The Ultimate Guide for Screen Printing Squeegees
In screen printing, a squeegee is an essential tool used to push ink through the mesh of a stencil onto the surface below, forming the intended design. It typically features a rubber or polyurethane blade attached to a handle. As the blade moves across the screen, it drives ink through the open mesh areas, effectively transferring the image onto the chosen substrate.
Standard vs Fine Tagging Gun: Which One Is Right for Your Products?
The right choice depends on the products you sell. If you mainly handle everyday garments such as T-shirts, denim, uniforms, and general retail apparel, a standard tagging gun is usually the better option because it is more versatile and suitable for most regular fabrics. If your products include knitwear, lingerie, baby clothing, silk-like fabrics, or other delicate garments, a fine tagging gun is usually the safer choice because it creates a smaller puncture and helps reduce visible holes and fabric damage.
Choosing the Right Screen Printing Squeegees
When selecting a screen printing squeegee, two of the most critical aspects to evaluate are the blade’s durometer and its shape. The durometer, which measures the hardness of the blade, directly impacts the amount of force required to press ink through the mesh. A higher durometer indicates a harder blade that needs more pressure, ideal for fine detail work. Meanwhile, the blade shape influences the print quality: square-edged blades are ideal for flat surfaces and general printing tasks, while rounded blades are better suited for curved or uneven substrates, allowing for heavier ink deposits.
