Screen Printing Materials
Screen supplies are the everyday materials printers use to move an image from screen to print. They include film for image output, paper for transfers, and prep products used during screen setup and press prep before ink touches fabric or paper. Browse these screen printing materials to compare options and shop supplies that fit your printing setup.
What’s Included in Screen Printing Supplies
Screen printing materials fall under screen supplies used before and after printing. These products support screen printing workflows but are not screen printing inks themselves.
This collection includes:
- Printing film used to create images for screen exposure
- Dye sublimation paper used for transfer printing
- Screen prep sprays and shop accessories used during setup and cleanup
Printers use these screen printing supplies alongside screen printing ink, plastisol inks, and water-based inks to help maintain consistency, opacity, and proper drying across jobs.
Printing Films for Image Output and Screen Exposure
Printing film is used to print an image that will be exposed onto a screen coated with emulsion. Film choice depends on the printer, the artwork, and how the job will be printed.
Common options include:
- Inkjet film for inkjet printers
- Laser film for laser printers and plate output
- Waterproof inkjet film to help control ink spread and image edges
Gloss waterproof inkjet film is widely used when strong opacity and clean image detail are needed, especially for one-color prints and graphics. These films support screen printing and offset printing setups by helping maintain image quality before printing begins.
Film Finishes and Formats Used in Production
Film finish and format affect how light passes through the image during exposure and how repeatable a print job is.
Printers usually choose based on:
- Gloss or matte inkjet film. Gloss film is often used for solid images and process colors. Matte film can help reduce glare under exposure light.
- Frosted or clear laser film. Royal FROSTED Laser Film is used to help control light during exposure and support cleaner stencil edges on the screen.
- Sheets or rolls. Sheets work well for short runs and small graphics. Rolls are often used for larger images and steady production work.
The right finish and format help maintain print quality across shirts, textiles, and fabric prints.
Dye Sublimation Paper for Transfer Printing
Dye sublimation paper is used to transfer printed images onto fabric or coated surfaces using heat. It plays a direct role in color output, image clarity, and coverage after pressing, especially for apparel and t shirts. We have Pinnacle Dye Sublimation Paper in different sizes and formats, including sheets and rolls, making it easier to match the paper to your press and production needs. These options are commonly used for fabric graphics, textiles, and transfer printing jobs that require clean image detail.
Screen Prep Sprays and Shop Support Products
Screen prep products support screen setup, printing control, and cleanup between jobs. These items help reduce downtime and keep screens usable during production, making them a regular part of screen printing work in any shop.
Sprayway screen products are used to open screens when ink dries in the mesh, add light tack so fabric stays in place on the press, and support screen wash after printing. They work with screens, mesh, emulsion, and stencils to help maintain consistency and print quality from job to job.
To support these day-to-day shop needs, Printing Supplies Direct carries a range of screen prep sprays and shop support products with nationwide delivery available. If you have questions about choosing the right product for your setup, you can contact the team for straightforward help.
Screen Printing Equipment FAQs
