Screen Printing
Printed Saree
Screen printing has been a popular form of art used to apply designs on T-shirts, Posters, Vinyl, Wood, and other objects where images can easily be transferred. The ancient art of Screen Printing is a method, which involves a wooden mesh used to prop up an ink-blocking stencil in order to obtain the desired image onto a piece of fabric. A squeegee or a fill blade is moved across the screen stencil through which the ink is forced out in a capillary movement.
Origin and History
The craft of Screen printing first appeared in China (960-1279 A.D) during the sovereignty of the Song Dynasty. Gradually it went onto become popular in other Asian countries like Japan. It was not until the 18th century that Screen printing was first introduced to countries in Western Europe. In early 1960’s, an American artist by the name Andy Warhol largely popularized Screen printing in the United States with his first depiction of Marilyn Monroe in rather gaudy and bright colors. Several artists following that took the lead and experimented greatly with this unique and versatile craft.
Varieties
Screen printing is an extremely resourceful craft that has been around for centuries. There are different stenciling techniques that are used in this process, the main one being photo emulsion. In this method, the original image is either painted or drawn on an overlay, after which an appropriate screen is selected to hold that image in. Paint is washed off against the screen, which leaves an image onto the desired fabric.
Present Day Scenario
In India, textile printing or Screen printing is a craft popularly practiced in the state of Gujarat, which is an important centre for this skill set. The most common fabric used is cotton which is used as a canvas for the rich and vibrant colors that portray the creative splendor of Screen printing.
Innovations
Apart from clothes and home furnishings, Screen printing is an extremely popular technique used to design posters, funky mugs, accessories, as well as graphic T-shirts. Versatility in design and technique makes Screen printing a fun and popular practice used in different style sectors, and appeals to different people with different tastes.
Global Appeal
Because of its flexibility in design and style, outfits and products with Screen printing are popular world over. Whether its posters, mugs, pens, T-shirts or dresses, Screen printing has lent an extremely effective and unique way of delivering creativity, while also saving out on time.
Chronicles of the future Untold
A craft as old as history itself, Screen printing has come a long way as far as quality and quantity is concerned. In today’s world, due to great advancement in technology, several automatic precision machines have been invented to ensure that top notch quality work is delivered. There are several companies who have offshored the technique which enables more productivity and greater business profit as well. Graphic T-shirts and dresses are the current trends leading the fashion world, and the demand gets bigger with every passing year.
Wearing Screen Prints
Accessorizing: If one opts for A Screen print saree or dress, then chunky silver jewelry would be the best way to accessorize it, and would also bring out the spunky and upbeat appeal of the apparel.
Screen print sarees, salwaar kurtas, and kurtis are a current rage amongst the younger Indian generation. The bold hues and modern designs have been made possible on a large scale with this technique. A Screen print saree would be a perfect choice for a formal lunch or dinner party, weddings or any other festive occasion.
Maintenance
This completely depends on the type of fabric being worn. However, it is not difficult to maintain an outfit which has undergone Screen printing. A normal hand or machine wash would be perfect to keep the outfit clean and safe.
Screen Printing (Image: .hanman-split)
Interesting Facts and Comparisons
- There are 3 types of presses used for Screen printing; cylinder, flatbed, and rotary
- Screen printing is not limited to clothes and accessories alone. It is used in various industries, for example Balloons, Medical devices, Signs and displays, labels for products, film technology and printing used for electrical devices as well
- Screen printing is a staple for the world of advertising
- Screen printing is also very popular amongst the DIY (do it yourself) culture
Reference
Categories: Motifs & Embroideries