SILK SCREEN PRINT 1 COLOR

Screen printing is a textile printing technique that consists of transferring ink through a mesh (screen) onto a garment, blocking the areas that should not be printed with an emulsion. It’s one of the oldest and most commonly used methods for printing designs on clothing.

How does the process work?

1. Digital design: The design is prepared and separated by colors (one screen per ink).

2. Screen creation (frames): A film is created and exposed onto a mesh screen coated with light-sensitive emulsion. This mesh allows ink to pass only in the desired areas.

3. Garment preparation: The garment is placed on a flat surface.

4. Ink application: A squeegee is used to press ink through the screen and onto the garment.

5. Curing: The ink is heat-cured to ensure it is properly fixed.

Main characteristics of screen printing:

• Highly durable and wash-resistant.

• Solid, vibrant colors, especially on dark fabrics.

• Very cost-effective for large quantities, since setup costs are spread out.

When is screen printing a good choice?

• For large orders (usually 30 or 50 pieces and up).

• When the design has few, solid colors.

• For t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, etc., where a professional finish is desired.

Limitations:

• Not ideal for designs with many colors or gradients (DTF is better in that case).

• Has fixed setup costs (screens and prep), so it’s not cost-effective for small runs.