Screen Printing
The industry standard in custom printing.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing, also known as silk screen printing, is a process of printing that uses a stencil on a mesh screen to imprint an image onto a garment. Most screen printing uses vibrant plastic inks that boldly adhere to the top of the fabric.
How is screen printing priced?
Screen printing is priced by three key factors -- print locations, colors per print location, and quantity of prints. Screen printing requires making one screen for each color of your design. Therefore, each color that you add to your design is another screen, and a higher price. If you have multiple print areas - say a front, back, and a sleeve - we have to make screens for each area. Quantity has a huge impact on pricing - the more you buy, the lower the price per shirt! An alternative to screen printing is our full color digital printing, which makes full color prints (no per color pricing) easy and affordable, given certain parameters.
Is screen printing for me?
Screen printing is the most common print method. It is the most affordable method for large orders, as well as small to medium jobs that contain few colors. Because of fixed set-up costs, screen printing is expensive for small runs (1-6), or small to medium runs with many colors. It is the only option available for prints on polyester items, such as wicking materials (Under Armour) and jersies.
We are more than happy to consult you on which printing method is best for you during the quote process.
How Screen Printing Works (The Crash Course)
1. Separate art into colors
2. Create stencils for each color by exposing screens covered with negatives to light
3. Place proper color ink onto each screen and align them inside of printing press
4. Shirts are loaded on press and stamped with each color in sequence
