What is Screen Printing?
Screen Printing, (also known as Silk Screening), is the manual process of creating custom t-shirts (as opposed to its digital counterpart ‘DTG’ which heavily relies upon computers and printers).
The process involves placing a stencil (also known as a silkscreen) over a t-shirt or a hoodie. Inks of vivid colors are trailed across the stencil or silkscreen to create the designs.
This process is quite labor-intensive and requires expertise to carry out efficiently. The most optimal results are given when this process is carried out by a professional custom t-shirt & hoodie screen printing company, like Tee Vision Printing.
Tee Vision Printing is a Custom T-shirt printing Company based out in Philadelphia. Here, we have the entire process streamlined. So that, you don't have to worry about anything.
Visit our Design Studio, and choose from a wide range of high-quality t-shirts and hoodies. Upload your design and see how it looks live. Place your order. Now, sit back and relax while we get to work to deliver you an amazing custom t-shirt and/or hoodie of your choice.
We specialize in creating custom t-shirts for any event or occasion. Whether you need shirts for a corporate event, a family reunion, or a gift for a loved one, we can help! We use the latest in screen printing technology to create excellent prints that will last.
We also offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect shirt for your needs. We provide top-rated screen printing services at an affordable price. Tee Vision Printing is one of Philadelphia's best online custom printing service providers.
The Process of Screen Printing
The process involves several steps, including creating the stencil, preparing the screen, applying the ink, and printing on the apparel.
Following are the steps explaining the process.
Preparing the design
It's time to prepare the artwork for manufacturing. Your design needs to be vectored before it can be screen printed. Then, a distinct layer is made for each color.
Creating film positives
Sending distinct layers to a film printer ultimately results in a positive film. Once films are printed, they are burned onto a screen coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. After each screen is washed out, the negative image remains open in the mesh.
Placement of inks
Standard inks are scooped out of their buckets, and custom inks are combined in separate containers. Careful placement of these inks in their designated screens.
Printing & Curing
A squeegee forces ink through a screen's fine mesh once loaded, registered, and pressed with the appropriate ink. After the ink has been pressed onto the fabric, the fabric is dried in a conveyor dryer to set the ink permanently.
Expert Review
After coming out of the dryer, the garments undergo a final round of quality checks before being refolded, bundled, and repackaged according to their respective sizes by our screen printing experts.
Advantages of screen printing
One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is that it is a versatile technique that can be used on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, and fabrics. Additionally, screen printing can produce high-quality prints with sharp, crisp lines and vibrant colors.
Cost-effectiveness
Another advantage of screen printing is that it is a cost-effective method for producing large quantities of prints because the stencil can be used multiple times, this makes the cost per print lower as compared with other printing methods such as DTG (also known as Direct-to-Garment).
This makes screen printing ideal for businesses and organizations that need to produce a large number of prints, such as t-shirt companies and event planners.
Customization
In addition to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, screen printing also allows for a high level of customization. Because the stencil is created specifically for each design, it is possible to print a wide range of designs and styles, including complex graphics and multi-colored prints. This level of customization is not possible with other printing methods, such as digital printing, which can only reproduce a limited range of colors and designs.
Durability
Screen printing is also a durable printing method. The ink used in screen printing is resistant to fading and wear, so printed items will retain their vibrant colors and crisp lines for a very long time(compared to other printing methods). This makes screen printing great for creating superior prints that will last.
Limitations of screen printing
Despite its many advantages, screen printing also has some limitations.
Slower speed
One of the biggest limitations of screen printing is that it is a slow process compared to other printing methods, such as digital printing. This means that it may not be the best option for businesses or organizations that need to produce a large number of prints quickly.
Inefficiency for small quantities
Screen Printing is not well-suited for printing small quantities of prints. Because the stencil must be created for each design, it is not cost-effective to produce a small number of prints using this method. This means that screen printing is typically only used for producing larger quantities of prints.
Why Choose Tee Vision for Custom T-Shirts?
- You'll collaborate with a team of friendly, expert designers who will turn your vision into reality.
- We use the latest in printing technology.
- We offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from.
- Our prices are affordable without sacrificing quality.
Even though we screen print for many local customers we also print and ship out all over the states.
FAQs
What is screen printing?
Screen printing involves pressing ink through a fine mesh screen onto a surface, such as fabric, paper, or plastic. This method is often used for printing T-shirts, posters, and other items with detailed designs.
What is the process of screen printing?
The process of screen printing typically involves the following steps:
- Create an artwork that will be printed on the surface.
- Transfer the design onto a fine mesh screen using a photo emulsion process.
- Place the screen onto the printing surface and apply ink to the top of the screen.
- Use a squeegee to push the ink through the mesh screen and onto the surface below.
- Allow the ink to dry, and repeat the process for additional colors or layers.
Can you print on any surface?
Screen printing can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including fabric, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, and more.
However, some surfaces may be more difficult to print on than others and may require special inks or techniques.
It's best to consult with a screen printing professional (such as Tee Vision Printing) to determine the best approach for your specific project.
What are the advantages of screen printing?
Screen printing offers several advantages over other printing methods, including:
Vibrant Prints
Screen printing uses a fine mesh screen to transfer ink onto a surface, it is capable of producing vibrant & detailed prints with sharp lines and vibrant colors.
Durability
Screen-printed designs are highly durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for items that will be worn or used frequently.
Versatility
Screen printing can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including fabric, paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic.
Economical
Screen printing is a cost-effective printing method, especially for large quantities of items.
Can I provide my own design for screen printing?
Yes, you can provide your own design for screen printing.
At Tee Vision Printing we provide you with a Design Studio that can be used to see your custom design in real-time.
We also have a dedicated team of design experts who can help and guide you with the entire design and printing process.
How long does screen printing last?
The longevity of screen printing will depend on the quality of the ink and the care taken in printing the design. With proper care, screen printing can last for many years without fading or losing its sharpness.
At Tee Vision Printing, we only provide the best high-quality t-shirts to choose from for a long-lasting print.
Is it cheaper to screen print or vinyl?
Screen printing is often more cost effective for larger print runs, while vinyl printing is typically better suited for smaller quantities or more complex designs.
The setup cost for Screen printing is relatively high, but the cost per unit decreases as the quantity increases. On the other hand, vinyl printing has a lower setup cost and the cost per unit is relatively consistent, regardless of the quantity.
Is screen printing cheaper than embroidery?
Screen printing is typically more cost-effective for large print runs, while embroidery is often more expensive due to the added time and effort required to create the embroidered design.