Screen printing is one of several types of printing methods you can use to create unique and lively designs with many different colors and shapes. You can use screen printing to create traditional artwork or branded commercial products such as clothing. There are many advantages to screen printing, but it’s first important to understand how this technique works.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a process that involves pressing ink onto a surface through a screen or another similar material. It’s also known as “silk screen printing” or “serigraphy.” Squeegees are often used in screen printing for cleaning purposes. Pop artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol used screen printing in the 1960s.
Benefits Of Screen Printing
Here are 10 notable benefits of screen printing:
1. Flexible Printing Method
Screen printing is one of the most flexible printing techniques in existence. This is because you can use surfaces of various materials (paper, plastic, fabric, metal, wood, glass, etc.).
2. Strong Coverage Of Ink Layer
With screen printing, you can also print pure black paper on a white surface and thus create a stronger image that appears three-dimensional. This effect can help your designs stand out (literally!) and seem more unique when you display them as artwork.
3. Resistant To Changes In Sunlight Or Temperature
Changes in sunlight or temperature have no effect on designs created through screen printing. Therefore, you don’t have to use this method in a specific type of room with certain lighting or temperature conditions. On the other hand, designs created through other methods such as digital printing normally start to fade after a given level of exposure to sunlight.
4. Can Be Done Manually Or Via Machine
Another major advantage of screen printing is the fact that it can be done either by hand or by using a special machine. Other printing methods can only be completed by using one or the other. When selecting a screen printing press, be sure to consider factors such as budget and space.
5. Most Types Of Ink Can Be Used
Screen printing can also be done by using most types of ink, including water-based ink, discharge ink, and plastisol ink (which is versatile, durable, and thick), as well as PVC and phthalate-free ink. Water-based ink soaks into the fabric’s fibers and is the perfect option if you’re a beginner printer, while plastisol ink provides clear detail and is easy to mix.
6. Strong Adhesion
The adhesion level in screen printing is also stronger than it is in other methods. This means your designs can turn out sharper, regardless of the material of the surface you’re using or the size and shape of the design itself. You can use various types of adhesives, including spray and pallet spray adhesives, for screen printing.
7. Not Subject To The Shape And Size Of Substrate Limits
Designs created via screen printing are also not restricted in any way by the shape and size of the substrate’s limits. Therefore, you don’t ever have to worry about adjusting to the type of surface you’re using (even spherical surfaces, for example).
8. Excellent For Long-Term Display
If you wish to display artwork for a long period of time or do outdoor advertising, screen printing is the method to choose because the ink used is typically durable. Show off your expressive side and present your art to the world!
9. Easy-To-Understand Technology
Another notable benefit of screen printing is the fact that the technology involved is relatively simple to master. You don’t have to spend hours trying to learn how a screen printing machine works. Also the process of making a plate is more convenient than ones associated with other printing methods.
10. Inexpensive Process
Finally, screen printing is a relatively affordable method, especially if you only use a few colors and don’t create oversized designs. The cost of screen printing generally depends on many factors, including:
- The size of your prints
- Number of of colors used
- Number of printing locations
- Level of ink coverage
- Quantity and types of garments (if you’re printing designs for clothing)
According to Lawson Screen & Digital Products, the average price for a 1-color print on a cotton T-shirt falls anywhere between $5.50 and $9.00 (depending on how many T-shirts you order).
If you need to print in high volumes and want high-quality designs, be sure to choose screen printing.
Speak To The Screen Printing Experts
Reach out to the experts at Professional Graphics Inc. to learn more about the benefits of screen printing. We’re a Connecticut-based full-service commercial printing company that has been dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services to clients in a timely manner since 1979. Regardless of your goals and the industry your business is in (if you’re a business owner), we will work tirelessly to help you achieve your objectives.
For screen printing, we use the latest technology to help you print designs in bulk, whether these designs are art projects or commercial products such as branded clothing. Call PGI today at (203)-347-0215 or contact us online for more information about our screen printing services.