Screen Printing Mesh Count Chart: What Mesh to Use for Each Ink
Use this screen printing mesh count chart to match mesh to plastisol, water based ink, white underbase, halftones and fine detail.
Neutral mesh count chart by ink and job, what mesh count means, US vs metric notation, and how thread diameter and tension change ink deposit.
A screen printing mesh count chart starts simple: use lower mesh counts (roughly 110 to 160) for plastisol, white ink and bold graphics, middle counts (roughly 156 to 230) for general and water based work, and higher counts (roughly 230 to 305) for halftones and fine detail, then adjust to your ink spec.
Definition: mesh count
Mesh count is the number of threads per inch in a screen. Lower counts have bigger openings and lay more ink; higher counts have smaller openings and hold finer detail with a thinner deposit.
Part of the DAX Learning Hub: practical, exhibitor neutral guides for apparel decorating. To factor screens and setup into quotes, see How to Price Custom Apparel.
Also see Screen Reclaiming and Ghost Image Removal: A Shop Guide.
Also see Emulsion Exposure Times: How to Find the Right One and Simulated Process vs Spot Color Screen Printing: Key Differences.
Find more screen printing guides in the DAX Learning Hub. Related guides: Screen Printing for Beginners: Process, Equipment, and When It Pays Off and Plastisol vs Water Based Ink: Differences, Curing, and When to Use Each.
Screen Printing Mesh Count Chart by Ink and Job
| Ink or job | Typical mesh range (threads per inch) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Glitter and large flake specialty inks | About 24 to 40 | Large particles need big openings |
| Shimmer, metallic and heavy specialty inks | About 60 to 110 | Particles and heavy body limit finer mesh |
| Bold plastisol, large graphics, heavy white | About 110 | Lays a thick, opaque deposit |
| General plastisol spot colors | About 140 to 160 | Balance of coverage and detail |
| Water based and discharge inks | About 156 to 230 | Thinner inks; finer mesh controls deposit and softens hand |
| Fine detail, small text, soft hand plastisol | About 200 to 230 | Smaller openings hold detail, thinner deposit |
| Halftones and simulated process | About 230 to 305 | Holds small dots without them falling through |
These are typical starting ranges from mesh and ink technical guides. Ink viscosity, stencil thickness and fabric all shift the right choice.
What Mesh Count Means
In the US, mesh count is threads per inch. Much of the rest of the world counts threads per centimeter, so the same number means very different meshes: divide a US count by 2.54 to get the metric count. For example, 110 per inch is about 43 per centimeter and 305 per inch is about 120 per centimeter. Always check which scale a chart or supplier is using.
Mesh for White and Underbase
White inks are usually thick, so they often go through lower counts. A count around 110 lays a heavy, opaque white for bold prints and athletic looks. Around 156 to 160 gives a softer underbase that still covers on many darks. Higher counts are used for highlight whites and for underbases that must register tightly with fine detail on top. Test on the garment color you are printing.
Mesh for Halftones and Fine Detail
Halftones and fine lines need small openings so dots and thin strokes do not fall through or close up. Counts around 230 to 305 are common, with finer halftone screens needing the higher end. Many printers use dyed (often yellow) mesh at higher counts because it reduces light scatter during exposure and keeps edges sharp.
Thread Diameter and Tension Basics
Two meshes with the same count can print differently. Thinner thread leaves more open area, which passes more ink and can improve opacity at the same count. Even, adequate tension helps the screen snap off the garment cleanly and keeps registration and deposit consistent from print to print. Check tension on a schedule and follow your mesh and frame supplier spec for target values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Mesh Count (FAQ)
What mesh count should beginners start with?
Many beginners start with a count around 110 for bold plastisol and white ink and around 156 to 160 for general spot colors, then add higher counts as designs get more detailed.
What mesh count for white plastisol?
Often about 110 for a heavy, opaque white, or about 156 to 160 for a softer underbase. Check opacity on the actual garment and follow your ink spec.
What mesh for water based ink?
Typically about 156 to 230 for normal work, with higher counts up to around 305 for halftones. Some thick water based inks for darks run on lower counts, so follow the ink spec.
What mesh count for halftones?
Usually about 230 to 305, with finer halftone screens toward the higher end.
Does mesh tension matter as much as mesh count?
Both shape the print. Count sets the opening size and ink deposit, while even, adequate tension helps the screen snap off cleanly and keeps registration and deposit consistent. For measuring, see Screen Tension Meter, and for frame types, see Screen Printing Frames.
Mesh ranges here are typical published starting points. Follow your ink, mesh or supplier spec.
Mesh choice is easier when you can compare screens and inks side by side. Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule to talk mesh, frames and inks with suppliers in person.