IN-SITU SCREEN PRINTING

Sometimes known as ‘on-site’, ‘vertical’ or ‘direct to wall’ printing, in-situ printing is printing directly onto existing surfaces and materials using a traditional screen that, for a number of reasons, may not be suitable for other graphic treatments such as vinyl.

It’s not always possible to use traditional direct to media digital printing, sublimation, self adhesive vinyls, printed wall coverings or cut vinyl decals due to a variety of reasons. Be it the surface type, text size, the fact that the item may be in situ and can’t be moved or perhaps because it’s in an area where the risk of damage through the volume of traffic or ‘pickability’ is an issue, then in-situ screen printing comes into its own.

In-situ printing (often referred to as silk screen) is a form of stencilling that first appeared in a recognisable form in China around 1000 years ago. Commercial printing by screen has declined dramatically over the past 20 years since digital printing has become much more efficient, however there are instances where screen printing is still the best option.

HOW IT WORKS

The process of screen printing uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. The results can be very impactful and screen printing as a technique in the art world was famously made popular by Andy Warhol in the 1960s, in particular with his depiction of Marilyn Monroe, known as the Marilyn Diptych, screen printed in bright colours.

There are a large range of specialist vertical printing inks available for use on different surfaces. Determining the correct ink for your project is critical to its success.

Our portable on site screen printing is most commonly used in museum and gallery environments and has been a favoured technique in these areas for some time. Prints can be done on horizontal, vertical and angled surfaces, be it walls, floors, ceilings, display cases, glazing, and exhibits to name a few.