The basic process of screen printing involves the following steps:

1. Creating the Design: The first step is to create the design or pattern that you want to print onto the substrate. This design is typically digitized and separated into different colors or layers.
2. Preparation of the Screen: A screen is prepared for each color in the design. A screen is a mesh stretched over a frame, often made of wood or aluminum. The mesh is typically made of silk, polyester, or nylon. The mesh is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion.
3. Exposing the Screen: The separated design is printed onto a transparent film, often using black ink. This film is placed onto the coated screen, and then the screen is exposed to a light source. The light hardens the emulsion except where the black design blocks it. The screen is then washed, leaving behind a stencil of the design.
4. Setting Up the Print: The substrate (such as an umbrella) is placed on the printing surface, and the screens are aligned according to the design’s registration marks. Each screen corresponds to a different color or layer of the design.
5. Applying Ink: Ink is applied onto the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh and onto the substrate. The ink passes through the open areas of the stencil, transferring the design onto the substrate.
6. Curing the Ink: Once the ink is applied, the substrate is moved to a curing station, often a conveyor dryer or heat press. The heat cures the ink, making it permanent on the substrate.
7. Repeat for Multiple Colors: If the design has multiple colors, the process is repeated with different screens and inks, aligning each layer properly.
8. Finishing: After all the layers/colors are applied and cured, the final product is inspected, cleaned if necessary, and prepared for packaging or display.

Screen printing is known for its ability to produce vibrant and durable prints, making it a popular choice for various applications. However, it can be labor-intensive for intricate designs with multiple colors due to the setup required for each color layer.