Screen Printing Informational Guide

History:
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originating in China during the Song Dynasty, it evolved into a popular method for printing on fabrics during the early 20th century.

Process:

1. Design Preparation: Your artwork is digitally prepared and separated into colors.

2. Screen Creation: Screens are made by applying a light-sensitive emulsion to a mesh screen and exposing it to light, creating a stencil.

3. Printing: Ink is pushed through the stencil onto the garment using a squeegee, one color at a time.

4. Curing: The printed garments are dried and cured at high temperatures to ensure durability.

Wash Test:
Our screen printing process ensures vibrant colors and lasting prints that withstand multiple washes without fading. Each garment undergoes rigorous testing to meet our quality standards.

Minimum Order Quantity:
We require a minimum order quantity of 24 shirts per design to ensure cost-effective production and quality consistency.

Screen Printing Facts

1. Durability: Screen printing is one of the most durable printing methods. The inks used are thick, creating a strong bond with the fabric, which results in longer-lasting prints compared to other methods like digital printing.

2. Color Options: Screen printing works well with both solid and vibrant colors. Unlike some other methods that struggle with certain color combinations, screen printing can produce bright, eye-catching designs with a wide range of color options. We can screen print up to 10 colors on your design.

3. Versatility: While commonly used for apparel, screen printing can be used on a variety of materials including paper, plastic, glass, wood, and metal, making it ideal for diverse applications, from t-shirts to promotional products.

4. Customization: Screen printing offers flexibility for both simple and complex designs. Whether it's a small logo or a large, multi-color image, the process can accommodate almost any design.

5. Ink Types: There are several types of inks used in screen printing, including plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks. Each offers unique benefits, such as a softer feel (water-based) or vibrant colors (plastisol).

6. Eco-Friendly Options: Water-based inks are more eco-friendly than plastisol inks, as they contain fewer harmful chemicals and are easier to wash out during the cleaning process. There are also eco-conscious printing methods and suppliers dedicated to sustainable practices.

7. Print Volume: While screen printing has a setup cost, it becomes more cost-effective as the print volume increases. This is why it's ideal for bulk orders, with a lower cost per unit for large runs.

8. Screen Mesh Count: The mesh count of the screen plays a big role in the print quality. Higher mesh counts are used for finer details, while lower mesh counts are used for thicker inks or bolder designs.

9. Time and Efficiency: Once the setup is complete, screen printing can produce large quantities quickly and efficiently. A skilled printer can print hundreds of shirts per hour, depending on the design and color complexity.

10. Common Applications: Apart from apparel, screen printing is widely used in the production of posters, banners, stickers, and even circuit boards, showing its broad versatility.