matching the mesh count to these factors, one can achieve optimal print quality and avoid costly mistakes.

Mesh count and production

For T-shirt printing, a higher mesh count is generally recommended due to the smoother and more absorbent nature of the fabric. This allows for finer details, better ink control, and improved overall print quality. The specific mesh count will depend on the design and the type of ink used.

When printing with thicker inks, such as glitter or shimmer inks, a lower mesh count is suitable. This allows the ink to pass through the screen more freely. For example, a mesh count of 40-60 is recommended for glitter inks, while shimmer inks work well with an 86 mesh count.

On the other hand, when working with thinner inks, such as water-based or discharge inks, a higher mesh count is preferred. This allows for better ink control and sharper prints. For instance, a mesh count of 200-230 is recommended for top colour prints and halftones.

It's important to consider the level of detail in the design when choosing a mesh count. For complex designs with fine details, a higher mesh count is necessary to capture those intricacies. Conversely, for simpler designs like large text or block colours, a lower mesh count is sufficient.

Additionally, the colour of the T-shirt also plays a role in determining the mesh count. For printing on white or light-coloured shirts, a mesh count of 156-180 is commonly used, especially for white ink and underbase prints.

It's worth noting that using the wrong mesh count can lead to issues such as blurred images, excessive ink deposit, or inadequate ink coverage. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the interplay between the mesh count, the design, and the type of ink to ensure optimal results in T-shirt printing.

Frequently asked questions