Improvements in water-based textile screenprinting ink allow the ink to withstand exposure to air without drying as readily on the screen. Previously, water-based inks required a coarse screen to minimize exposure and drying. New formulations can use higher mesh counts, sometimes as high as 305 threads/inch. The same rules for mesh count apply to water-based and plastisol inks. Standard and process colors can be run through high mesh count screens, while more opaque, metallic and glitter inks require coarser screens. 

By using higher mesh counts, less ink is used, less water is applied, and less curing is required, all of which are savings. Use the following table as a guideline for proper mesh count.

Author: Denise Breard
Source: SGIA International Tabloid, January, 2000, p. 12.