What is a Screen Printing Squeegee, Tips and Information

The squeegee is a critical tool in screen printing, responsible for pushing ink through the screen onto the substrate, such as a T-shirt or poster, directly impacting print quality. Choosing the right squeegee and maintaining it properly ensures even, crisp ink application, while poor selection or neglect can degrade results. This article provides a concise overview of screen printing squeegee components, types, usage, and maintenance, offering practical guidance for beginners and professionals alike.

Squeegee Hardness

One of the most important characteristics of a screen printing squeegee is its hardness, measured in Shore A units, typically 60, 70, or 80. Hardness significantly affects ink deposit thickness and the level of detail achievable.

60 Hardness (Soft): Softer squeegees, like those with a 60 Shore A rating, are more flexible, allowing for thicker ink deposits. They’re ideal for uneven or textured surfaces, as they conform better to the substrate. Soft squeegees work well with low mesh counts (25–85) and specialty inks like puff or gel, or for effects like glitter and gloss.
70 Hardness (Medium): The 70 Shore A squeegee is the industry’s most versatile and widely used option. It strikes a balance between ink deposit and detail, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from solid colors to halftones, and works well with mesh counts of 305–355.
80 Hardness (Hard): Harder squeegees, such as 80 Shore A, are less flexible and push less ink through the screen, making them ideal for fine details, sharp edges, and thin ink deposits. They’re commonly used with high mesh count screens, complex multicolor designs, four-color process printing, and high-precision halftones.
Triple-Durometer Squeegees: Some squeegees combine multiple hardness levels in a single blade. A common configuration is 70/90/70, with softer 70 Shore A edges for good ink flow and a rigid 90 Shore A core for stability, allowing greater pressure without blade distortion. This design blends the benefits of soft and hard squeegees for both ink spread and precision.

Selecting the right hardness is key to optimizing print quality. As a general rule, thinner ink deposits or detailed designs call for harder squeegees, while thicker inks or specialty effects require softer blades.

Squeegee Shapes

The shape of a squeegee blade is another key factor influencing its performance and suitability. The most common shapes are square, beveled, and rounded.

Square (Straight Edge): The most common and versatile shape, featuring a flat blade, is suitable for general screen printing projects across various substrates and ink types.
Beveled: Beveled squeegees have angled edges, creating a triangular profile, making them ideal for printing on uneven or curved surfaces, as the angled edge better conforms to the substrate for effective ink transfer.
Rounded (Ball Nose): Rounded or ball-nose squeegees are designed for heavy ink deposits, with their curved edges pushing more ink through the screen, perfect for applications requiring thick ink layers.

Squeegee Materials

The material of a squeegee blade impacts its durability, solvent resistance, and overall performance. Polyurethane is the most popular choice due to its excellent wear resistance and ability to withstand various solvents without deforming. Neoprene and natural rubber are more cost-effective alternatives, with neoprene typically offering better durability than natural rubber. High-quality polyurethane squeegees are often used in automatic and semi-automatic printing presses.

Squeegee Size

Choosing the right squeegee size is crucial for efficient, high-quality printing. A general guideline is to select a squeegee that extends about 1/2 inch to 1 inch beyond each side of the printed image. This ensures even coverage across the entire design, minimizing uneven ink distribution or missed areas. Using a squeegee that’s too small can result in incomplete prints, while one that’s too large may cause unnecessary wear on the screen. Squeegee sizes typically range from 2 to 72 inches, allowing printers to choose the best fit for their design.

Squeegee Maintenance

Proper squeegee maintenance is essential for extending its lifespan and ensuring consistent, high-quality prints. Neglecting maintenance can lead to dull blades, material degradation, and compromised print results.

Regular Cleaning: Always keep squeegee blades clean. After each use or when switching colors, clean the blade thoroughly with an appropriate solvent or screen printing ink remover. Leaving ink, especially UV ink or solvents, on the blade can cause material degradation. Keep multiple squeegees on hand for rotation, ensuring a clean, dry blade is always available.
Avoid Grinding: Do not attempt to sharpen a dull squeegee with a grinding wheel, as the heat generated can deform the blade, rendering it unusable. Instead, flip the blade to use the opposite edge or replace it if both sides are worn.
Proper Storage: How you store squeegees significantly affects their lifespan and shape retention. Store squeegees flat or with the blade facing upward. Storing them blade-down, especially standing on the blade, can cause bending or deformation over time. A squeegee rack is an ideal storage solution, saving space and preserving blade integrity.
Inspect for Damage: Regularly check squeegee blades for nicks, tears, or signs of wear. Damaged blades cannot deliver consistent ink deposits and may cause print defects. Replace damaged squeegees promptly to maintain print quality.

How to Use a Squeegee in Screen Printing

Whether using manual or automatic screen printing equipment, proper squeegee technique is vital for achieving clear, consistent results. While automated systems handle much of the physical work, understanding squeegee principles benefits all printers.

For manual screen printing, these tips can help achieve optimal results:

Screen Preparation: Take time to properly prepare the screen, as a well-prepared screen is the foundation for effective ink transfer.
Comfortable Stance: Adopt a comfortable, stable stance when holding the squeegee to maintain consistent pressure and smooth motion.
Push and Pull Motion: To apply ink to the substrate, push down and pull forward simultaneously, forcing ink through the open areas of the stencil.
Pressure Angle: Apply pressure at a 70° to 80° angle to cleanly andefficiently shear ink through the screen.
Blade Flex: When used correctly, the squeegee blade should slightly flex or bend under pressure, indicating proper contact with the screen and substrate.
Consistent Motion: Maintain even pressure and speed across the entire print area for uniform ink application. A thin, even ink layer on the screen indicates a well-executed stroke.
Adjustable Squeegee Stops (for Machines): In automated systems, adjustable squeegee stops control how far the squeegee contacts the screen and substrate. It’s often recommended to let the adjustment knobs “bottom out” during printing, allowing the squeegee’s rubber to compensate for slight variations in substrate thickness or flatness. Some presses include adjustable pressure gauges and regulators, especially useful for uneven surfaces, allowing the squeegee holder to move up and down to prevent blade distortion and maintain print quality.

Conclusion

The squeegee’s role in screen printing cannot be overstated. Mastering its selection, use, and maintenance empowers printers to produce sharp, vibrant, high-quality work. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, paying attention to squeegee details will elevate your results. Though often overlooked, the squeegee is the unsung hero behind exceptional prints. Feel free to reach out with any questions!