Printing guide
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is one of the most widely used ways to put a design on a T-shirt. Here is what it means, how the process works, and when it makes sense for a custom apparel order.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is a printing technique that transfers ink through a fine mesh screen onto a surface, most commonly a shirt, hoodie, tote, or other fabric item. A stencil blocks the parts of the screen where ink should not pass, leaving the design open for printing.
It is also called silk screen printing or screenprint. Modern screens are usually polyester mesh rather than silk, but the core idea is the same: one screen controls where one color of ink lands. This is why screen printing produces solid color, crisp edges, and prints designed to stand up to repeat wear.
How does screen printing work?
- 1. Artwork is separated by color. Each spot color in a design is prepared as its own layer.
- 2. Screens are made. A light-sensitive coating is applied to mesh screens and exposed with the artwork, creating a stencil for each color.
- 3. Ink is printed. The garment sits on a press while a printer pulls ink across each screen with a squeegee.
- 4. The print is cured. Heat cures the ink so it bonds to the fabric and is ready for regular wear and washing.
Why the screen printing process matters
The screen setup is what makes screen printing especially effective for designs with bold colors and repeat orders. Once a design is prepared, the same screens can be used to print a consistent design across a run of shirts. More ink colors mean more screens and setup, so simplifying a design can affect the production approach and price.
The right method is always determined by the specific project. Quantity, number of colors, garment color, print size, artwork detail, and deadline all matter when choosing between screen printing and another decoration method.
When is screen printing a good choice?
- 1. Team shirts, event apparel, merch, and other multi-piece orders.
- 2. Logos and graphics with clear, intentional ink colors.
- 3. Projects that need a consistent print across a larger group of garments.
- 4. Designs likely to be reordered for new staff, events, or campaigns.
Screen Printing? FAQ
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