ROQ.US Tech Tip: How to Prevent Screen Sticking in Screen Printing

Zach Achorn, Contract ROQ Technician, is going to show us how to prevent one of the most common and frustrating issues in a print shop — hearing the screen stick as the squeegee moves across the press. When a screen fails to release properly from the garment, it can compromise print quality and slow down production.

To achieve a clean print, the screen should only make brief contact with the substrate—often referred to as a "kiss"—rather than adhering to it for an extended period. If you are experiencing screen sticking, follow these practical steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Adjust Squeegee Speed Modifying the speed of the squeegee can impact how the screen releases from the garment. Depending on the ink and mesh count, try slightly speeding up or slowing down the squeegee stroke to find the optimal speed that prevents sticking.

Step 2: Change the Squeegee Angle Altering the angle of the squeegee blade can make the point of contact more defined. A sharper, more precise contact area reduces the surface tension between the screen and the garment, allowing for a cleaner release.

Step 3: Elongate the Print Stroke Extending the length of the print stroke is one of the most effective ways to prevent sticking. By elongating the stroke, the screen is given more time to peel away naturally from the garment. The goal is a quick, clean release rather than prolonged contact.

Step 4: Increase Back Off-Contact If adjusting the stroke and squeegee does not resolve the issue, evaluate your press settings. On many standard presses, you can increase the back off-contact by slightly lifting the rear of the screen. Elevating the back of the screen ensures that it begins releasing immediately as the squeegee passes, rather than remaining flat against the platen.

By applying these adjustments, you can eliminate the sticking sound, improve your print quality, and maintain a smoother production workflow.