What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto a substrate (such as fabric, paper, or plastic) using a stencil. This process creates bold, vibrant, and long-lasting prints, making it a popular choice for custom apparel, posters, and merchandise.
Advantages of Screen Printing
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Durability – Prints withstand multiple washes without fading.
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Vibrant Colors – The thick ink application results in bold and opaque designs.
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Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders – The more you print, the lower the cost per unit.
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Versatility – Works on fabrics, wood, metal, glass, and more.
Disadvantages of Screen Printing​
​Limited Detail – Fine details can be difficult to reproduce.
Set-Up Time – Preparing screens for each color in a design can be time-consuming.
Not Ideal for Small Runs – The setup cost makes it less economical for low-quantity orders.
Common Uses of Screen Printing​
Custom T-shirts, hoodies, and apparel
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Posters and artwork
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Tote bags and promotional merchandise
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Industrial and commercial labeling
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Glass and metal printing
How Does Screen Printing Work?
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The screen printing process involves several steps:
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Design Preparation – The artwork is created digitally and then printed onto a transparent film.
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Screen Preparation – A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion.
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Exposure & Rinsing – The design is transferred onto the screen using UV light. The unexposed areas wash away, creating a stencil.
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Printing Process – Ink is spread across the screen, and a squeegee pushes it through onto the material.
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Curing the Print – The printed item is dried using heat to set the ink permanently.
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Final Inspection – The product is checked for quality before being shipped or worn.​