When it comes to screen printing, everyone talks about ink and design, but the real magic starts with the mesh.

At Mint Prints, mesh determines everything from print sharpness to ink coverage. So what exactly is screen printing mesh, and why does it matter?

Let’s dive in.

Screen Printing Mesh, Explained:

Screen printing mesh is the tightly woven fabric stretched across a screen frame that holds your stencil. Ink is pushed through this mesh to transfer your design onto garments or other materials.

Mesh is measured in mesh count, which refers to the number of threads per inch. For example, a 110 mesh screen has 110 threads in one inch of fabric.

Why Mesh Count Matters

Choosing the right mesh count is critical. It affects how much ink is deposited, how detailed the print can be, and what type of ink you should use. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Low Mesh Counts (e.g. 86 – 110)

  • Great for bold, thick prints like athletic numbers or heavy underbases

  • Allows more ink to pass through

  • Ideal for cotton tees and hoodies

• Medium Mesh Counts (e.g. 156 – 200)

  • Versatile for most t-shirt prints

  • Good balance between detail and ink flow

  • Perfect for designs with both bold and fine elements

• High Mesh Counts (e.g. 230 – 305)

  • Best for fine details, halftones, and thin ink layers

  • Often used for water-based inks or discharge printing

  • Requires thinner inks and higher precision

Types of Mesh Materials

Most modern screen printing mesh is made from polyester, known for its durability, flexibility, and ability to hold sharp detail. Some specialty printing may use nylon or stainless steel mesh, but polyester remains the industry standard, and what we use at Mint Prints for nearly all jobs.

How We Use Mesh at Mint Prints

At Mint Prints, we don’t guess — we match every design to the right mesh count for optimal print results. Whether it’s a 3-color streetwear graphic or a 1-color oversized back hit, we prep our screens based on:

• Ink type (plastisol, water-based, discharge)

• Garment material

• Desired level of detail

• Print placement and size

In Summary

Mesh may not be the flashiest part of screen printing, but it’s one of the most important. It’s the difference between a crisp, clean print and one that’s over-inked or blurry.

At Mint Prints, we geek out over this stuff so you don’t have to. We get the details right, from mesh to finish, so your designs always hit the mark.

Have a design you’re ready to bring to life?
Start printing with us → mintprints.com