Understanding Mesh Count in Screen Printing Quality Control


The Technical Side of Screen Printing Mesh

When it comes to achieving the perfect print at Sunny Side Ink, one of the most critical factors we consider is mesh count. This technical aspect of screen printing directly impacts the quality and detail of every project we handle.

What Is Mesh Count?

Mesh count refers to the number of threads per square inch in a screen printing screen. For example:

  • 110 mesh: Ideal for glitter inks and thick deposits
  • 156 mesh: Perfect for athletic numbers and basic designs
  • 230 mesh: Optimal for halftones and detailed graphics
  • 305 mesh: Essential for ultra-fine detail work

How Mesh Count Affects Print Quality

The relationship between mesh count and ink deposit is inverse – lower mesh counts allow more ink through, while higher counts provide finer detail but less ink deposit. This technical consideration becomes crucial when dealing with different substrates and ink types.

Choosing the Right Mesh Count

Several factors influence mesh count selection:

  • Substrate material texture
  • Ink type and viscosity
  • Design complexity
  • Required opacity

Understanding these technical aspects helps ensure every print job meets our exacting standards. This attention to detail is why clients trust us with their custom apparel needs, from simple one-color designs to complex multi-color projects requiring precise registration and detail work.

Remember, the right mesh count is just one of many technical considerations that go into creating perfect prints every time. It’s this level of technical expertise that sets professional screen printing apart from basic DIY attempts.