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Mesh & screens · 3 of 5 · 1 min read

Mesh color and thread diameter

White mesh scatters UV light along the threads (“undercutting”). Dyed yellow mesh reduces that and holds sharper detail, but it needs 50–100% longer exposure (Vastex).

Thread diameter changes the open area and how much ink goes down. One fabric brand’s 230 mesh comes in eight versions with 13–38% open area. Order mesh by its full description, for example “156 yellow, 64 µm, plain weave,” not just the count.

Sources for this guide (18)
  1. Vastex, Screen frame information
  2. ASI Central, Wood vs. aluminum screen frames
  3. SPSI, Feeling the tension
  4. ScreenPrinting.com Help, How do I pick the right mesh count?
  5. ScreenPrinting.com, Which mesh count is right for me?
  6. ScreenPrinting.com, Everything you need to know to print an underbase
  7. Atlas Screen Supply, Mesh count chart
  8. Avient, PAGEJ100 Crystalina tech data sheet
  9. Dragonfly Colors, Mesh selection in screen printing
  10. International Coatings, Catalyst 900 (nylon)
  11. Vastex, Mesh information
  12. Screen Printing Magazine, Tensioning screens for smoother setups
  13. Chromaline, Causes of pinholes during screen making
  14. Catspit Productions, Proper emulsion performance
  15. Avient, Print technique guide, 2023 (PDF)
  16. ScreenPrinting.com Help, What’s considered good mesh tension?
  17. Impressions, Troubleshooting screen printing (2018)
  18. Ink Kitchen, Why out of register? Let me count the ways

Where sources disagree, the page says so.