What Is Screen Printing Mesh?
In screen printing, mesh refers to the fine fabric stretched tightly across a frame used to transfer ink onto garments, posters, or other materials. The mesh acts as a stencil that controls how much ink passes through—directly affecting the sharpness, texture, and detail of your printed design.
Whether you’re printing t-shirts for your small business or creating promotional items, understanding screen printing mesh size is essential to achieving professional results.
Understanding Mesh Count and How It Works
Mesh count is measured by the number of threads per inch that cross in the mesh.
For example, a 110 mesh means there are 110 threads in both directions per square inch.
Low mesh count = larger holes, more ink flow, less detail.
High mesh count = smaller holes, less ink flow, higher detail.
In simple terms, the finer the mesh, the more precise your design can be—but it also affects how thick or thin your ink layer appears.
Why Mesh Size Matters in Screen Printing
The right mesh size depends on two main factors:
The type of ink you’re using
The level of detail in your design
Let’s break it down:
Thick inks like white plastisol need a lower mesh count (around 86–110) so the ink flows freely and gives a bold, opaque finish.
Thin inks such as water-based or discharge inks perform best with high mesh counts (180–230), ensuring crisp detail and less bleeding.
Specialty inks with glitter or shimmer particles need very low mesh counts (38–86) so the larger flakes can pass through smoothly.
Most Common and Versatile Mesh Counts
If you’re unsure where to start, 110 and 156 mesh counts are the most versatile options for general screen printing use.
110 Mesh: Great for bold text, block graphics, and solid colors.
156 Mesh: A balance between ink coverage and design detail—ideal for detailed logos or multi-color prints.
Pro Tip đź’ˇ: Many experienced printers keep both 110 and 156 mesh screens on hand for flexibility across different jobs.
High Mesh Counts for Precision and Soft Prints
For fine details, halftones, or photographic prints, go with higher mesh counts such as 230, 305, or even 355.
230 Mesh: Perfect for thin inks and halftone dots.
305–355 Mesh: Used in four-color and simulated process printing for ultra-fine detail.
380–400 Mesh: Best for UV inks and signage printing where extreme precision is required.
Keep in mind: higher mesh counts let less ink through, producing a softer feel but slightly less vibrancy.
Low Mesh Counts for Specialty and Glitter Inks
When printing glitter or metallic inks, choose a low mesh count (38–86).
The larger mesh openings allow chunky pigment flakes to pass through without clogging the screen.
🪄 Expert Tip: Add a curable reducer to thicker inks like metallic gold to improve flow through finer meshes without compromising print quality.
Frame Material: Why Aluminum Beats Wood
High-quality aluminum frames are the gold standard for screen printing because they:
Stay perfectly flat and won’t warp with moisture
Can be re-stretched and reused
Provide long-lasting durability for thousands of prints
Are lightweight, reducing shipping costs
Aluminum frames ensure consistent tension—vital for detailed printing and longevity.
Exposure and Emulsion Tips
Different mesh sizes hold different amounts of emulsion, impacting exposure times.
Lower mesh counts hold more emulsion and require slightly longer exposure times.
Higher mesh counts expose faster because they hold less emulsion.
As a rule of thumb, adjust your exposure by 5–10% depending on mesh density.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the correct screen printing mesh is one of the most important steps in producing crisp, professional prints. Whether you’re creating a bold logo or a delicate halftone design, the right mesh count will ensure your results look clean and high-quality.
At EZ Stitch Digitizing, we understand precision printing from the inside out. Our digitizing experts know how critical mesh and artwork prep are for embroidery and print-ready results.
đź“© Need perfectly prepared vector files or embroidery digitizing for your next screen print?
Contact us at info@ezstitchdigitizing.com or message us directly via our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does screen printing mesh mean?
Screen printing mesh refers to the tightly woven fabric that holds your stencil and controls how much ink passes through. The mesh count determines how detailed or thick your printed image will be.
2. What mesh count is best for t-shirt printing?
For most t-shirts, 110 or 156 mesh offers the perfect balance between ink coverage and image detail. Use higher mesh counts for fine artwork or thin inks.
3. What mesh should I use for glitter ink?
Use a low mesh count between 38–86. Glitter and metallic inks have larger particles that need bigger mesh openings to pass through easily.
4. Does mesh type affect ink exposure time?
Yes. Finer meshes (higher mesh counts) hold less emulsion and therefore expose faster, while lower mesh counts require slightly longer exposure times.
5. What’s the difference between polyester and nylon mesh?
Polyester mesh is more stable, durable, and resists stretching—making it ideal for professional screen printing. Nylon mesh can stretch over time, causing misalignment in detailed prints.
