Silkscreen
When it comes to apparel printing, screen printing is the most popular printing method, but what is it exactly?
How Does It Work?
Source: https://camaloon.com/blog/what-is-silk-screen-printing
It uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil has open areas of mesh that transfer ink. As a squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, ink is forced through the mesh openings, creating an image on the apparel. Silk screen printing allows up to 4 colours, and the 4 colours will come together to form a complete picture with a range of colours.
Advantages of Silkscreen:
- Most cost-efficient printing method for bulk quantity. Once a silk mesh template is created, the template will be reused and the only additional cost incurred is the ink required, making it cost efficient.
- Durable – vibrant and opaque finishing that can withstand many washes
Limitations of Silkscreen:
- Expensive for small orders
- Every color of printing requires a new screen. Therefore, every color of printing adds on to the start-up costs. Therefore, can get very expensive for complex design printing with many colors.
This method is most advantageous when:
- Your order quantity is high
- You have a tight deadline and need the apparel ASAP
- Design contains less than 4 solid colours
Cost of silk screen printing depends on:
- Number of colours
- Size of print
- Number of print positions
- Quantity of the order