screen printing

what is screen printing?

Screen printing is a traditional printing technique used to apply designs onto garments with precision and durability. The process involves creating a stencil, known as a ‘screen’, which allows ink to pass through specific areas onto the fabric beneath. Each colour in a design requires its own screen, meaning that multi-coloured prints involve layering inks. The ink is then pushed through the mesh of the screen using a squeegee, ensuring even coverage and vibrant results. Once printed, the garments are cured using heat to ensure the ink bonds to the fabric, making the print long-lasting and resistant to fading or cracking. This method is widely used in the garment printing industry for t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags due to its ability to produce high-quality, consistent prints on a large scale.

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the history of screen printing

Screen printing has a long and fascinating history that dates back over a thousand years. Its origins can be traced to ancient China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), where artisans used silk screens and stencils to transfer intricate designs onto fabric. The technique spread to Japan and other parts of Asia before being introduced to Europe in the 18th century. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that screen printing became a commercial process, with advancements in synthetic mesh and photo-reactive chemicals improving precision and efficiency. In the 1960s, screen printing became a popular method for producing posters, artwork, and textiles, with artists like Andy Warhol using it to create iconic pop art prints. Today, it remains one of the most widely used printing techniques, particularly in the garment industry, thanks to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

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why choose screen printing

One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is its suitability for bulk production. Once the initial screens are created, the printing process itself is fast and efficient, making it a cost-effective choice for large orders. Unlike digital printing, which requires more time per garment, screen printing allows for high-volume output with consistent quality. Additionally, the inks used in screen printing are thick and vibrant, ensuring bold and durable prints that withstand repeated washing and heavy wear. This makes screen printing ideal for businesses, promotional merchandise, sports teams, events, and fashion brands looking to produce high-quality custom apparel. When compared to other printing methods, screen printing stands out for its long-lasting results, ability to print on a wide range of fabrics, and the option to use speciality inks for unique effects.

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types of inks & additives

Screen printing is highly versatile, allowing for a range of different inks and additives to achieve specific looks and textures. Some of the most commonly used inks include:

  • Plastisol Ink: The most widely used ink in screen printing, known for its durability and vibrancy. It sits on top of the fabric rather than soaking in, creating a slightly raised feel.

 

  • Water-Based Ink: A softer and more eco-friendly alternative, water-based ink absorbs into the fabric, resulting in a print that feels smooth to the touch and is ideal for light-coloured garments.

 

  • Discharge Ink: Used to remove dye from the fabric, leaving a natural, soft-feel print. This works best on 100% cotton garments and is great for achieving vintage-style designs.

 

  • Speciality Additives: Various additives can be mixed into inks to create unique effects, such as puff ink (which expands when heated for a raised texture), metallic ink for a shiny finish, glow-in-the-dark ink, and UV-reactive ink that changes colour in sunlight. These options provide endless creative possibilities for custom garment printing.

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pantone matching

Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a globally recognised colour standard used in printing to ensure colour consistency across different mediums. In screen printing, Pantone matching allows for precise colour replication, which is essential for branding and corporate identity. By using pre-mixed Pantone inks or custom-matching colours, businesses can achieve uniformity across all printed garments, ensuring that logos, promotional materials, and uniforms maintain a professional and consistent appearance. This is particularly beneficial for companies that require strict adherence to brand guidelines. Additionally, Pantone matching helps to eliminate guesswork and variations that can occur with standard CMYK or RGB colour mixing, resulting in more accurate and predictable print outcomes.

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