Metal Mesh vs Fabric Mesh

All about screen printing mesh. This is where you can discuss mesh counts, nomenclature and how to choose the correct mesh count for the print job.

Moderators: Shamax, Leadfoot, ApeShirt, Catspit Productions

Van Rollington
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2015 5:46 pm

Metal Mesh vs Fabric Mesh

Post by Van Rollington »

I am starting a screen printing business with my friends and currently we are debating over whether a metal mesh (nickle, aluminum, ect.) is better for its reusable ability, stencil quality, and emulsion reception over a traditional polyester silk screen. What are some of the pros and cons of metal mesh?
User avatar
Catspit Productions
Site Admin
Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Metal Mesh vs Fabric Mesh

Post by Catspit Productions »

You do not need stainless steel mesh for textile screen printing. Completely unnecessary. A good mono filament polyester thread mesh of good quality will work perfectly and pay for itself 1000 fold or 10,000 fold. Mesh is a commodity right now and the prices are very low. A good pre-stretched screen will pay for itself very quickly.

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/alu ... d-screens/

Stainless steel mesh is used for industrial printing with very technical specifications. It is also very expensive. So are other metal type meshes compared to polyester.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Saati
Instructor
Posts: 82
Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:02 am

Re: Metal Mesh vs Fabric Mesh

Post by Saati »

I could not have said it better myself... They perception is that stainless steel screens will last longer than polyester. In some cases you might be right but the cost is 4-5x the cost of polyester and with stainless it deforms real easy and looses tension even faster when it is abused.

Follow Johnathan's advise.. invest in some good pre-stretched polyester screens and never look back.
Post Reply