Screen Printing in Dallas
With today’s competition in the retail industry, the packaging of items is more important than ever. Companies want to make sure their products stand out on the shelves and have a positive impact on customers who have a wide range of options when it comes time to make a purchase.
For example, the beverage industry is saturated with labels of all sizes and in various designs and colors. If you really want to make an impression, why not opt for screen printing, a unique and elegant alternative to labels? This branding and decoration technique has several advantages, including being more durable and more environmentally friendly than traditional labels.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is an alternative printing technique for identifying and decorating bottles, boxes and other items. Rather than creating a separate label and sticking it to the container or object, the visual is printed directly onto its surface.
Screen printing is done by pressing ink through a textile screen which acts as a stencil to imprint the design onto the desired surface. This method originated in China and dates back to the Song dynasty. It was traditionally called “ silk screen printing” in English, because silk was the material used to create mesh screens. Today, synthetic polyester yarns are more commonly used. We provide the best screen printing in Dallas TX.
How to make a screen print?
Creation of the stencil
Screen printing mesh screens are divided into portions. The pattern itself is made up of open mesh, while the rest of the screen (the negative image of the pattern) must be blocked off so that ink cannot pass through.
There are several ways to create a stencil. Masking tape, vinyl, glue, or hairspray can be used to block off areas of the mesh that are not part of the design. The most common technique is to coat the fabric with an emulsion that hardens in the light. The meshes coated with this emulsion are then covered with a cutout of the pattern and exposed to light so that the uncovered parts harden while those covered by the pattern remain flexible and open. Then the remaining emulsion is washed off and the stencil is ready for use.
The printing process
The bottle or item to be printed is held in place under the mesh screen serving as a stencil. The screen is lowered over the article and the ink is applied. A squeegee is used to distribute the ink across the screen, forcing it into the mesh holes to make the design appear on the item. This was once done by hand, but it is now frequently automated.
The different colors must be applied one by one. After the print is complete, the ink is cured under UV or LED light to achieve a durable design that won’t smudge or peel.
What are the advantages of screen printing?
Durability and Versatility
Screen printing gives superior results to those obtained with “standard” digitally printed labels. Screen-printed graphics are more resistant to moisture and abrasion than labels, which can be easily torn, soiled, or destroyed. Screen printing can be used on a wide variety of shapes and materials, and the design can cover the entire surface of the item if desired.
Reduction of pollution
Screen-printed designs are more environmentally friendly than labels. Labels must be made separately and are usually packaged and shipped from another factory. Their manufacture and use also involves a lot of additional materials that are removed during the application process and discarded, creating additional waste.
Also, large batches of labels are usually ordered to save costs, and if there are small errors or changes to be made, all stock will have to be discarded and remade. Conversely, with screen printing, it is possible to make changes to the design in the middle of a print run.
Attractive, premium design
Screen printing produces crisp, sharp graphics in vibrant colors. The layers of ink create a relief design that is pleasant to the touch. The overall effect is a premium look and feel that helps screen-printed products stand out on the shelves.
How much does screen printing cost?
The amount you need to invest to have your products screen printed depends on several factors, including the amount and type of items to be screen printed, the number of colors used, the size of the print and the amount of ink needed. The price may also vary depending on whether you are using the same screen printing company for a short or a long period.
The screen printing company you are dealing with may also offer additional services such as marking, short-term storage and delivery, which may incur additional costs. Moreover, contrary to what one might think, screen printing is not more expensive than digital printing, while producing a finished product of better quality.
A distinguished brand image with D4Pack
Screen printing is an ancient art that has been modernized to perfectly fit the needs of today’s businesses. The automated screen printing process produces large quantities of products with vibrant designs and high marketing value.
In short, screen printing is a great way to decorate your product and put your branding on it . Go for a durable design that won’t tear or stain. Declare yourself an ally of the environment by committing to reduce waste. Present a product whose aesthetic is so appealing that it will quickly fly off the shelves.
We specialize in a variety of printing techniques and can also take care of your branding, sourcing, storage and shipping. We combine the strength of industrial automation with the craftsmanship of our customers. View our portfolio of stylish custom products or contact us for more information.