Source: The Creative Greenhouse
If you work in graphic design, you'll know that screen printing is a very important aspect of your work. But have you ever stopped to think about the origins of screen printing? Where was it invented and how has it evolved over the years?
Well, that's what we want to talk to you about next, so you can understand how it's changed, what it was like in the beginning, and what it's like now, as well as why it has influenced graphic design. Shall we begin?
The origin of screen printing
The origin of screen printing takes us back to the Eastern countries. And the oldest roots, and This printing technique originated in China. According to the earliest records of stencil printing, they are from this country and date back to the 10th century, specifically the Song Dynasty.
What happened during that time? Well, artisans used stencils cut from paper or fabric, and with them, they applied pigments to create repetitive designs. These were then printed on silk or other materials.
Later, over time, They stopped using paper and cloth and replaced them with fine silk mesh. This was because this material held the ink better and also allowed the design to have a finer and more detailed finish (because it did not leak through, so there were no flaws in it).
From China, screen printing spread to Japan. It was in this country that it underwent its first evolution, as it was perfected and adapted to textile decoration, especially in the case of kimonos. Furthermore, new techniques based on screen printing were created. Such is the case with katazome method.
This method involved using stencils, yes, but it also involved a waterproof paste that the artisans used to block certain parts of the fabric before applying the dye. And what was this for? To prevent the dye from reaching those parts of the fabric, thus maintaining the same color or shade and allowing for more sophisticated designs.
Screen printing in Europe and America
We must tell you that, from the time silkscreen printing was created in the 10th century, until it reached Europe and America, many, many years passed. According to the data that is preserved, it was not It was not until the 18th century that screen printing reached Europe via the Silk Road.
At that time, this printing technique was no longer used only for clothing, but also for wallpaper printing and other uses that were gaining importance.
And if it arrived in Europe in the 18th century, it came to America much later, in the 20th century. It's there that we can say it evolved considerably, especially in the United States, where some artisans began to use new tools and materials that improved on the screen printing of the 10th century.
For example, in 1907, the Englishman Samuel Simon patented a printing process based on silk screens that they had a way of blocking some areas so that only the ink passed to the desired spaces, not all of them.
In 1930, this technique was improved by using photosensitive emulsions.
Moreover, during World War II, screen printing was very important in the production of propaganda posters and mass information materials.
The way how it has evolved
As you've seen, screen printing began to evolve from the moment it spread from China to Japan, and from there to Europe and, especially, America. The development of new inks and materials, along with new stencil methods, allowed it to adapt to the needs of the time, making it more efficient and accessible.
For example, the use of synthetic inks, Instead of oil-based ones, they were more resistant to factors such as the sun or humidity, which meant that they were no longer used only for fabric or paper, but also for plastic and glass.
Another evolution was the meshes that were used in screen printing. As we mentioned before, they were made of silk. But when nylon and polyester arrived in 1940, they replaced silk because they were more economical, durable, and precise.
Screen printing in contemporary art
To talk about screen printing and contemporary art is to mention the name of Andy Warhol, who popularized this printing technique in art. In fact, he used screen printing on reproductions of faces, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.
In fact, Warhol's use of silkscreen for mass repetition and reproduction is said to have given rise to the Pop Art movement.
Screen printing and graphic design
Today, screen printing plays an important role in graphic design, especially in relation to branding and advertising.
Printing logos and messages on merchandising products, such as T-shirts, tote bags, or promotional products, is essential for creating a brand image. And this is where screen printing plays its role, allowing for vibrant, fade-resistant colors.
When it comes to advertising, the creation and printing of posters, banners, and outdoor signage are the most common. Here, the goal is to capture the public's attention in broad ways, hence the need for high-quality finishes.
But while printing used to be more for paper, this has now changed, and screen printing can now be found on less conventional materials, such as wood, glass, or metal.
Furthermore, it is no longer the only technique. It coexists with others, such as the fact that digital printing or offset printing. Even so, for large-volume orders or high-quality orders in terms of color intensity and durability, it remains the preferred choice for many, especially if you need to print on diverse materials or use special inks, such as embossed, metallic, or fluorescent.
Now that you know the origins of screen printing and how it has evolved over time, do you see its importance for graphic design?