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If you need 50 to 25,000 garments printing, screen printing is likely to be the most economical and durable print method.
Screen printing T-shirts is both an art and a science, and if done right using the best machinery, it results in a high quality, striking finish that will stand the test of time.
Are most T-shirts screen printed?
The economies of scale that come with custom screen printing mean that this process is still a firm favourite for producing bulk orders of printed T-shirts. Due to the nature of the screen printing method, it is best suited to less complex designs with fewer colours, however, it becomes extremely cost-effective on orders over 50 units and can be applied to almost all types of fabric.
Additionally, we can Pantone match our inks to your requirements.
While many people want to know what “the best print method” is, it’s important to remember that there isn’t really a ‘best’. It’s more about what is fit for the purpose.
If you’re looking for small volumes or have a complex full-colour design like a photograph, DTG printing is likely a better option.
What are screen printed T-shirts?
To explain this we need a brief look into the history of the T-shirt. While T-shirts are a comparatively new idea, screen printing dates back to the 900s AD in China and other Asian countries. Its age is why it’s one of the most well-known print processes.
Screen printing is a relatively simple process. It works by pushing ink through a mesh surface (the screen) onto a product, adding your design.
The versatility of the process means that it isn’t just limited to garments. In fact, screen printing onto T-shirts didn’t become popular until Disney began using the technique to add its famous cartoon characters onto garments that it later sold as merchandise.
Today, the process is a little more complex with automated machinery and advanced technology but the basic principles are very much the same. Unlike with DTG, the ink is printed onto the fabric (not into it), leaving you with a slightly raised finish, this means that screen printing has a slightly texturised feel to it. This is why it is often the process of choice for branded logo T-shirts found in retail stores, band T-shirts as well as the classic university hoodies and merchandise.
If you’re unsure on whether screen printing is right for you, don’t worry, our expert team will always help advise you on the best process for your order.