Maybe screen printing is something you have never heard of or maybe you recognise the name but aren’t sure of the process, but one thing is almost certain: you’ve probably used or worn a screen-printed product at some point in your life without knowing it.
Screen printing is a method utilised across many different businesses and platforms and so is widely used to produce an array of different products.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is the technique of pressing ink through a stencilled mesh screen onto a flat surface to form a printed design; a popular process in a variety of industries. This method is sometimes referred to as silk screen printing or serigraphy, but they all relate to the same process.
This technique is especially effective for producing bold artwork such as canvases and posters, but also works well on fabrics and textiles, so is perfect for customising all sorts of products and clothing.
Why Is Screen Printing Used?
One of the main factors as to why screen printing is so popular is due to the vivid colours it produces, even on darker fabrics. The paint or ink is applied in layers to the fabric, which produces a textured quality.
This is also a favoured technique because it allows the printer to easily reproduce a design numerous times. Creating batches of clothing is very simple with this method as the same stencil can be utilised over and over.
When professional equipment is employed by an experienced printer, it is also achievable to form detailed and intricate designs using a multitude of colours.
What Is The Difference Between Screen Printing And Digital Printing?
Digital printing or direct to garment (DTG) printing employs a specialised fabric printer in order to transfer an image directly onto the material. It varies from screen printing as there’s no stencil and numerous colours can be applied at the same time, rather than in multiple layers. That means that this method is often utilised to print extremely detailed or vivid designs.
With digital printing, little set-up is required, meaning that this process is a more economical option for small batch printing or single items. However, the hues and tones are printed using CMYK-style colours, as opposed to blocks of solid ink, resulting in colours that do not have the same intensity associated with screen printing.
Now you know the difference between screen printing and digital printing, what they are both used for and the advantages and disadvantages of each process, you may find that one works suits your needs better than the other.
If you’re in need of any screen printing services, give us a n 01733 341 556 or visit our contact form today.
