Don’t know if you should be using Screen printing?
When it comes to branding options, we know how technical it can get and we want to help businesses like you make smarter, easier decisions about their branding options.
So, you may be wondering: why choose screen printing in this day and age of digital technology? Well, the answer is simple – while digital technology may be the new kid on the block, screen printing has stood the test of time for a reason. Its high quality, durability, affordability, and versatility make it a reliable and effective printing solution for businesses looking to make their mark on their promotional items.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing, also known as silk screen printing, is a printing technique that’s made its mark as one of the industry’s staples. During the printing process, the ink is pushed through a mesh stencil using a squeegee. Although commonly applied to paper and fabric, it can extend to materials like metal, plastic, wood, and glass when using specific inks. Screen printing offers a wide range of colours. However, the ink isn’t soaked up by the fabric; it stays on top of it, creating a particular feel and texture.
Whether you’re looking to custom-brand your corporate gifts, promotional merchandise, workwear, or products, screen printing offers a high-quality and durable branding solution. The ink bonds with the material, resulting in a clear and long-lasting design that is resistant to fading, scratches, and moisture. With additives and coatings added to the ink, your logo will stay looking fresh and vibrant for a long time.
Not only is screen printing durable, but it’s also affordable and ideal for large orders. Screen printers can mass produce identical graphics on a high quantity of products with a faster turnaround time compared to other branding techniques. This makes it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to brand a large number of items with their logo or design.
Screen printing is also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of materials – especially natural fabrics like cotton. Whether you’re looking to screen print on clothing, bags, accessories, or even ceramics and plastics, the possibilities are endless. With its ability to produce bold and vibrant logos, screen printing is perfect for making a statement with your branded items.
At Merakology Creative Studio, we love screen printing for its reliability, durability, and versatility. Some of our favourite products to screen print include T-shirts, notebooks, mouse pads, travel sets, cooler bags, oven mitts, tablet holders, towels, plush toys, workwear, golf sets, and lunch boxes. These products are not only practical and useful but also offer the perfect canvas for your logo or design to shine.
Screen printing pros:
In today’s high-demand custom print world, the question “Is this the best method for printing t-shirts?” gets asked a lot. The answer will often depend on multiple factors. Screen printing boasts numerous advantages, making it a preferred choice for many applications.
What are the pros of silkscreen printing, you ask?
Versatility
Screen printing shines in its adaptability. It can decorate fabrics, plastics, wood, glass, and even metals. It also welcomes a large spectrum of colours, granting you almost boundless creative freedom.
Durability
When it comes to durability, silk screen printing truly excels. It can apply substantial ink coverage, resulting in long-lasting designs. Additives and coatings can render the ink resistant to UV rays, moisture, chemicals, and scratches. This means screen-printed products can endure the rigors of outdoor and harsh environments without fading or cracking.
Vibrant ink colours
Screen printing yields vivid and striking colours that can be challenging to replicate using other methods. Bear in mind that for multi-colour designs, you’ll have to use separate layers.
Cost-effective
Screen printing is a cost-effective method over the long term. Once the initial setup is complete, printing items in high volumes becomes quick and straightforward. Essentially, the more you print, the lower the unit cost.
Exceptional speed and efficiency
Once the screen is prepared, screen printing stands out as one of the most efficient and rapid printing techniques. It’s an ideal choice for consistent printing of the same design.
Screen printing limitations
While screen printing offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider the drawbacks. It’s especially crucial if your printing needs involve small quantities, intricate designs, or quick turnarounds.
Minimum order requirements
Screen printing typically involves setup costs, making it less suitable for small quantities. Most screen printers have minimum order requirements, meaning you can’t order just one item. This can be a drawback if you only need a handful of custom items, particularly for intricate designs. Other printing methods, such as DTF printing, are often better suited for creating one-offs.
Setup costs and complex multi-colour designs
While screen printing excels with simple designs and large quantities, it becomes less efficient when dealing with complex, multi-colour artwork. Each colour requires a separate screen, which is expensive and time-consuming.
Colour blends and detailed artwork
Achieving subtle colour gradients and blending can be challenging with screen printing. The process is better suited for solid colours and bold designs. Fine details and small text may reproduce less clearly in screen printing compared to digital printing methods.
Limited print area
Screen printing has constraints regarding the print area, which isn’t suitable for large and all-over designs.
Environment
The screen printing process often involves harsh chemicals and solvents, which can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.
So, next time you’re looking to customize your promotional items, consider the time-tested method of screen printing. With its high quality, durability, affordability, and versatility, screen printing remains a relevant and reliable printing solution for businesses looking to make a lasting impression. Let your logo stand out with the timeless art of screen printing.
© Jolene Barnes @ Merakology Creative Studio | 3rd July 2024