If you love DIY screen printing, mastering the squeegee is key to getting professional-quality prints at home.
This simple tool pushes ink through the screen and onto your fabric, paper, or other surfaces. Choosing the right squeegee and using the correct technique can make a huge difference in the final result.
At SHALITEINK, we’re committed to helping DIY printers create high-quality, vibrant prints with ease. Whether you’re printing T-shirts, tote bags, or posters, these eight essential tips will help you get the most out of your screen printing squeegee.
1. Choosing the Right Screen Printing Squeegee
A high-quality squeegee ensures smooth ink application. The best ones are made of polyurethane and come in different hardness levels, known as durometers.
- Soft (60-65 durometer): Best for fabric printing, allowing more ink to pass through.
- Medium (70 durometer): A versatile choice, suitable for various surfaces.
- Hard (80 durometer): Ideal for printing on rigid materials like posters, plastic, or wood.
For beginners, a 70-durometer squeegee is a great starting point because it provides a balance of flexibility and control.
2. Selecting the Best Squeegee Shape
The shape of the squeegee blade affects ink distribution and print quality.
- Straight-edge (square): Provides clean, sharp prints and is great for detailed designs.
- Rounded-edge: Lays down a thicker ink layer, making it useful for bold designs or printing on textured fabrics.
- Beveled-edge: Designed for specialty applications, such as high-detail prints on uneven surfaces.
For most DIY projects, a straight-edge squeegee paired with SHALITEINK’s high-opacity inks delivers excellent results.
3. Proper Squeegee Grip and Angle
A strong grip and the right angle are essential for clean prints.
- Hold the squeegee firmly with both hands.
- Maintain a 60-75 degree angle to control ink flow.
- Apply consistent pressure—too much can cause smudging, too little can leave gaps.
- Keep your arms close to your body for better control.
Using SHALITEINK’s smooth, easy-to-use inks helps you achieve clean, consistent strokes.
4. Using the Right Printing Stroke
To get an even ink deposit, use this two-step method:
- Flood Stroke: Spread a thin layer of ink across the screen before printing.
- Print Stroke: Press the squeegee down and pull it smoothly across the screen in one motion.
This technique ensures consistent ink coverage and prevents dry spots. SHALITEINK inks are designed for smooth application, making this process even easier.
5. Controlling Speed and Pressure
Both speed and pressure impact your print quality.
- Fast strokes apply less ink and work well for light designs.
- Slow strokes lay down more ink, creating bold, vibrant prints.
- Too much pressure can push ink beyond the design, causing smudges.
- Too little pressure won’t transfer enough ink, leading to faded prints.
Experimenting with speed and pressure will help you find the right balance for each project.
6. Matching the Squeegee to the Printing Surface
Different materials require different squeegees to get the best results.
- T-shirts and fabric: Use a soft or medium durometer squeegee with a straight or rounded edge.
- Posters and paper: A hard durometer squeegee with a square edge provides sharp detail.
- Tote bags and rough fabrics: A soft durometer squeegee helps push more ink through the screen.
Pairing the right squeegee with SHALITEINK’s high-quality inks ensures crisp, long-lasting prints.
7. Keeping Your Squeegee in Good Condition
Proper maintenance extends the life of your squeegee and improves print quality.
- Clean it immediately after use to prevent ink buildup.
- Store it flat to avoid bending or warping.
- Rotate usage if you have multiple squeegees to prevent excessive wear on one.
- Replace dull blades for consistently sharp prints.
With SHALITEINK’s easy-to-clean inks, maintaining your tools is hassle-free.
8. Investing in Quality Tools for Better Prints
Using the right tools makes all the difference in screen printing. A high-quality squeegee, combined with premium inks and well-prepared screens, leads to professional results.
At SHALITEINK, we provide high-opacity, long-lasting inks that work seamlessly with any squeegee. Whether you’re printing at home or in a studio, our inks help you achieve bold, durable designs with ease.
Final Thoughts
A great screen printing squeegee is essential for achieving clean, professional-looking prints. By choosing the right squeegee, practicing proper technique, and using high-quality ink, you can create sharp, vibrant designs every time.
Get the best results with SHALITEINK’s premium inks—designed for DIY and professional screen printers alike.
