Screen printing media are liquids that keep pigments and glazes in suspension for screen-printed decoration. They control viscosity, drying and print sharpness.
Mixed with the powders, the medium forms the ink that passes through the screen. The ratio of medium to solids defines how much color reaches the tile and how sharp the lines of the design are. During firing the medium leaves no residue, and only the decoration stays on the tile.
There are water-based and glycol-based media, with different drying speeds. The choice depends on the type of machine, the line temperature and the design to be printed.
Usually yes, as long as the ratio is adjusted for each powder, because pigments and glazes absorb different amounts of liquid.
When the medium evaporates too fast, because of line heat or air flow, the ink hardens on the screen and clogs the design. A slower-drying medium, or a change in the ratio, solves the problem.
Need a tailor-made raw material? Our technical team develops the formulation together with your process.
Talk to our technical team