Screen Printing

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is a stencil method of print making in which a design is imposed or “burned” on a screen of fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance, and ink is forced through the mesh onto the printing surface, like a t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Appearance

Screen printed designs look like they were painted or printed with an ink-jet printer on a shirt. It is possible with screen printing to create designs or certain looks that could not be recreated using thread and embroidery. The designs can be very colorful, but are one dimensional.

Best Applications

Screen printed designs are usually best done on t-shirts and sweatshirts because the finish of a t-shirt or sweatshirt is smooth and therefore provides a nice surface on which the ink can be applied. If you need a full-front or full-back design on a t-shirt, for example, screen printing is the best choice.

Cost

Pricing depends on a number of variables: number of colors, number of locations, and quantity. The more shirts you have to print, the lower the printing cost per shirt. However, more colors in the design drives up the printing cost. Similarly, if you want a design on the front of a shirt and the back, that also adds cost to the item.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.