The printing industry is a competitive one, but it’s possible to give your company a clear edge over the competition. It all comes down to your products and services, and that’s why it’s essential to take every measure necessary to ensure your customers get the best quality at a fair price. While digital printing is a great option for many projects, screen printing is the go-to choice for larger orders that require high-quality prints with a more traditional look. Here’s why:

1. It Provides Vivid Colors, Even on Dark Fabrics
Screen printing is known for its ability to produce vibrant colors, especially on darker fabrics like t-shirts and other apparel items. This is because the inks used are engineered to fuse with fabrics, resulting in prints that are long-lasting and durable. Screen printing also provides a classic, tactile feel that’s often preferred by consumers.

2. It’s a Cost-Effective Approach for Large Runs

Screen-printing is a versatile, time-tested printing method that’s ideal for larger runs of garments with multiple colors. This is because each screen can be used for a single color at a time, saving you money on the initial investment in equipment and materials. The costs can be lowered further by using bulk inks that are less expensive than individual bottles.

3. It’s a Versatile Process
Screen-printing allows for a wide range of materials to be printed on, from fabric and paper to vinyl and foam board. This makes it a highly adaptable technique for all kinds of projects, establishing it as a favorite for businesses that produce a diverse portfolio of merchandise. It’s also a popular option for music and entertainment merchandise, where the branded designs need to be both eye-catching and durable.

4. It’s Easy to Operate
Screen printing is a fairly simple printing technique. It requires just a few key tools and steps to make your custom products:
The most important component is the screen, which consists of a wooden or metal frame covered in a fine mesh fabric. The size of the mesh can be varied depending on the design being printed, with wider gaps allowing for more precise details to be printed and narrower ones permitting a thicker ink layer. The mesh fabric is then coated with a light-reactive emulsion, which creates the stencil that will be used for printing. Once the desired color is applied, the squeegee is pulled across the screen to transfer the ink onto the substrate. The screen is then washed and cleaned to be used again for the next item in production. The process is quick and efficient, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects. The scalability of the technology means it can be automated, further accelerating production times and boosting productivity.

For more information on maximizing the potential of your prints with this versatile print method, speak to a screen printing specialist today. The experts at Minneapolis Embroidery & Printing are here to guide you through your options, and help you find the best solution for your project. Whether you’re looking for a durable plastisol that offers exceptional coverage or an eco-friendly water-based ink with vivid colors, we have the solution to elevate your prints and captivate your audience.