Advantages and Disadvantages of Screen Printing on Fabric
Screen printing on fabric is a great way to market a business and promote your products. You can create brand recognition and a lasting customer relationship through screen-printed products. And since the screen printing uses a low-cost per unit process, it offers you higher profit margins than many other printing techniques. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you should consider screen printing on fabric. Listed below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of screen printing on fabric.
A separate screen is used for each layer of ink. A screen with a low mesh count is wider, allowing the ink to flow and hold more emulsion. It is easier to print on darker fabrics with a low mesh count screen. Low-mesh screens are commonly used for printing glitter and shimmer inks. Screens with an 80-86 mesh count are common for expanding inks. Those with a 110-160 mesh count are the most versatile and widely used in screen printing.
Using screen printing on T-shirts offers a number of advantages. Not only does it provide a high-visibility print, but it can also produce vibrant colors. Because of the raised ink, screen-printed T-Shirts will stay on the shirt’s surface and bend with the garment. Printed areas will look distinct because of the raised ink. You can choose to use one or two colors for your screen-printed T-shirts.
Plastisol inks are cheap, readily available, and easy to use. They are also durable and can be left on a screen for many washes without losing its color. However, if you’re new to the industry, it’s a good idea to switch to water-based inks. This way, you won’t have to spend the time and money learning how to use water-based inks.
Silk-screen printing has roots in ancient China and India. Ancient Chinese artists forced ink through silk fabric to create their images. They also stretched the fabric over a frame and poured beeswax on it. Once silk mesh was easier to import from the East, screen printing became popular in Europe. In the early nineteenth century, it was popular in the advertising world. It has since been used across industries and applications. Screen printing is a popular method for creating customized products and is still used widely today.
While it’s a common choice for screen-printed products, the advantages are worth considering before you invest in a printer. For one, silk-screen prints are long-lasting. The ink is transferred from the mesh to the substrate through a squeegee. As long as you use a quality screen and stencil, screen printing is an affordable, easy way to print custom apparel. But be sure to check the product’s label before committing to a large order. To get a price quote for screen printing, visit a local print shop and ask about the cost of a large order. Most screen printing companies offer price breaks if you order in bulk.