Screen Printing

Screen printing is a traditional form of decorative print application to glass, using highly durable ceramic paints. This technique can apply patterns or artwork to the surface of the glass in a permanent decorative design.

The pattern or artwork required for the glass is re-produced on a silk mesh printing screen and the design is then transferred onto one surface of an annealed glass panel by forcing the enamel inks through the small holes in the silk screen mesh. For larger batches of glass, a roller coating technique can be utilised to apply the ceramic enamel paints to the glass.

Nearly any RAL colour can be used. Patterns are normally monochrome but multiple colours can be used depending on the complexity of the artwork or design.

The Screen Printing Process

Once the desired artwork is applied to the glass, it is fired at more than 600 degrees C to permanently fuse the pattern to the surface of the glass. After the screen printing has occurred, the glass can then be toughened to create a safety glass, which can then be laminated or incorporated into an insulated glass unit as required.

Transparency levels through the patterns and inks can be manipulated to create a glass panel that reduces light and solar gain entering the internal space. This extremely durable and abrasion-resistant enamel patterning can also be used to create anti-slip patterns to the surface of walk-on glass units.

Contact London Architectural Glass today to discuss your screen printing project in more detail.