Squeegee 101

Always important but seemingly always overlooked, squeegees are much more than just simple tools that screen printers like us use on a daily basis. Believe it or not, squeegees have a lot to do with how well images are transferred to the substrate (usually a T-shirt in our case).

If a squeegee isn't used, it just isn't screen printing! Let's take some time to go back to Squeegee 101. Whether you are a screen printing professional or just a curious individual, it's always a good idea to review the basics.

Wooden handles of manual squeegees
stained from ink.

Squeegees come in two basic types - ones for manual printing and ones for automatic printing. The handle of manual squeegees is made of wood, plastic, or aluminum. Wood is tried and true, and although it has its disadvantages, it is still a popular pick for today's screen printer. Plastic and aluminum handles are easy to clean, hold up better than wood, and many also have screws that attach the blade to the handle, which makes it easy to change blades if needed. Automatic squeegee "handles" are also made of aluminum, and are made to fit with automatic presses.

Squeegees for automatic presses.

The material of the squeegee blade can be made up of natural rubber, Neoprene, and Polyurethane. Natural rubber squeegee blades are the least expensive option, but their poor resistance to abrasion and chemical solvents do not make them ideal for professional screen printing. Neoprene, a synthetic rubber compound, costs slightly more than natural rubber, but offers better resistance to repeated use and cleaning. Polyurethane, a synthetic plastic material, is the most expensive option out of the three, but, as they say, you get what you pay for.

The size or length of the squeegee can vary. Popular sizes include 6 inch, 10 inch, and 16 inch, but there are many other options depending on the particular job.

The durometer of the squeegee refers to the hardness of the blade based on an arbitrary scale (reffered to as the Shore A Scale)- usually between 50A and 90A - with 50 being the softest and 90 being the hardest. Single, dual, and triple durometer squeegees have their own purposes and advantages, and it depends on what you want to use for the job, or if you want to spend the extra money on a nicer squeegee.

The profile of the squeegee refers to the shape of the edge of the blade. Popular profiles include, but are not limited to, straight edge, round edge, blunt, single bevel, and double bevel. Again, each has it's purpose.

The angle, the pressure, and the speed of the squeegee can vary depending on the job, and only true practice will you discover what works and what doesn't.

Proper squeegee care and maintenance is key to keep prints consistent and looking great. Clean them, sharpen them, do whatever you need to do to keep them in tip top shape. Don't neglect them, and your squeegees will be printing with you for years.

There is, of course, A LOT that isn't covered here, so don't be afraid to do some research if you're curious. Or, check back soon and see what we have going on!

Our Spot in Impressions Magazine!

Did you hear?

Mr. Seth Bussert (the mastermind behind Screen Graphix Inc.) has contributed his expertise to an article in the March 2013 issue of Impressions Magazine! For those of us in the decorated apparel industry, this is a BIG DEAL!

Check out the resort wear article here: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201303/#/36