“Where bold designs come to life.”

Screen printing is one of the most popular and time-tested methods of printing custom designs onto apparel and other materials. Known for its vibrant colors and durability, this printing technique has been a go-to solution for businesses, schools, sports teams, and organizations looking to create high-quality, branded garments.

How Screen Printing Works

At its core, screen printing involves pushing ink through a mesh screen (or stencil) onto fabric. Each color in a design requires its own screen, and the process must be repeated for each layer. The ink sits on top of the fabric, creating a vibrant and slightly raised finish.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

  1. Design Preparation: Your design is separated by color and each color is printed on a transparent film.
  2. Screen Creation: A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion and exposed to light using your design film. The emulsion hardens, creating a stencil.
  3. Printing: Ink is applied to the screen and pressed through onto the garment using a squeegee.
  4. Curing: The printed fabric is run through a dryer to cure the ink and make it permanent.

Common Uses of Screen Printing

  • Custom T-shirts for events, teams, and businesses
  • Branded hoodies and sweatshirts
  • School spirit wear and club apparel
  • Company uniforms and workwear
  • Tote bags and promotional giveaways
  • Aprons and hospitality gear
  • Nonprofit and fundraiser shirts

Whether you’re building brand recognition or outfitting a group, screen printing delivers consistent, high-impact results.

Pros of Screen Printing

  • Durability: Screen-printed designs are long-lasting and can withstand hundreds of washes without fading.
  • Vibrant Colors: The ink used in screen printing is thicker than in other methods, creating bolder, more vibrant colors.
  • Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: Screen printing is ideal for larger runs because once the screens are set up, it becomes very efficient.
  • Versatility: Works well on a variety of materials like cotton, polyester, blends, and even some specialty items like tote bags or aprons.

Cons of Screen Printing

  • Not Ideal for Small Orders: Because of the time and labor involved in setup, it’s not cost-effective for very small batches.
  • Limited Color Range Per Design: Each color requires a separate screen, which can limit the complexity of multicolor designs.
  • Setup Time: The process of preparing screens and curing ink can take longer than digital alternatives like Direct to Garment (DTG) or DTF printing.

When to Choose Screen Printing

Screen printing is a great option when you:

  • Need 20+ items with the same design
  • Want vibrant, long-lasting prints
  • Are printing on darker garments (it offers excellent opacity)
  • Have a relatively simple design (1–4 colors)

Wash and Care Tips

To keep your screen printed items looking their best:

  • Turn them inside out before washing.
  • Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
  • Avoid bleach, fabric softeners or harsh detergents.
  • Air dry or tumble dry on low.
  • Never iron directly on the printed area—use a pressing cloth or iron from the inside.

Final Thoughts

Screen printing is a trusted method for producing custom apparel with bold colors and long-lasting results. While it’s best suited for larger orders and simpler color schemes, the professional finish and affordability make it a top choice for many organizations.