silk screening is a technique that has a long history in the decorative plastics field; the basic concepts underlying its applications are well known throughout the industry. the key to developing its usefulness to the processor lies in the ability of the processor to expand the applications of silk screening. this expansion may be the result of some minor alteration in an established area of screening such as the screen mesh or the paint formulation. the expansion may also be the result of extending the capabilities of silk screening into new market areas. the paper first lays some groundwork concerning the production of screens and the finishing process and then discusses its use in dead front, halftone, and shielding applications. the dead front effect consists of a panel that appears opaque until backlighting projects an image to the observer. the dead front panel has gained wide acceptance in the appliance, automotive and business machine markets over the last few years. it is most effective when used on control panels and gauges