What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is the process of printing an image onto a garment. This process uses a mesh screen to create a stencil for each color of the design to be imprinted. Most screen printing uses vibrant plastic inks, however, we also offer specialty options like water-based and discharge printing as well.
How does Screen Printing work?
There is a specific step-by-step process in the creation of screen-printed goods. It mostly revolves around making a good screen for printing. It's also important to note that we need to create a new screen for every color and location we print.
First, we coat a blank mesh screen with a photo-sensitive emulsion. There are different size mesh and different emulsions for different applications.
While we wait for the emulsion to dry, we print film positives from the artwork we created on the computer.
The film positive is positioned on the emulsified screen in a specific location. We then expose the screen by blasting it with UV light for a specific amount of time.
After exposure, we wash out the screen in the spray booth. The unexposed portion of the screen (under the film positive) washes away and we have our stencil.
After the screen dries we inspect it for imperfections and prepare it to go to the press.
Once at the press we must register, or align, each screen with one another so the print resembles the artwork and looks perfect.
To print the design we use a squeegee to flood the screen with ink and then press the ink through the screen and onto the product being printed. There are a lot of intricacies that need to be accounted for here, but that's the gist.
Once printed we send the product through a heated conveyor drier to put a final cure on the ink that will stand up to the rigors of wear and washing.
Reclaiming the screen is next. That means we scrape out excess ink, wipe the screen clean, remove the emulsion in the spray booth and let it dry so it can start back at the beginning!
First, we coat a blank mesh screen with a photo-sensitive emulsion. There are different size mesh and different emulsions for different applications.
While we wait for the emulsion to dry, we print film positives from the artwork we created on the computer.
The film positive is positioned on the emulsified screen in a specific location. We then expose the screen by blasting it with UV light for a specific amount of time.
After exposure, we wash out the screen in the spray booth. The unexposed portion of the screen (under the film positive) washes away and we have our stencil.
After the screen dries we inspect it for imperfections and prepare it to go to the press.
Once at the press we must register, or align, each screen with one another so the print resembles the artwork and looks perfect.
To print the design we use a squeegee to flood the screen with ink and then press the ink through the screen and onto the product being printed. There are a lot of intricacies that need to be accounted for here, but that's the gist.
Once printed we send the product through a heated conveyor drier to put a final cure on the ink that will stand up to the rigors of wear and washing.
Reclaiming the screen is next. That means we scrape out excess ink, wipe the screen clean, remove the emulsion in the spray booth and let it dry so it can start back at the beginning!
How is Screen Printing Priced?
Screen printing pricing is decided by 3 main variables: print locations, colors per print location, and the number of pieces being printed. Each color added to your design requires a screen to be created, therefore, a higher price per shirt. Multiple print locations, like a front, back, and sleeve, each require screens to be created as well. The quantity has a significant impact on pricing. The larger the order, the lower the price per piece.
What if I need a design?
We have you covered! If you're looking for custom art then our artists can create something that brings your project to life.
What if I have a design?
That's great! If you have print-ready artwork then we can get started right away. We require a vector file in the form of .ai, .eps, or .pdf. Send us the art file and our artist will inspect it to ensure that it is an acceptable file. If so, to production we go.
If you're sending artwork it's important to:
If you're sending artwork it's important to:
- Send a vector, not raster.
- Have no overlapping colors in the artwork.
- Have each color separated into independent layers.
- If we're printing on a dark garment, provide an underbase layer.
Is Screen Printing the Right Choice for Me?
Screen printing is the most common and affordable method for large orders, as well as small to medium jobs with few colors. Due to fixed set-up costs, screen printing is expensive for small runs, or small to medium runs with many colors.
We are more than happy to consult with you on your project! Give us a call at (855) 560-5601 or shoot us an e-mail to speak with an M1A Team Member about your project.
We are more than happy to consult with you on your project! Give us a call at (855) 560-5601 or shoot us an e-mail to speak with an M1A Team Member about your project.