What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is an ancient printing technique that has stood the test of time.
Appreciated for its versatility and quality, it allows for the printing of designs with vibrant and durable colors on various materials, from textiles to paper and plastic.
Screen printing or serigraphy printing is one of the most popular customization techniques for imprinting images or text on any material. It's a method in which images traced on a template are transferred onto a mesh with ink onto a surface.
This method of marking is one of the most traditional and widely chosen by companies to personalize a wide variety of products. It stands out for its ability to reproduce high-quality designs on different surfaces without losing details.
Thanks to its repetitive nature, once the first model is created, printing can be done hundreds or thousands of times without losing resolution. This makes it an ideal choice for mass production of promotional gifts and customized items.
What is the Origin of Screen Printing?
The origin of screen printing dates back to ancient China, approximately 2000 years ago. At that time, the technique was used to filter ink and create patterns on silk, hence the name "screen printing," which comes from the Latin words "sericum" (silk) and "graphium" (write or draw).
Over time, this technique spread to other cultures and regions, and methods and materials used were refined. In the 18th century, it arrived in Europe, where it was primarily used for decorating textiles and printing wallpaper.
It wasn't until the 20th century that screen printing became a commercially viable and popular printing technique. During this period, new technologies and materials were developed that allowed for greater precision and quality in printed designs.
Today, screen printing remains widely used in the printing and customization industry, both commercially and artistically. Its ability to print on a wide variety of materials and its versatility in reproducing colorful designs make it a preferred choice for advertising and customization printing.
What types of cheap screen printing can we print on our products?
To achieve optimal results in the final product printing, it's essential to know the types of screen printing available and which one best suits the needs and characteristics of each product. Here are the details.
Manual Screen Printing
This is a basic printing technique in which all operations are performed manually. The machine used provides an easily adaptable base on which various products of varying sizes, such as customized t-shirts, school backpacks, or baseball caps, can be screen printed.
First, the object is placed on the base. Then, ink is evenly applied to the mesh with a spatula, lightly pressed onto the product, the spatula is passed again to ensure the ink is well absorbed, and finally, it is moved to the drying machine.
Semi-automatic screen printing
This technique is very similar to manual screen printing. The difference is that the operator places the product on the base and applies the ink while the machine takes care of the rest of the process. This tool has electronic control of print speed and independent return, and it automatically pauses between prints, ensuring an effective and flawless result.
First, the object to be printed is placed on the base. Next, the screen lowers automatically, and the squeegee applies pressure to the mesh, transferring the ink to the item. Finally, the product goes to the drying machine.
Circular Screen Printing
This printing method uses a specially adapted machine that allows printing on circular surfaces, ensuring a result perfectly tailored to the product. Its screen moves in sync with the item, transferring the design without any distortion.
The first step is to place the piece on the support. Then, by pushing the screen, the item's support rotates, transferring the ink and leaving the product ready for the drying machine. Circular screen printing is ideal for personalized water bottles or printed cups since its printing method covers the entire product and guarantees great visibility.
Automatic screen printing
This technique is entirely automated, with the operator only responsible for placing the items in the correct position for printing.
The process involves placing the different items on their respective supports and replenishing them one by one as the printing process progresses.
Finally, they are taken to the drying machine.
It's important to consider that choosing the right type of screen printing is key to achieving optimal results in the final product printing. Each method offers specific advantages and characteristics, so it's essential to consider the needs of each item to be customized to ensure an effective and flawless result.
How is the process? Custom screen printing step by step
In this section, we will explore in detail the steps of the screen printing process, a versatile and widely used printing technique for customizing various promotional gifts.
First Step: Create the film with the approved final artwork
Starting from the design received from the client and the confirmed photomontage, it is first printed on the film.
Next, as many films are prepared as there are inks in the design. The film will be used as a template, attaching it to the screen through the exposure and development process. To achieve a good result, it's necessary for the images to be printed to be vector graphics. Unlike common images, vectors can be enlarged without pixelation, offering a professional and high-quality result.
Second step: Create screens with the design to print
To continue the process, screens are needed to place the film on. These screens are created manually with a metal or wood frame and a mesh in the center. The first step is to coat the screen on both sides with an emulsion that reacts to light.
Later, after placing the film, it goes through the exposure unit, causing the design to transfer from the film to the screen through the reaction to light. When this process is completed, the screen is cleaned, and the emulsion gradually disappears, revealing the final design. This way, the screen is prepared.
Third step: Printing ink on customized gifts
The final step involves marking the design on the desired objects. For this purpose, machines are used that place the product and the screen where the design should be printed.
The design is uniformly and identically applied to each item. Once the ink has been applied, it is left to dry, resulting in a permanent and durable screen printing.
This is how screen printing combines craftsmanship and technology to deliver impressive results in customizing gifts and products, leaving a lasting mark on each item.
What are the advantages of screen printing? And disadvantages?
Screen printing is the most commonly used customization option for companies due to the multitude of virtues it offers.
Cost-effective
It is a very cost-effective traditional technique, as it allows for large-scale printing and a high number of copies without increasing production costs.
Final resul
On the other hand, it offers a perfect reproduction of Pantone reference colors and allows the use of denser shades, providing very precise and eye-catching results.
Versatility
Screen printing can be applied to almost any material you can think of, including cardboard, glass, fabric, plastic, wood, etc., so the possibilities are endless.
Longevity
It offers maximum durability and resistance to washing, ensuring that your product's message will be present for a long time.
As for disadvantages, it's worth noting that:
Color Limitations
Colors are limited. It does not allow for full-color designs; typically, the available colors range from 1 to 4, although in some cases, it can go up to 8 colors.
Small Quantities
The fixed cost is somewhat higher than other techniques, so for small orders, it can result in a price increase, but overall, it's a cost-effective technique.
Everyday Wear and Tear
In certain products, screen printing can deteriorate, especially for items that are exposed to continuous and daily use, such as mugs, bottles, and glasses.
Fabric Thickness
The thickness of the fabric influences print quality. Opting for thicker fabrics, such as cotton, ensures better ink absorption and, consequently, sharper printing.
How Does Screen Printing Differ from Sublimation?
Discover Which is Better for Your Designs If you're looking for the best printing option for your designs, it's important to know the differences between screen printing and sublimation. Although they may have some similarities, they are distinct printing techniques with unique characteristics.
Screen Printing
Recommended for all types of fabrics, especially cotton.
Suitable for mass production and large orders.
Designed for solid and flat colors, without shadows or gradients.
More versatile in terms of applicable materials and offers greater durability in adverse conditions.
Requires the preparation of screens for each color, which implies higher setup costs, especially for designs with multiple colors.
Sublimation
deal for printing on synthetic materials like polyester and provides exceptional print quality.
Perfect for designs with gradients, shadows, and fine details, as it has no limits on the number of colors it can print.
Results are long-lasting and resistant to washing.
More suitable for smaller or customized orders due to its individualized printing process.
More sensitive to environmental conditions.
With this information on the differences between screen printing and sublimation, you can make an informed decision for your custom designs. If you want solid colors and durability on any fabric, screen printing is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer high-quality prints and fine details on synthetic materials, sublimation is the way to go.
Choose the technique that best suits your needs and create unique and attractive garments consciously.
What are the best products for screen printing, screen printing clothing and more?
Screen printing is a technique that can be applied to virtually any product you can think of, although some standout items benefit more from this marking technique.
Some of these standout items include stationery and office supplies, such as personalized notebooks and notepads, ideal for professional and educational environments. Additionally, workwear or home products like towels, pillowcases, and aprons benefit from this marking technique as it reduces wear and ensures lasting, high-quality printing.
Other items that never go unnoticed are personalized caps and polo shirts. This is because screen-printed work clothing is one of the most effective gifts for a company to gain visibility, both inside and outside the organization.
Custom T-Shirts
T-shirts are ideal for screen printing due to their flat and wide surface, allowing for clear and eye-catching printing. The finish is durable and resistant to wear, ensuring the design remains impeccable even after multiple washes.
The fabric also contributes to its suitability, as the ink adheres easily to the fibers, creating vibrant and sharp colors.
Custom Mugs
The cylindrical shape and smooth surface allow for precise application, creating clear and sharp results. Thanks to its durability, the print remains resistant to wear even with daily use.
Furthermore, the versatility of screen printing allows it to be applied to various mug materials, such as ceramics, glass, or plastic, offering options to meet different preferences and budgets.
How much does screen printing a promotional item cost?
The big question for every customer is how much it will cost to personalize their products using different printing techniques. Screen printing cost is minimal, it is one of the most economical methods, although it is true that, due to setup and production processes, the result is much more economical when customizing gifts in large quantities for massive promotions.
From this premise, prices vary depending on the number of inks used or the size of the print. Printing a tote bag with a large printing area is not the same as printing a baseball cap with a smaller area. Additionally, the complexity of the promotional item can affect the price; cylindrical or irregular items are more expensive to print.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an effective and durable way to personalize promotional gifts for your company, screen printing is a choice to consider. With its ability to print sharp and colorful designs on a wide range of products, this technique allows you to convey your message in an original and eye-catching way.
Whether at events, trade shows, or as promotional gifts, screen printing leaves a lasting impression on customers and collaborators, making your company stand out with style and creativity.
Since screen printing is a long-lasting marking technique, you ensure that the imprint will be on promotional gifts for a long time. This means that both your customers and employees will associate this quality with your company's values, improving its positioning in their minds. This, in turn, generates a positive impact that enhances brand recall.
