Screen printing is a printing method suitable for products with flat, regular surfaces. Ink is applied directly to the surface of the item using a special equipment and then fixed through a drying step.
First, the product is placed inside a wood or metal frame and the areas to be printed are blocked. At this point a stencil template is created provided with a permeable silk or nylon fabric in order to obtain the desired logo shape. This stencil has a weft that can be closed or open through a photo etchable material. If the weave is open, however, the ink passes through and is deposited directly on the surface of the article.
Immediately afterwards, the colored mixture is spread onto the frame, through a squeegee that spreads the color evenly over the product. Screen printing allows printing one hue at a time, requiring the use of multiple screens to create multicolored images or logos. Next, a heat source fixes the print on the product.
Characterized by considerable print size, screen printing proves to be highly versatile and suitable for working on a variety of materials and flat surfaces. This printing is distinguished by its remarkable accuracy in faithfully reproducing original colors, ensuring reliable and long-lasting results. It allows for sharp, durable images on a variety of materials. Screen printing production times can vary depending on the amount of colors to be reproduced and the quantity of pieces to be made. In general, it is a fairly fast process.
 
 
Screen printing is a printing method that offers a wide range of colors and is suitable for application to different types of materials. The inks used come in a variety of hues recognizable through Pantone colors. It is important to note that screen printing does not allow the creation of shades. This printing process is successfully used on a variety of materials including: plastics, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), PVC, metal, glass, ceramics, wood, paper, and fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and cotton. Screen printing is a widely used process that provides long-lasting, high-quality results.
It is possible to print using different color tints; however, in order to achieve maximum output when printing, the maximum number of colors recommended through this process is eight. For this reason, screen printing is a somewhat limited process in terms of the number of colors. In any case, the maximum number of colors depends solely on the technical printing limitations of the 'article.
Screen printing is a handcrafted process involving several steps. Initially, the desired design is prepared and transparent films are created, one for each color. Next, a porous fabric is stretched over a frame, onto which a photosensitive gel is applied that hardens with light. After UV exposure, the frame with the stencil is washed and dried, ready for action.
Screen printing costs can vary depending on several factors. These include the number of colors to be reproduced in the image, the amount of ink needed relative to the size of the print, and the number of copies desired. In general, we recommend opting for screen printing when medium/large print runs are expected.
Screen printing finds application on a wide range of materials and surfaces. Among the most commonly used products we can find: bags, T-shirts, caps, umbrellas, notebooks, pens and pencils. In addition, this technique is used to customize: sweatshirts, backpacks, shoppers, aprons, and many other items.
Screen printing is a popular and extremely accurate technique. However, there are limitations that must be taken into consideration: the number of colors that can be applied to the customization, it can be printed only on flat and regular surfaces, it is inconvenient for short run orders, and the texture of fabric products must be fine.
