Enhancing silk screen printing through potassium dichromate: A path to quality and competitiveness in the printing industry

Abstract

Silkscreen printing, a cornerstone of the printing industry, is often considered one of the oldest printing processes, though debate exists regarding whether block printing predates it. In the face of economic challenges, the printing industry must embrace technological advancements to ensure financial stability and foster quality production. Recognizing its potential economic impact, the need for technological enhancement in this field becomes evident. The quest for global competitiveness necessitates achieving production goals. This study explores the viability of utilizing potassium dichromate as a key agent in photographic silk screen printing. The evaluation of finished products involved twenty-five academic practitioners and twenty professional practitioners from diverse institutions and industries in Region VI, Western Visayas, Philippines. The assessment employed a five-point Likert scale, and statistical analysis relied on a t-test for independent sample means with a significance level of 0.5. The findings affirm the acceptability of potassium dichromate in photographic silk screen printing, with a highly satisfactory rating. Notably, it yields high-quality print legibility on t-shirts. To ensure optimal results, this study recommends the use of quality stencils by academic and professional practitioners, screen entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts engaged in silk screen printing. This research opens new avenues for growth and prosperity within the printing industry.