Moiré is a visual interference caused by overlapping regular patterns — dots, lines, or mesh. In color screen printing, it can ruin tonal balance and detail. This guide summarizes key rules and practical checks to prevent and control it.
KEY VARIABLES
Core Parameters
Parameter
Main Effect
Operational Recommendation
Screen angles (°)
Prevent moiré and interference.
C 15° – M 75° – Y 0° – K 45°.
LPI (lines per inch)
Defines image sharpness.
55–65 LPI for textile printing.
Mesh tension (N/cm)
Registration stability.
32–36 N/cm constant across all screens.
Ambient humidity (%)
Affects viscosity and registration.
Maintain 55–60% RH.
3 BEST HABITS
1
Keep identical EOM on all CMYK screens.
2
Avoid excess black: reduces brightness and detail.
3
Regularly check density with portable densitometer.
OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST
Essential Controls
Control
Frequency
Responsible
Action if Non-Compliant
Verify screen angles
Every separation
Prepress technician
Regenerate separations with correct angles.
EOM uniformity
Before each CMYK set
Prepress operator
Re-emulsion non-compliant screens.
4-color registration test
Every setup
Print operator
Micro-register until perfect alignment.
Ink density
Every batch
Quality technician
Adjust density to standard.
BASELINE INDICATORS
Target Parameters
Indicator
Target
Optimal screen frequency (LPI)
55–65 for textile
Uniform mesh tension
32–36 N/cm across all CMYK
Registration tolerance
< 0.02 inch
Color density variation
± 5% from target
USEFUL TIPS
Best Practices
Recommendation
Benefit
Use identical mesh (count and type) for all CMYK.
Deposit uniformity and perfect registration.
Always print in order: CMYK or KCMY.
Maximum visual yield and density control.
Make digital proof before production.
Verify colors and corrections before printing.
Maintain archive of certified color samples.
Constant reference for repeatability.
REMEMBER
"Four-color printing is a balance between light, screen, and visual sensitivity. When each color finds its space, the image comes to life."
Discover the BASIC – ADVANCED – PROFESSIONAL versions of the Screen Printing Master Map to deepen chromatic management and process controls.