Silkkipaino

Silkkipaino is a Finnish term that translates to "silk printing" or "silk screen printing." It refers to a stencil-based printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. A fill blade or squeegee is moved across the screen, passing over the ink layer, pushing ink through the open mesh areas onto the substrate below.

The process is versatile and can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including textiles, paper, plastic, glass, metal, and wood. Silk printing is known for its durability and the ability to achieve vibrant, opaque colors. It is commonly used for printing on t-shirts, posters, banners, and industrial components.

The mesh used in silk printing is typically made of silk, polyester, or nylon. The stencil can be created by adhering a material to the mesh or by using photochemistry to harden certain areas of the mesh, leaving the desired pattern open. This allows for intricate designs and fine details to be reproduced accurately. Silk printing is a long-established method, with its origins tracing back to ancient China. Modern applications have expanded its use far beyond its initial textile printing purposes.