mesh count jargon

[MearlH]

I need to buy a larger screen. My work tends to have alot of detail. any suggestions as to what type of mesh i need. I dont quite understand the ranking system, and each store seems to have there own. Also, I have a yard of really nice mesh i got as a gift but need to attach it to a screen. Is that a pain in the ass or pretty simple (was thinking about using my old screens frame and disecting it to see how they streched it. What do you artists do? make or buy screens. also is there any need for a chainsaw in this operation, cause chainsaws are fun.

[MearlH]

or does anyone know a place that will strech it for you, if you supply the mesh?

[kim_a]

Higher the number, finer the mesh, finer the detail it will hold, with less ink deposited on the substrate. I use 230 for printing on paper, but I've printed shirts with it as well, I'd say its a good start. Buy pre-stretched screens for cheap online. Stretching them yourself is hard to get right, there are many topics on it on the forums here if you want to get into that. You'll probably spend more time and effort than its worth unless you print a lot and invest in special screens and the accompanying tensioning system.

[DenisMutter]

I would strongly recommend that you buy yr screens online - there are some folks that can stretch a screen for you and do a great job, but they are few 7 far between. If you're serious, spend the cash & get the goods. It's a good investment.

[fantasygoat]

Standard US mesh count is based on the number of threads per inch. So, a 255 screen has 255 threads per inch.

I use 255 to 305 for paper printing.

[oldbox]

or does anyone know a place that will strech it for you, if you supply the mesh?

I know a place: Oldbox's

[squeegeethree]

Of all the parts of screen printing I would say mesh and screens is the closest to being jargon free.

[Andymac]

12xx!

[crosshair]

If you're just getting started...230. That's all you need to know.
In Chicago, Screenworks or CSS will make you quality screens to order. GSF is up in Skokie.

[steve w]

there are some things I will not do myself.
stretching screens is one of them