All About Screen Printing
For decades, the screen-printing technique used when customising t-shirts was done manually. Today, giant automatic presses have made it possible for bulk orders to be completed within a short time. The demand for t-shirt screen printing services in Singapore has led to an increase in the number of companies offering this service.
These facts will help you make informed decisions should you need t-shirt screen printing in Singapore.
What is Screen Printing?
This is a printing process where ink is pushed through screens. Each screen allows through only one colour. So, if you have a design with multiple colours, multiple screens will be used when printing t-shirts.
This is why the cost of printing is higher when multiple colours are used. This is also the reason there is a maximum number of colours acceptable per graphic design. Many screen-printing companies recommend not more than four colours per print.
The Type of Fabric Influences the Final Print.
T-shirts are made from different fabrics. Thinner fabrics tend to absorb less ink, so the effect is more subtle than screen prints on thicker fabric. Cotton and cotton blends, for example, are great for screen printing because they absorb ink more readily.
Natural fabrics also tend to be more absorbent than artificial fabrics. Acrylic and polyester fabrics are less porous, so the screen printing ink is not absorbed as quickly and efficiently as natural fibres. Fortunately, several products can be used to dramatically increase the absorption and adhesive properties of polyester and acrylic blends.
The Inks Used Have Different Properties.
Each screen printing company has reasons why it prefers one type of ink over another. In some cases, the properties of the ink will influence the choice. For example, water-based inks tend to dry out quickly once they have been unsealed. To avoid wastage, they are opened right before printing starts. So, changing your mind at the last minute may not be a good idea, especially if water-based inks are used.
Plastisol ink tends to be a safer bet since it stays in gel form for a long time, so wastage is minimal.
Screen Printing is an Art.
While there is science involved in the process, screen printing is most an art. The printer requires a specific type of art, ink, screen, and squeegee pressure to get the best print quality. This is why companies offering screen printing services in Singapore are particular about the type of art, format, and the maximum number of colour combinations required.
The Quality of Screen Prints is Better Than Digital Prints.
As the world moves to faster ways of doing things, one may wonder why screen printing remains popular, considering how laborious it is. However, doing things faster is not necessarily better.
The inks used in screen printing services are thicker, better quality, and more vibrant than those used in digital prints. This is why screen-printed t-shirts last through more wash cycles compared to digitally printed ones.
Conclusion
Silkscreen printing in Singapore is popular, not just for t-shirts, but all kinds of products and surfaces. There is no limit to the kind of surface or shape that can be printed. This is one of the reasons screen printing is likely to continue dominating the market for years to come.