Best Screen Printing Squeegee: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

With the correct screen-printing squeegee, your hand-made shirts and bags will seem professional. Specific blades and a handle ensure that the ink is applied uniformly to any fabric you use. We've compiled a list of the top screen-printing squeegees for you to test in order to obtain artisan-quality outcomes.

Squeegees for screen printing include two parts: a handle and a blade. Pick a good handle that you would be at ease with. Although wooden handles are attractive, they are more difficult to keep clean compared to plastic or metal handles.

Rubber, neoprene, and polyurethane are common materials making squeegee blades. Take into consideration that rubber and neoprene are less enduring than polyurethane. The hardness of the blade is measured in durometers and a smaller number indicates a lighter blade. There are different types of durometers and you should know their types, usage and maintenance because the durometers (i.e. the level of hardness of the blade) directly reflects the thickness or thinness of an ink deposit. Squeegees that are softer will generate a thicker deposit of ink, whereas those which are harder will generate a thinner ink deposit. Here are some of the types of blade durometers for squeegees

Top Screen Printing Squeegee 2023 by Editors

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  Product
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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Speedball 10-Inch Nitrile Squeegee, 65 Durometer
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  5" - Aluminum Silk Screen Printing Squeegee Handle with Squeegee Blade (Single Durometer)...
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Speedball Red Baron Squeegee, Dual-Edge for Fabric and Graphic Printing, 9-Inch
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Caydo 3 Pieces 3 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee, 75 Durometer Wooden Ink Scraper for...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Stellar Squeegees for Screen Printing, 70 Durometer (8 Inch)
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What Is the Best Squeegee Blade Durometer?

Some squeegees are firmer than others. What is the reason for this? Squeegees come in a variety of durometers. The blades' hardness is measured using durometers. Softer or harder blades are required for respective printing processes. Let's look at the many types of durometers, their applications, as well as how to deal with them.

What Kind of Durometer You Should Pick for Use?

• 80 durometer: The durometer of 80 is firm and leaves little ink behind. It's great for patterns that require a thinner ink deposit for clarity of design, such as those that go through higher mesh counts with a lot of complicated details or fine halftones.
• 70 durometer: In the clothing industry, the 70 durometer is perhaps the most famous and versatile one. It's a wonderful all-around blade that can handle everything including spot colors to halftones. Most of the printers start with a 70 durometer squeegee blade.
• 60 durometer: One of the smoothest blades offered is the 60 durometer. Because the mesh counts are lower, it enables a thicker deposit of inks. The Shimmers, Puffs, glitters and high-density applications are all good candidates for such a durometer.
• The 70/90/70 tri durometer blades edge offers the benefits of a 70 durometer blade edge while also permitting for a good ink depositing. The 90 durometer spine permits for more pressure to be exerted while printing whereas squeegee blade deflection is kept to a minimum. In comparison to an 80 durometer blade, this squeegee blade provides even more ink to be set down.

Maintenance

The choice of the right squeegee for the task, as well as good squeegee maintenance, is essential for getting the optimal screen printing results out of a blade. For best print quality, squeegee blades must remain sharp. Keep a record of how often the squeegee was being used when printing. Because of the abrasion of printmaking, a sharper squeegee edge may tend to round off throughout time. The ink will not be interrupted by the edge of a rounded squeegee. It will begin to glide or hydroplane over ink, resulting in an uneven deposit of ink.

After you've finished printing, wipe the squeegee clean and dry it. Before returning to production, the blade must be left to recover from ink as well as chemicals for at least 24 hours. It's beneficial to have a couple of squeegees in your shop for your most often used durometers so that you can rotate among them.

Hopefully, you have a detailed understanding of how each squeegee durometer is used for.

Now let's take a peek at our list of squeegees for best printing that have been thoroughly vetted.

Top10 Best Screen Printing Squeegee

1. Caydo 3 Pieces 3 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

It comes in 3 different sizes including 5.9 inches, 9.4 inches, and 13.7 inches. The blade used in this squeegee is in rubber material with a wooden handle. Caydo screen printing squeegee comes with 75 durometer silk blade and provides exceptional abrasion resistance. One important thing about this squeegee is that it comes in 3 different size variations. The size variation makes it extremely convenient for you because you can select the appropriate size of screen printing squeegee based on the size of your design. This product have versatile nature because it can be used in hand printing, a variety of machine applications, as well as graphical and textile applications.

Key features

• This screen printing squeegee is used to scratch the ink on the screens and cause it to spill over onto the substrate.
• It can be used for both manual and machine printing.
• Item weight is 1.23 pounds
• Manufacturer: Caydo

2. Deliou Silk Stencil Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

This type of squeegee is also known as a scraper. It is a tool that is used to scratch ink from a screen and causes it to spill onto the substrate. This silk screen squeegee has a lightweight wooden handle and a rubber strip that is of high quality. The rubber strip is resistant to abrasion and solvents. The specifications of this squeegee are the flat shape of the knife-edge and also the hardness of the rubber strip is 75 degrees which meet most of the silk screen standards. The length of a squeegee is ought to be 5-10 inches smaller than the screen's internal diameter plus 2-5 inches broader than the graphical portion. If we talk about the application scope; these screen printing squeegees are commonly employed in screen printing, and are ideal for clothes printing, DIY printings, and advertising. The art of screen printing is all about pulling your squeegee. Some of the essential skills of a quality print are pulling speed, angle of squeegee, and applied pressure. Firm rubber and wood are used for its manufacture where the rubber can be compliant to some extent and sustainable to higher pressures.

Key features

• It is composed of wear and corrosion resistant materials, including rubber and hardwood of high quality.
• The 75 durometer toughness is modest and suitable for most screen printing applications.
• Convenient and lightweight
• Natural wood tone, less scarring, easy-grip, lightness, and long-lasting.
• Item weight is 7 ounces
• Manufacturer: DELIOU

3. Caydo 2 Pieces 2 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

This squeegee comes in an approximate size with a length of 9.4 inches and width is 4.3 inches while the small one comes in the size of 5.9 inches in length and 4.3 inches in width. It is made up of a rubber blade with a wooden handle. This squeegee printer with 75 durometers is well suited for standard screen printing. The rubber blade used in this type of squeegee is securely fastened to the wooden handle, providing exceptional abrasion and resistance of solvent. You can use it multiple times due to its reusable quality. It has versatile applications such as it can be used for graphics and textile purposes, as well as mechanical and manual screen printing.

Key features

• It involves usage for both machine and hand printing.
• Item weight is 11.2 ounces
• Manufacturer: Caydo

4. Squeegee for Screen Print Ink Scraper (Screen Printing Squeegee) - Link

This printing squeegee is made up of a combination of a rubber blade and a wooden grip handle. The size dimensions for this squeegee include a length of 9.4 inches and a width of 4.3 inches with a durometer of 75. This easy-to-handle silk screen squeegee is made of a tool that scratches the ink of printmaking on the screen to get it to spill towards the substrate. It has a variety of applications in both graphics and textile purposes, as well as it can be used in manual printing and a range of machine applications. With this screen printing squeegee, you can easily print designs on tank tops, canvas tote bags and T-shirts.

The blade is formed at an elevated temperature and pressure, which prevents ink streaks and ensures great printing edges over time. The handles on such scrapers are made of kiln-dried, precision-cut wood for a sleek, pleasant shape and simple handling. After completion, put the rubber plate into a hardwood handle, clip it in that position and polish it professionally. You can print your favorite designs on the clothing with this screen scraper and then give them to friends/family. I'm sure they'll be a beautiful handbags.

Key features

• This screen squeegee is a simple tool for scraping ink from a screen and causing it to seep out onto the substrate.
• The squeegee can be used for graphics, textiles, hand printing, and a variety of machine applications. Patterns can be printed as per your choices.
• These squeegees are made from kiln-dried, finely cut wood that has a smooth, pleasant shape and is easy to use.
• Item weight is 6.4 ounces
• Manufacturer: Yeidashi

5. Aoibrloy 19pcs Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

Wooden Screen Printing Squeegee comes with a durometer of 75 and offers exceptional abrasion and resistance to solvent. It has 6 Sizes to choose from; the wooden squeegee has 3 different sizes of 13.7 x 4.3 inches, 9.4 x 4.3 inches, and 5.9 x 4.3 inches while the plastic squeegee also has 3 sizes of 6.9 x 4.5 inches, 3.7 x 3.3 inches, and 4.9 x 2.3 inches. You may select the appropriate screen printing squeegee size based on the size of your design, which is quite convenient. This screen printing squeegee is made of two different materials: the first is wooden material and the second is plastic material, both of which are convenient to use. It is versatile because it can not only be used in the graphic, textile, and manual printing applications but also a variety of machine applications.

Key features

• Wooden squeegee for screen printing: made up of rubber blade and a wooden handle
• Plastic squeegee for screen printing: made up of plastic and its non-toxic
• Item weight is 1.56 pounds
• Manufacturer: Aoibrloy

6. Umytransfer Pack of 10 Mini Squeegees - Link

During DIY hand printing, use chalk-based paints and this squeegee will help transfer paste or ink to make the transfer spill onto the substrate. Each pack carries 10 pieces, making it easy to mix and match colors. The little squeegee design makes it simple to use finely. The vertical form makes scooping and removing the paste from jars simply easy. The squeegee comes in a size of 1.97 inches in length and 1.18 inches in width. The material used for its manufacture is elastic and long-lasting which provides excellent resistance to abrasion and solvents.

Key features

• This type of squeegee is elastic and resilient
• For DIY manual printing applications it is very convenient to use
• It is effortless to clean using soapy water or simple water.
• Item weight is 2.89 ounces

· Comes in Color of Turquoise

· Manufacturer: Mark

7. Worown 6 Pieces 6 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

This squeegee comes in 6 variations of sizes including the wooden scraper which is available in three sizes: 13.7 x 11 inches, 9.4 x 4.3 inches, and 5.9 x 4.3 inches as well as 6.8 x 4.5 inches, 3.7 x 3.3 inches, and 5.1 x 2.3 inches are the three sizes of the plastic scraper. The wooden squeegee includes a rubber blade with a wooden handle while the plastic squeegee is composed of plastic and is non-toxic as well. Due to 6 available size variations, you may select the appropriate squeegee size for screen printing based on the size of your desired design, which makes it extremely practical for you. These squeegees come with a 75 durometer and provide exceptional abrasion and resistance to solvent. Worown printing squeegee has a wide range of applications such as it can be used in graphics, textiles, manual printing, and many machine applications.

Key features

· The rubber blade and wooden grip handle make up the wooden squeegees.

· Plastic squeegees are non-toxic and composed of plastic.

· Item weight is 1.41 pounds

· Manufacturer: Worown

8. PP Opount 9.4 Inches Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

The dimensions of this squeegee include 9.4 inches in length and 4.3 inches in width for the larger ones while the smaller ones measure 5.9 inches in length and 4.3 inches in width. These squeegees for screen printing come with 75 durometers and provide exceptional abrasion and resistance to the solvent. This squeegee comes in two different sizes so you can choose the appropriate squeegee size for your screen printing depending on the size of your design. It has a versatile use because it is ideal for graphics, textiles, and manual printing applications as well as in a variety of machine applications.

Key features

• Printing on silkscreen this squeegee is of 75 durometers, with a tough rubber blade and a solid wood handle.
• The ergonomic handle design is comfortable to use.
• Abrasion and solvent resistance are excellent.
• The item weight is 11.2 ounces
• Manufacturer: PP OPOUNT

9. Worown 4 Pieces 4 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

The wooden squeegee comes in two sizes including 9.4 x 4.3 inches and 5.9 x 4.3 inches. There are two sizes of the plastic scraper: 6.8 x 4.5 inches and 3.7 x 3.3 inches. The wooden squeegees are composed of a rubber blade and wooden grip handle while the plastic squeegees are made with plastic but are non-toxic. This screen printing squeegee comes in four different sizes and you may select the appropriate screen printing squeegee size depending on the size of your design which makes it extremely comfortable for you. This type of screen printing squeegee comes with a durometer of 75 providing good abrasion and resistance to solvent. This squeegee has a wide range of applications. It is considered ideal for graphics, textiles, manual printing applications as well as a variety of machine applications.

Key features

• Rubber blade and wooden grip make up the wooden ink scrapers.
• Plastic ink scrapers are non-toxic and composed of plastic.
• Item weight is 14.1 ounces
• Manufacturer: Worown

10. 1 PC 13 Inch Silk Stencil Screen Printing Squeegee - Link

This squeegee comes with a length of 13 inches and a width of 4 inches. This squeegee is also known as a scraper, which is a tool used to scrape the ink onto the screen and cause it to spill at the substrate. Squeegees are created from scratching strips and a wood grip handle, with the rubber blade fitted and stitched in place. It is used for graphics, textiles, manual printings as well as other machine applications. This squeegee is made durable with a rubber blade and a timber handle. The straight handle is built in an ergonomic shape for maximum comfort. This squeegee with a durometer of 75 can be easily molded by providing high pressure and heat which maintains its longevity. The squeegee, also known as a scraper, is a tool that is used to scrape the ink on the screen and cause it to spill at the substrate. Squeegees are created from a scratching strip and a wooden handle, with the rubber blade, placed and fastened in place, and then thoroughly sharpened after assembling. Used for all manual printing and so many machine industries, as well as graphic and textile application.

Key features:

• Built tough with a rubber blade and a wood handle
• The straight handle is built in an ergonomic shape for maximum comfort.
• Excellent resistance to abrasion and solvents
• The following items were included: 13" tall, 75 durometer squeegee. The endurance of the mold is ensured by the use of high temperature and pressure.
• Weight of the item is 8 ounces
• Size of the product: 33 cm (13 inch)

Buying Guide

When it comes to printing t-shirts, screen printers do have a wide range of tools at the service. Whether you want the lavish and elegant screen printing supplies or the practical and affordable, you have options. Metal spatulas, Plastisol ink and t-shirt test tubes are all essential supplies for screen printers. Here come the squeegees which are amongst the most crucial items. In the industry of screen printing, there are also a lot of discussions about which squeegee is preferable. For example, should you print on aluminum or wood, as well as what durometer would you use? The discussion about what is right can go on endlessly because there is no single correct answer. Your particular printing preferences will influence how you choose the ideal squeegee for screen printing.

We've covered some of the most important factors to consider while selecting the best squeegee in this article.

Shape

The squeegee blade tip comes in a variety of shapes:

Square/ straight-edge: Squeegees are cut straightly across the bottom. Squeegee blades of this type are the most prevalent that are used for relatively general jobs of screen printing.

Round/ ball-nose: These squeegees are used when the printer needs a thicker ink deposit, including printing on thicker substrates or when printing with the help of specialty inks.

Squeegees with beveled blades have an angle on one or both sides of the blade. When printing on curved or asymmetrical substrates, beveled blades are most commonly employed.

Rigidity

The rigidity of a squeegee is assessed in a durometer, with a greater durometer indicating a harder blade. Softer squeegee blades leave a thicker ink deposit, whereas harder squeegee blades shear the ink more thoroughly.

Soft squeegees are defined as those with a durometer of 50 to 60. When printing on dense substrates, regulating fibrillation, or using specialty inks, they're employed to leave thick ink deposits. Squeegees with a durometer of 70 are the most frequently used squeegees. These squeegees have a medium hardness and are suitable for most conventional screen printing applications.

To leave a lighter ink deposit, hard or ultra-hard squeegees with durometers of 80 to 90 are utilized. While printing process, using high mesh count screens, printing fine details as well as printing four-color process tasks, they are perfect. Composite squeegee blades with layers of varying durometers are also available. A smaller durometer layer molds nicely along with the screen, while a greater durometer layer provides strength to keep the squeegee from bending and destroying its form.

Materials

Polyurethane, neoprene, and natural rubber may all be used to make squeegees. Squeegees were once made of natural rubber. The rubber blades are not costly if compared with others squeegee types, but they've lost popularity due to their ability to soak solvents and swift disintegration.

Neoprene: Neoprene blades as compared to polyurethane blades cost more than rubber blades. Neoprene squeegees are popular because they are more resistant to disintegration if compared with rubber blades.

Polyurethane: Squeegee blades made of polyurethane are costly, but perhaps are the most enduring blades. Polyurethane blades are typically utilized for projects that take a long time to complete, as well as printing on automated or semiautomatic processes.

Aluminum vs. Wood

The first thing you should ask is whether you want to print on aluminum or wood. Squeegees made of wood, such as the Lawson Standard Hand Squeegee, are more pleasant to grip for long periods and are less expensive. Squeegees made of wood provide a little weight to help with manual printing, that many screen printers appreciate. Although wood handles are prone to staining, this has no impact on their capacity to print. Aluminum handles, on the other hand, are lightweight and make it easy to wipe extra ink off the handles.

Handle

The choice of squeegee handle is going to be a crucial concern if you are a manual screen-printer. You like to have a handle grip that can withstand the demands of printing while still feeling good in your hands.

Wooden handles: Since they are pleasant and comforting in one's hand, the wooden handles are considered a perennial favorite. They do, however, absorb solvent and moistures, making cleaning difficult. Using wooden handles, switching the replacement of squeegee blades is also usually very hard.

Plastic/Aluminum handles: Handles made of plastic or metal are simple to wash, and the blades can typically be replaced fast and simply. Seek for handles that that are ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold.

Choices in Durometer

The term durometer refers to the method of determining the hardness of a squeegee blade. A lower number indicates a softer, more flexible squeegee blade. A 60 durometer blade, for example, is softer, but an 80 durometer blade is stiffer. You would want to align the durometer of the squeegee as closely as possible to your print job. Although there is no hard and fast rule, as your print detail and mesh count increase, you should screen print with a greater number of the durometer. It's because a squeegee with a greater durometer deposits less ink on your t-shirt. In cases when clear, delicate lines and half-tones are required, using less ink is critical. A lesser durometer, on the other hand, puts additional ink onto your fabric and is better for large block lettering and spotted colors. When it comes to sports jerseys like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, a squeegee with a lower durometer is a fantastic choice. A wooden squeegee with a durometer of 70 is the finest choice if you're searching for a "go-to" type of squeegee. Because it has a medium hardness and therefore can print almost everything, it is the most preferred squeegee. There are also composite blades present. There are two or three distinct durometers in these squeegee blades. A 60/90/60 durometer blade, for example, may be found on a triple squeegee. These many layers would be piled to provide a screen printer with varying hardness options.

Other Factors To Consider

There are a few things to bear in mind when deciding which squeegee is best for your printing work.

• Blade width - On each side, the squeegee blade should reach about one inch beyond your design; nevertheless, the blade must not come too close to the screen's frame, since this may cause the screen to lose tension.
• Squeegee blade condition - Squeegee blades can nick or deform over time. The screens will deteriorate over time due to their abrasiveness. Ensure your squeegee is always in good working order and free of warping or damages, since this can impair the quality of your print.

• Cleaning the squeegee - The blades collect moisture and contaminants. Allow blades to dry out between applications by not allowing them to remain in a solution, cleaning them immediately after each use, and having extra squeegee blades available to cycle your blades.

You can pick the proper squeegee for any screen printing project after you realize how much each squeegee variable influences your final print. You can maximize your screen printing with the appropriate squeegee and proper squeegee maintenance.

FAQs

In screen printing, what is a squeegee?

In screen printing, a squeegee is used to push ink through a screen. Different squeegees are required for different sorts of inks, also including, discharge ink, water-based ink and plastisol ink to drive ink through all the mesh.

Is screen printing a passion or a career for you?

Answer: This is the very first most crucial consideration. There are screen printing squeegees for enthusiasts as well as screen printing squeegees for professionals. Professional versions usually feature stronger grips and blades, allowing you to scratch as much ink as necessary of your screen.

What will be the size of your screen?

Answer: There are several dimensions of squeegees, just as there are various sizes of screens. While you may get away with employing a very tiny screen scraper, you should be aware that this will take a long time to complete your task with such a squeegee.

It's a good piece of advice to lean on the edge of going too small, but don't choose a squeegee that's too small. A squeegee that is about 3 inches smaller than the screen is ideal.

What types of screen surfaces do you print on?

Answer: Screen printing may be done on almost any type of surface. As a result, there are squeegees made specifically for different types of surfaces. You must decide if you require such squeegees or if you can get by with a single squeegee that could be used on all types of surfaces.

What is the purpose of a squeegee in the silk screening process?

A rubber or plastic squeegee is used to drive ink through the picture portions of the screen. The ink is subsequently deposited onto the substrate, and the process is repeated to create more colors and prints.

 What factors should I consider while selecting a squeegee for the application of screen printing?

Answer: The answer is rigidity. The durometer is used to assess squeegee rigidity, and the greater the durometer, the harder the blade. Softer squeegee blades generate a thicker ink deposit, whereas harder squeegee blades shear the ink more thoroughly. Squeegees with a durometer of 50 - 60 are termed soft squeegees.

What is the name for the squeegee blade's hardness?

Answer: The hardness of the squeegee blade is measured in durometers. The softer blade indicates the lower the value of durometer. Consider the following scenario: A soft squeegee has a durometer of 50-60.

What is the best way to keep a squeegee clean?

Answer: After using the squeegee for printing application, a squeegee must always be thoroughly cleaned and dried before being kept in a dry, room-temperature environment. Leave the blade to recover out from ink and solvent's attack by allowing it to rest for 24 hours.

Why is ink so vital in screen printing?

Answer: When opposed to digital printing, screen printing produces unique visual results. The ink used in screen printing is infused more deeply, resulting in sharper picture edges. Even on deeper shades, screen printing ink may be applied thickly, producing long-lasting, sharper, and more brilliant colors.

What's the best way to keep a squeegee clean?

Answer: Furthermore, bathroom squeegees are simple to clean. After you've done using squeegees, just cleanse them under running water and let them dry naturally. They don't require much maintenance other than that.

Buy on Walmart

Speedball 10-Inch Nitrile Squeegee, 65 Durometer - Walmart Link

5" - Aluminum Silk Screen Printing Squeegee Handle with Squeegee Blade (Single Durometer) - Walmart Link

Speedball Red Baron Squeegee, Dual-Edge for Fabric and Graphic Printing, 9-Inch - Walmart Link

Caydo 3 Pieces 3 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee, 75 Durometer Wooden Ink Scraper for - Walmart Link

Stellar Squeegees for Screen Printing, 70 Durometer (8 Inch) - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Speedball 10-Inch Nitrile Squeegee, 65 Durometer - eBay Link

5" - Aluminum Silk Screen Printing Squeegee Handle with Squeegee Blade (Single Durometer) - eBay Link

Speedball Red Baron Squeegee, Dual-Edge for Fabric and Graphic Printing, 9-Inch - eBay Link

Caydo 3 Pieces 3 Sizes Screen Printing Squeegee, 75 Durometer Wooden Ink Scraper for - eBay Link

Stellar Squeegees for Screen Printing, 70 Durometer (8 Inch) - eBay Link

Conclusion

Cleaning and caring for your screen printing squeegee, no matter what sort you use, is critical to extending its life. When you want to go on-press to a printing job, ensure you shuffle the squeegees. This will extend the life of your blades while also ensuring a more consistent print run. After each use, make sure to clean and dry the squeegee, then store it in a dry, room-temperature place. If they're moist, wait till they're entirely dry before starting printing. Screen printing may be one of the most delightful hobbies or professions to pursue, but it can also be one of the most exhausting hobbies or occupations to pursue.

One of the causes it may be so frustrating is the limited number of squeegees one has at the disposal.

One of the finest things you can do when picking a screen printing squeegee is to know precisely what sort of squeegee you'll need, and also what types of screens and surfaces you'll be printing on.

When you incorporate the information from all three of these, screen printing will become considerably easier.