What Is Serigraphy? Definition of Serigraphy, Serigraphy Meaning and Concept

Screen printing is a printing technique that can be carried out on any type of material, and consists of applying an ink to a certain surface that will later be used to be printed.

Screen printing dates back to 3,000 BC. It was in the Eastern culture where these techniques were launched, more specifically in the Fiji Islands.

Initially, to carry out the process, perforated banana leaves were used to be able to distribute the inks. It was a very rudimentary process, but it began to take shape thanks to these practices.

There are also legends about screen printing, such as the one that tells that in China, it began to be put into practice through the use of women's hair. These hairs were intertwined with each other, and patterns were formed through these arrangements.

After this, they proceeded to pour lacquer on them, in such a way that they were waterproof, and then this material was changed for silk.

These are the origins that are supposed to have started the use of this technique that has been widely used over the years.

How is the screen printing process?

The process to carry out this technique is as follows:

• A screen is needed for the ink to pass through this type of material. Each color that is used needs its corresponding screen.
• After having prepared the above, the machinery is activated to give way to the process.
• The products are personalized. For example, if it is carried out on a t-shirt, it will be ready according to the design that was wanted to be included in it through screen printing.
• Drying is the last step for the item to be in perfect condition.

Types of techniques that exist in screen printing

Three types of techniques are distinguished:

• Manual screen printing: This type of technique is the one that has always been done, the one that almost everyone knows. It consists of placing the piece on the base that has been previously prepared, the mesh is adjusted avoiding any wrinkles, and then the ink is introduced. You have to be careful and avoid that there is no type of dirt, and press a little at the end of the process so that it is optimally shaped.
• Screen printing automatically: In this case, the work is mostly done by the machine, since you simply have to place the necessary piece correctly, avoiding any wrinkles, and let the machine carry out the process. The ink is filtered, and later it is passed to a machine that will be in charge of drying. This method is used mostly for t-shirts, screen-printed bags, or mostly promotional items. Very useful to advertise a certain brand.
• Circular screen printing: This technique is distinguished by the use of continuous prints. It can be applied to circular objects such as bottles, and also for personalized mugs, for example.