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Curious about screen printing on fabric and whether it's the right choice for your project? You've come to the right place! CTS Workwear is built on over 100 years of industry knowledge in both embroidery and screen printing for custom uniforms - so, we know a thing or two about the process and advantages of screen printing.
In this article, we'll run you through everything you need to know pre and post-sale, and why screen printing is a fantastic choice for businesses and individuals. If you'd prefer to cut straight to the chase and speak directly to the experts, contact our team today for a chat.
Screen printing on fabric is a versatile and popular method for transferring designs onto various textiles. It involves creating a stencil (or screen) and using it to apply layers of ink on the printing surface.
Screen printing has been around for centuries, originating from ancient China and later refined in Japan and other parts of Asia. It gained popularity in the West in the 20th century and has since evolved with advancements in technology, making the process more efficient and accessible.
If you're looking for custom clothing, understanding what option is best for your requirements can be overwhelming. We'll keep it simple – screen printing is perfect for bold, vibrant designs and great for bulk orders as it's very cost-effective. This method is ideal for t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and other fabric items where you want a bright, eye-catching design. It's especially good for promotional items, team uniforms, and event merchandise.
If you're interested in a full breakdown of the disadvantages/advantages of screen printing, read through our detailed blog post: Embroidery vs Printing - The Pros and Cons.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how CTS Workwear creates vibrant, durable designs on fabric:
1. Design Creation: Start by creating your design using graphic software, or upload a pre-existing design. This file is essential before you order, as it will be the template that we use for the screen printing process.
2. Prepare the Screen: We coat a fine mesh screen with a light-sensitive emulsion. Your design is printed on a transparent film and placed on the screen. When exposed to UV light, the emulsion hardens except where the design blocks the light, creating a stencil. The areas not exposed to light are then washed away, leaving the design on the screen.
3. Set Up the Press: The prepared screen is securely placed on the printing press. We align it carefully with the fabric to ensure precise placement of your design.
4. Print: We apply special screen printing ink to the top of the screen. Using a squeegee, we pull the ink across the screen, pressing it through the stencil onto the fabric. This step can be repeated with different screens and colours to create multi-coloured designs.
5. Cure the Ink: Finally, we heat the printed fabric to cure the ink. This involves running the fabric through a dryer, ensuring the ink sets properly and becomes durable, making your design last longer.
By following these steps, we ensure every piece of custom screen printed workwear we produce is of the highest quality, with vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Now you know what screen printing is and how it's done, let's talk about why you should choose this application for your custom clothing:
1. Durability and Longevity: One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is its durability. The ink used is thick and absorbs deeply into the fabric, ensuring that designs last through numerous washes and wear. This makes it perfect for items that will be used frequently, like work uniforms, sports jerseys, and everyday apparel.
2. Versatility in Design and Fabric Choices: Screen printing is incredibly versatile. It works well on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and polycotton blends. Plus, it can handle both simple and complex designs with ease, offering vibrant colours and sharp details.
3. Cost-Effectiveness for Large Orders: If you’re looking to make a large order, don’t disregard screen printing. Once the initial screen setup is done, printing multiple items is relatively quick and inexpensive, making it an ideal choice for bulk orders like promotional merchandise, team uniforms, and event apparel.
4. High-Quality and Vibrant Colours: Screen printing on fabric produces high-quality, vibrant colours that really stand out. The ink is applied in thick layers, resulting in bold and bright designs that don’t fade easily.
Now you know why it's so popular! The possibilities of personalised apparel with this method are endless, and it's made to last – so you're making an investment in quality and style that will stand the test of time.
Choosing screen printing is a great start, but there are a few things you need to consider before you put in your order to ensure you're getting the best possible outcome. Here are our top tips for effective screen printing on fabric:
Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for fabrics that work well with screen printing, such as cotton, polyester, or polycotton blends. These materials hold the ink better, resulting in a clearer, more vibrant design.
Selecting Appropriate Designs: Simpler designs with bold lines and limited colours often work best. However, with advanced techniques, more complex designs can also look fantastic - just make sure you have a conversation with your supplier around what they can produce.
Understanding Colour Choices and Their Impact: Be mindful of how ink colours interact with fabric colours. Some combinations may not be as vibrant or may require a base layer of white ink to stand out.
Ensuring Quality and Consistency in Prints: Work with professionals who use high-quality materials and have a proven track record. Consistency in the printing process ensures each item looks as good as the last.
Still got some questions? We’ve got answers. Here are some of the most common queries we get from our clients:
Is Screen Printing Sustainable?
Screen printing can be sustainable, especially when eco-friendly inks and materials are used. Many companies are moving towards water-based inks and recycled fabrics to reduce environmental impact. So, you can get great designs while being kind to the planet.
How Long Does Screen Printing Take?
The timeline for screen printing can vary. Once we have your design and the screens are set up, the actual printing process is pretty quick. However, the total time depends on the complexity of your design and the size of your order. It's best to check with us for a more accurate timeframe.
Is Screen Printing Durable?
It's something we've already covered, but it's a concern a lot of clients have. Rest assured – screen printing on fabric is very durable. The ink goes deep into the fabric, so your designs can handle lots of washes and heavy use without fading or cracking. It's perfect for items that need to stand up to daily wear and tear.
For aftercare, it's best to wash printed items inside out in cold water and avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. Hang drying or tumble drying on low heat will help keep the designs looking fresh and vibrant.
Is Screen Printing Good for Workwear?
Screen printing is a great choice for uniforms, no matter what your industry. Its durability makes it perfect for physical jobs like construction, where clothes need to withstand tough conditions. The ink's deep absorption into the fabric ensures the designs won't fade or crack, even with heavy use.
Additionally, the vibrant colours and high-quality prints are great for office wear, keeping your team looking sharp and professional. Screen printing on fabric offers both comfort and style, making it versatile enough for any environment.
The advantages of screen printing are extensive - its versatility, durability, and vibrant colours make it an ideal choice for both workwear and casual wear. Whether you're outfitting a construction crew or an office team, screen printing ensures your designs will look great and last long.
If you're ready to start your screen printing project, check out our range of extensive workwear products:
For any questions or to place an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at CTS Workwear. Our team is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you get the best quality and service.
