GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SQUEEGEE: A GUIDE TO DURABILITY AND PRINTING TECHNIQUES
UNDERSTANDING SQUEEGEE DUROMETER AND ANGLE
Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of squeegee durometers, angles, and their applications in various printing techniques. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, knowing the ins and outs of squeegee types can make a significant difference in your print quality.
SQUEEGEE DUROMETER BASICS
Squeegees come in various durometers, ranging from 40 to 80, with 60 to 70/90/70 being the most common for screen printing. The durometer measures the hardness of the squeegee blade:
- 60 Durometer: Very soft, bends easily, and ideal for heavy ink deposits like puff prints.
- 65/90/65 Durometer: In between 60 and 70. GREAT for base whites, plastisol that wants a slightly thicker deposit, Water Base and Discharge inks.
- 70 Durometer: The industry workhorse, providing a balance of flexibility and firmness suitable for most standard printing tasks.
- 70/90/70 Durometer: Primarily used with high LPI halftone printing or super fine line work. The goto squeegee for all Sim Process printing.
- 80 Durometer: Very stiff, used for high-detail graphics printing, especially on non-fabric substrates.
COLOR AND MARKINGS
Don’t be misled by the color of the squeegee blade, as distributors offer various colors. Always check the markings on the blade itself to confirm its durometer.
RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SQUEEGEES
ANGLE AND PRESSURE: THE KEY TO PERFECT PRINTS
The angle and pressure applied with your squeegee determine the ink deposit's thickness and quality:
0° = straight up
90° = flat on the screen:
- Low Angle (Closer to 45 degrees): More ink deposit, softer cut, better for heavier ink applications.
- High Angle (Closer to 0° degrees): Less ink deposit, sharper cut, better for detailed prints.
TYPES OF PRINTING
- Heavy Ink Deposits: Use softer squeegees (60 durometer) for prints like puff and gels, requiring thick ink layers.
- Standard Spot Colors: 65/90/65 or 70 durometer squeegees are perfect for everyday prints, providing good coverage with balanced flexibility and firmness.
- High Detail Graphics: Harder squeegees (70/90/70 and 80 durometer) ensure fine details are captured with precision, reducing ink bleed and ensuring crisp lines.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
In our screen printing experience classes, we use a variety of squeegees to teach different techniques:
- Puff Prints: Use 65/90/65 squeegees at a moderate angle and pressure to achieve a thick, raised ink effect.
- Standard Prints: 70 durometer squeegees work great for general printing, offering versatility and reliability.
- High Detail Prints: For high-resolution designs, 70/90/70 durometer squeegees ensure clean, precise prints with minimal ink spread.
RELATED: SHORT BODIED AND LONG BODIED INKS
FINAL TIPS
Always start with a 70 durometer if you're unsure which squeegee to use. Adjust based on your print needs:
- Too thin? Switch to a softer squeegee.
- Too thick? Try a harder squeegee.
Conclusion
Mastering squeegee selection and technique can significantly improve your screen printing results. Experiment with different durometers and angles to find what works best for your specific projects.
Have a question you want Colin to Dive Deep on? Submit it here!
