### How to Use Silicone Screen Printing for high density and Polyester Fabric with a Glossy Finish Using a Manual Screen Printing Table.
Screen printing with silicone ink on polyester fabric to achieve a glossy finish requires HD silicone XG-866AH and glossy silicone XG-399-6W to work together. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the desired results using a manual screen printing table.
#### Materials Needed:
1. **Silicone Ink**: XG-866Ah is specifically formulated for high density screen printing and fabric printing.You can get 0.5mm thickness if you print 20 times.
2. **Screen Printing Frame**: A mesh screen with the appropriate mesh count (typically 120-150 for thick ink).The screen must have little thickness.Otherwise,you need print more times to get high density screen printing.You will increase the production cost with
3. **Squeegee**: A firm squeegee to push the ink through the mesh.
4. **Thick Screen**: The substrate you want to print on.
5. **Polyester Fabric**: The fabric you want to print on.
6. **Emulsion**: Light-sensitive emulsion for creating the stencil.For thick screen,you need print emulsion 3 times.
7. **Exposure Unit**: To expose the emulsion-coated screen.
8. **Manual Screen Printing Table**: A flat, stable surface with hinges to hold the screen.Because the silicone ink need heat cure.So you must have the automatic table oven.During screen printing silicone ink,the table oven can bake the ink automatically.
9. **Gloss Silicone XG-399-6W**: To achieve the glossy finish.
10. **Automatic table oven**: For curing the ink.
#### Step-by-Step Process:
1. **Design Preparation**:
- Create your design using graphic design software.
- Print the design onto a transparent film to create a positive image for exposure.
2. **Screen Preparation**:
- Coat the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion using a scoop coater. Ensure an even coat on both sides.
- Allow the emulsion to dry in a dark, dust-free environment.
3. **Exposing the Screen**:
- Place the positive film with your design on the emulsion-coated screen.
- Expose the screen to UV light in an exposure unit. The exposure time will depend on the emulsion and light source.
- After exposure, wash out the unexposed emulsion with water to reveal the stencil.
4. **Setting Up the Manual Screen Printing Table**:
- Secure the screen onto the hinges of the manual screen printing table.
- Ensure the screen is parallel to the printing surface and properly aligned.
5. **Mixing the Silicone Ink**:
- Mix the silicone ink thoroughly. If a glossy finish is desired, print the glossy silicone according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. **Printing on Thick Screen**:
- Place the thick screen on the printing table .
- Apply a generous amount of silicone ink at the top of the screen.
- Use the rubber squeegee to pull the ink across the screen with firm, even pressure. This will push the ink through the mesh onto the polyester fabric.You hold the squeegee at angle 80-90° durilng screen printing HD silicone inkXG-866AH.When you print glossy silicone XG-399-6W,you need hold the squeegee at 65°,let the glossy ink flow onto the high density silicone,then you can get amazing 3D print.
- Lift the screen carefully to avoid smudging.
7. **Printing on Polyester Fabric**:
- Place the polyester fabric on the printing table under the screen.
- Repeat the printing process as with the thick board, ensuring even pressure and coverage.
8. **Curing the Ink**:
- After printing, allow the ink to air dry for a few minutes.
- Use a heat gun or table oven to cure the ink. YR silicone recommends you bake it to let silicone ink cure at 100-120℃.If the fabric is not good heat resistance,you can add more catalyst and lower the curing temperature.Please only bake it for surface dry.
9. **Achieving a Glossy Finish**:
- If you print the glossy silicone XG-399-6W, the glossy effect should be visible after curing.
- For an extra glossy finish, you can apply the high gloss silicone XG-399-3 after the high density screen printing silcone has cured.
10. **Cleaning the Screen**:
- Immediately after printing, clean the screen with the silicone thinner XG-128AH to remove any residual ink.
- Properly store the screen for future use.
#### Tips for Success:
- **Consistent Pressure**: Maintain consistent pressure when pulling the squeegee to ensure even ink distribution.
- **Proper Alignment**: Ensure the screen is properly aligned with the substrate to avoid misprints.
- **Curing**: Do not skip or shorten the curing process, as this can affect the durability and finish of the print.
- **Test Prints**: Always do a test print on a scrap piece of material to check for alignment, ink consistency, and gloss level.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-quality glossy finish using silicone screen printing on both thick boards and polyester fabric with a manual screen printing table.
