Silk Screen Printing
ABOUT OUR SILK SCREENING PROCESS
Silk screening is the most popular method of printing in the industry. Screen printing allows companies to create large designs on flat or cylindrical surfaces of product containers. Silk screening provides the ability to automate or semi-automate the decorating process in high volume at affordable rates, making it appealing for large companies across all industries. With a variety of ink colors and finishes to pick from, there are infinite design possibilities with silk screening.
“There are endless
design possibilities
with
silk screening.”
Sample Silk Screening Container Design Projects
Featured Projects
Then
A Brief History of Silk Screening & Screen Printing
The concept of screen printing has been around since 1000 AD. Some attribute to the invention to the Chinese, others to the Polynesians. The process of screen printing is quite simple. A design is created on a stencil - the Chinese used silk, the Polynesians, banana leaves. The coloring agent (ink or paint) is pushed through the stencil to create the design, which is then transferred onto the final product.
Now
Silk Screening Screen Printing Today
In today’s silk screen processes, ink is forced through a screen that has been photographically treated. Modern screen printing no longer uses silk but rather screens made from nylon, cotton, or steel wire. With the ink forming a design, it is applied to the substrate or the surface of the glass, metal, plastic or even silicone container to be decorated. There are almost no limits to the types of containers that can be screen printed. However, screen printing works best on hard and flat surfaces.
Color
Screen Printing Color
The full spectrum of colors is available in screen printing, including customized colors using Pantone Color Systems (spot colors, PMS colors). There are also specialty inks that mimic the metallic look of a gold foil, and coated inks that add a high gloss shine to any color. Depending on the number of colors in the design, each color is applied one at a time, using a new screen for each color. Our design expertise will help you ultimately match the look of your design with the material of the container.
Metal
Screen printing on metal
Screen printing on metal can be an effective solution for a range of projects, from purely decorative to highly technical such as printing instructions on mechanical parts. When using silk screen on metal, the composition of the ink must be carefully considered. Reinforced coatings may be used to ensure a lasting design, especially for items that will be handled and used often. When creating a silk screen design on metal, it’s also very important to consider the base color metal - and its affect the way the ink color looks. We can print straight to metal or over an enamel coating.
Plastic
Screen printing on plastic
Plastic is a term that encompasses materials such as ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, PVC, and Styrene to name a few. The range of plastic products used in today’s industries is endless, spanning containers, bags and even closures. Currently, screen printing is most commonly used to print messages on plastic bags. However, the use of screen printing on plastic containers is growing rapidly. Recently, with the upward trend of achieving a clean minimal design while being mindful of environmental impact, there has been a shift towards using screen printing. Screen printing on plastic can create colorful and detailed designs on most flat plastic surfaces.
Glass
Screen Printing Glass
Screen printing on glass creates one of the most unique looks in the market, especially on clear glass. Transparent inks create the effect of light-filled color on a clear background that can elevate the shelf appeal of many products. In addition, opaque inks can create solid, sharp graphics that really pop on glass! There are also special effect printing processes available such as a high build that can give the design an embossed, tactile effect. Designs printed with silk screen on glass are exceptionally durable because the ink adheres directly to the glass bottles.
How to Pick a Screen Printing Company
When you’re looking for a screen printing company to work with, one of the most important points to consider is their expertise. How long have they been in business? Will they be able to help you decide which printing method would create the best design result for your brand? There is a lot of specialized knowledge that can only be gained from being in operation for a long time. Also, be sure to select a printing company that has modernized their facility to adapt to the latest industry standards. There have been so many new technological advances that have expanded the capabilities for printing. Having a new facility allows printers to provide you the best options for your design.