Push vs Pull
Pushing
Pros: More ergonomic on your body. Easier on the wrists. Easier to employ your upper body to get more downward force and push forward on the squeegee.
Cons: Only works at a 45-degree angle. You cannot achieve sharper or lower angles. If you angle your squeegee too low you’ll start scraping the wood on your screen and ink. Messy!
Pulling
Pros: Allows you achieve more angles on the squeegee and adjust the print quality and thickness. Less ink – more upright angle. More ink – less upright angle.
Cons: Harder on the wrists and shoulders.
When To Use Each
Good uses for Push strokes: Spot color images and easier designs to print. Using a push stroke allows you to exert less effort and move through your prints faster.
Good uses for Pull strokes: Inside labels (skin touching), prints that need less ink, designs with small details, difficult locations to navigate (seams).
Don’t subscribe to the stigma of the push vs pull debate. By learning and mastering both techniques, you will be able to achieve the best quality print on various different garments.
