A widely employed technique in garment decoration and graphic arts, this method transfers images onto substrates by pressing ink through stencils. The process utilizes four distinct screens, each representing a different primary colortypically cyan, magenta, yellow, and blackto recreate a full spectrum of hues. By layering these colors precisely, a complex design emerges on the final product. For example, a photograph can be separated into these four components, each printed individually, to produce a color-accurate replica.
This approach offers significant advantages in terms of color control, durability, and cost-effectiveness for volume production. Its impact on the textile industry has been profound, enabling intricate and lasting designs on apparel. Historically, this method evolved from earlier stencil printing techniques, finding increased applications as industrial processes became more refined. The precision and scalability inherent in the process have made it a cornerstone of both small-scale artistic endeavors and large-scale commercial printing operations.
