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Choosing the correct screen printing mesh size is one of the most important decisions a printer can make. Whether you're creating high-detail artwork or printing bold graphics on textile, your mesh count directly impacts ink flow, image sharpness, and durability. What mesh is used for screen printing? The most standard mesh counts are 110 and 156. 110 mesh prints a fairly thick ink layer, ideal for block letters and large spot-color designs. 156 mesh delivers similar ink coverage but with improved detail. This expanded guide offers technical clarity on mesh sizes, explains how each type serves a specific purpose, and provides manufacturer-grade advice so you can make the best choice for your printing.
Screen mesh size, also known as screening size or mesh count, refers to the number of threads per linear inch in a mesh screen. For example, a 110 mesh has 110 threads per inch running horizontally and vertically. This count determines how much ink passes through the screen and how well it can hold detail.
From a manufacturing standpoint, mesh printing screen comes in different thread diameters and compositions. Thicker threads reduce open area but increase durability, while thinner threads create more space for ink to pass through. It's a careful balance: lower mesh sizes (like 60–86) are designed for heavy ink deposits (great for bold prints), whereas higher mesh counts (230–305) are reserved for detailed artwork like halftones or CMYK prints.
Understanding mesh size isn't just about the numbers; it's about knowing what you're printing, what ink you're using, and how fine the detail needs to be. A thicker ink on fleece? You'll need a coarse mesh. A fine-line halftone on cardstock? You'll want something above 200. As a manufacturer, we optimize mesh tension, thread uniformity, and aperture to ensure each silk screen printing mesh performs to the highest standard for its intended use.
Low mesh counts have larger openings, which allow thicker inks or specialty additives—like glitter, puff, or metallic ink—to pass through. Mesh counts in the 25–60 range are great for printing on athletic garments, sweatshirts, or for laying down underbases that require strong opacity.
For instance, 60 mesh is ideal when printing bold white ink on dark garments. With a wide-open weave, the ink sits on top of the fabric, ensuring vibrant coverage. That said, the low mesh count makes it difficult to hold small text or detail, so this range is best used for large, simple graphics.
From a factory perspective, producing durable low-count mesh involves precise weaving and reinforced thread tensioning. Since thicker inks can exert more pressure during the print stroke, the mesh must remain stable under high ink loads. We also offer custom screens for printing in this category for clients using specialty inks or needing oversize mesh dimensions.
This is the most versatile mesh range in the industry. Mesh counts between 110 and 160 offer a good balance between detail and ink deposit. They're perfect for most textile applications, including t-shirts, tote bags, and standard apparel prints.
A 110 mesh is particularly popular for printing white plastisol ink, which tends to be thicker and needs space to flow through. On the other hand, a 156 mesh provides better edge detail and slightly less ink deposit, making it suitable for multi-color prints or finer fonts.
At HANZE, our silk screen mesh in this range is designed with stable polyester fibers and consistent aperture spacing, ensuring print consistency across long runs. We engineer medium mesh to withstand tension loss and provide customizable frame mounting, so your production stays smooth with minimal waste or error.
Whether you're printing in bulk or running a boutique shop, having a few reliable mesh printing screen options in this range is essential.
When your project demands ultra-precision, high mesh counts are your best friend. Ranging from 200 to 305 threads per inch, this mesh category is built for fine detail and minimal ink transfer. It's especially crucial for water-based inks, process color separations, and halftone images.
For example, 230 mesh is a great middle-ground for detailed spot color prints, while 305 mesh is ideal for 4-color CMYK printing, especially on flat, non-porous surfaces like paper or plastic. These fine meshes control ink output so closely that you can capture photographic quality on screen.
We produce high mesh using premium monofilament polyester and apply high-tension pre-stretching to ensure minimal mesh deflection during printing. This leads to razor-sharp prints, clean edges, and consistent results, even on challenging jobs. For print shops using automatic presses, our custom screens for printing are tension-matched and frame-stabilized for high-speed production.
High mesh counts also pair perfectly with dual-cure or capillary film emulsions. Our screens are compatible with advanced exposure setups, helping users hit precise stencil depth and edge resolution.
Not all inks behave the same, and mesh count selection should reflect that. Here's a breakdown based on what ink you're using:
Plastisol Ink: Works well with 86–156 mesh. Thicker and easy to control, plastisol needs a mesh that allows enough ink while still keeping edges sharp.
Water-Based Ink: Best used with 200–305 mesh. Thinner and prone to bleeding, it needs fine mesh to avoid oversaturation.
Discharge Ink: Usually printed through 110–156 mesh to balance ink flow and activation chemistry.
Specialty Inks (glitter, shimmer, puff): Require low mesh counts (25–60) to allow particles to pass through freely.
By understanding the behavior of your inks, and pairing them with the right screen printing mesh, you can ensure consistent, vibrant, and lasting results. If you're uncertain, our engineering team can recommend mesh specs tailored to your ink system and production method.
When discussing screen printing mesh, the frame it's attached to is equally important. Aluminum frames are now the industry standard for good reason—they don't warp like wood, they maintain consistent tension over time, and they can be reclaimed and re-meshed many times.
At HANZE, we offer precision-welded aluminum frames that are pre-stretched with exacting mesh tension. Each frame is tested for tension consistency, frame bonding, and dimensional accuracy. Our clients operating automated printing systems or doing long-run textile production rely on our custom frames to maintain alignment and reduce print variation.
If you're looking for permanent frames for repeat jobs or large-format prints, we offer oversized frame options as part of our custom screens for printing service.
As a global silk screen mesh manufacturer, we understand that every print job is different. That's why HANZE offers fully customizable solutions—from mesh count and thread type to pre-stretching, frame material, and corner reinforcements.
Need a specialty mesh for solvent ink on glass? Or perhaps a dual-tension screen for hybrid digital-print applications? Our engineers can build it. Our in-house QA team performs microscopic mesh inspection, tension mapping, and durability tests on every batch, ensuring every screening size we produce meets international performance standards.
We also provide private-label services and OEM support, helping you scale your print business with confidence.
Q: What mesh size is best for white plastisol ink?
A: We recommend 110 mesh, as it allows enough ink deposit while still maintaining acceptable edge detail.
Q: How do I clean high mesh count screens without damaging them?
A: Use mesh-safe emulsion removers and soft brushes. Avoid high-pressure sprayers on fine mesh to prevent thread breakage.
Q: Can HANZE create custom screens in non-standard frame sizes?
A: Yes, we offer custom screens for printing with flexible frame dimensions, mesh counts, and tension levels based on your needs.
Q: Is there a difference between mesh for manual and automatic presses?
A: While the mesh count may be the same, automatic presses benefit from high-tension, precision-stretched screens to maintain print accuracy at speed.
Q: How do I know which mesh count to use for halftones?
A: For detailed halftones, use 230–305 mesh. Pair with high-resolution film positives and sharp emulsions for best results.
Choosing the right screen printing mesh can elevate your prints from average to outstanding. With decades of manufacturing experience, in-house R&D, and global distribution capabilities, HANZE is your trusted supplier of high-performance mesh for every printing need.
Explore our range of standard and custom screens for printing, or contact us to discuss your specific project. Let's build screens that match your precision.
