Screen Printing on Promotional Items

What is Screen Printing(Sometimes referred to as silk screen print)

Screen Printing is a process of branding graphics or logos onto a surface.  This is a technique used to brand on promotional items such as t shirts and bottles.  You may have done screen printing in primary or high school without realising.  It is a simple process where a stencil of your design is created.  This stencil is appled on to a fine mesh (it can be made from silk or other material).  Ink is then applied and literally sifted or forced through the mesh and onto the product to create the screen printing image.  This simple process has been used for hundreds of years and despite the advancement in machinery and technology the screen printing method is fundamentally the same.  

Advantages

The advantage of screen printing are:
1)  Cost!  If you are printing on typically 50 or more garments the price to screen print per item reduces dramatically compared to other branding methods such as digital print
2)  Speed!  It is very quick to screen print promotional items compared to other branding techniques
3)  Branding on Large Surfaces is a breeze using screen printing.  For large logo prints then this is the perfect technique
4)  The ink used in screen printing are more durable than other print methods.  You can expect to wash and re-wash screen printed t shirts with less fading.
5)  Flexibility - Screen printing can be used to brand on most fabric based products as well as many hard surfaced plastic or metal surfaces

 
Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages of this method of printing though such as:
1)  Colour!  - Only spot colour prints are a possibility.  Full colour prints are not possible using screen printing
2)  Multiple colours require multiple screens which can add up in both time and cost
3)  Cost for small runs.  If you only require several garments the set-up cost in creating a screen for print is comparitively more expensive.

Common Promotional Items which Utilize Screen Printing

Promotional bags / Branded Tee shirts / Printed Caps / Custom USB Drives / Compendiums / Corporate Shirts / Customised Hoodies / Beach Towels / Personalised Tea Towels / Brandable Umbrellas / Printable Beach Umbrellas / Logo Scarves / Event Bandanas / Calico Bags / Non Woven Bags

History Of Screen Printing

Screen printing is sometimes referred to as silk screen printing as early methods used the silk fabric as a mesh screen.  The method originated in China during the Song Dynasty (approx 960AD).  Eventually with trade it found its way to Europe and the rest of the world.  Currently screen printing is a fun hobby for many enthusiasts as well as DIY home projects as well as students.  

Some Examples of Screen Printed Products