How to print on shade cloth is quite simple.  Use Shadenet Ink which is designed for adhesion and flexibility when printing on shade cloth and can be used like any normal screenprinting ink.  As it is water based it is important to make sure it is dry to the touch before applying the next coat.

You can use different mesh sizes depending on how much ink you want to put down at a time.  It is best to apply a clear base coat to close the holes if you want to or to make sure the pigment doesn't come through the back.  Apply two of three base coats and let them dry properly before coating with your colours.

You can use your own water based pigments and thickener as you would usually do for other screenprinting.   Here is an excerpt of the Shade Cloth Printing Instructions available from www.shadenetink.com

Preparing ink
Mix 10% thickener for water based products into the clear base
For printing white make up 700g clear base with 300g white pigment (standard water based pigment ) to make 1Kg white colour.

How to Print on Shade Cloth
Two passes of clear base and dry it with hair-dryers for about ten minutes until dry enough to do another coat
Two more passes of clear base and dry it with hair-dryers for about ten minutes until dry enough to do another coat
Then two passes colour and dry it with hair-dryers for about ten minutes until dry enough to do another coat
And another two if necessary to get a good finish or for the lower density shadenet

Usage
Usage of base varies depending on the size and coverage of the print and density of the shadenet.
For example we could use from 500g up to 1.5kg per large format print say 2.8m x 1.5m

Right equipment and settings
Use a strong table tack so the shadenet sticks to the table well
Use a 31 screen for good coverage
Use hardener on the screen because the shadenet is rough and the film will break away after use
Use a round squeegee for better coverage
Use a flat squeegee for better edges
Use a snap-off at between 2mm and 5mm

Shadenet
On the 80% shadenet you will struggle to close all the holes and may have a fine pinprick effect but a good overall finish
On  92% shadenet you will be able to cover all holes and will get a perfect finish ( used more for upmarket events)

Tips
With the 80% you might need to take it off the table soon after finishing printing so that it doesn't get stuck to the table
Careful - if the print is still wet and you roll it up it will get damaged and will stick to itself.

Drying
Air dry is 48 hours or force dry with hairdryer for about ten minutes so can apply bubble wrap and roll up
Maximum temperature the shadenet can withstand is about 70 degrees
Two big strong hair-dryers will save you time
Heat guns are too strong and will at some stage burn a hole causing you embarrassment and complications

So, if you are trying to work out how to print on shade cloth, this will have given you a good idea of how easy it is.  For more information on how to print on shade cloth contact Shadenet Ink today.Session data