What Is Screen Printing? A Complete Guide

What Is Screen Printing?

When you go to a concert and your favorite bands are selling t-shirts with their logos and names on them, those are the results of screen printing.

Similarly, if you see a team of any kind wearing enthusiastic, matching t-shirts, those are also most likely the result of a screen printing job. 

Screen printing, sometimes referred to as silk screening, is the process of printing graphics and words from a stenciled design onto a shirt.

This is done by taking a copy of the design and printing it onto the screen to then press against the shirt in the desired place.

You then take thick inks and press them through a mesh screen onto the shirt so that the ink can set onto the t-shirt and be set aside until it's dry. 

You can also use screen printing to print images or words on many other surfaces, including wood, glass, metal, and even plastic. 

You may be wondering what the benefits of screen printing are. Using this technique creates the most vivid colors, even on black or dark blue shirts.

This is also the ideal solution if you're looking to make a t-shirt design for a shirt amount in bulk, like for a team, work retreat, reunion, or any large group of people.

This is because the screen printing process makes it easy to transfer images the exact same way on many surfaces. 

Generally, most screen printing businesses have a minimum number of shirts per order that must be met. 

When done by a true professional, the colors on your screen printed shirt should stay bright and bold and not fade away from washing machine use. 



If you still have questions about screen printing, the true professionals here at Dynamic Designs have answers on our FAQ page. 

A Screen Printing Guide

If you're going to create your own t-shirt design, there are some things to consider.

First, the more basic your color scheme, the easier the cost of your order will be on your wallet. This is because the screen printer will have to use a different print screen for each color. 

So keep that in mind when thinking of what you want your design to look like. You can have one or two colors, but you may not want to choose more than that. 

Since you're probably ordering shirts in bulk, keep in mind that your design must reflect that. If your shirts are for a team a simple and direct design works best for everyone. If you want something other than words a small rendition of a mascot or symbol can work. 

Strongly consider creating this design with design software instead of freehand drawing on a piece of paper. It will look cleaner when you design on Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Remember, exactly what you hand your screen printer is what will be on your shirts. 

Of course, if you're looking for a more artistic result and you're practiced at drawing, it might give your shirt an even more unique look to hand draw your design.

But this should be used sparingly. Generally, a clean-cut design will look better. 

Another benefit of using professional software is that you have the opportunity to play around with different type fonts. A fun font can take your t-shirt from plain to a fun, unforgettable design. 

Also keep in mind that while certain fonts might look fun or pretty, they must also be readable. not everyone can read loopy handwriting and thick, block letters. 



You want your shirt to reflect the message you desire. But these are the practical things to consider! 

What Can I Use Screen Printing For?

Screen printed shirts can be used in so many ways. 

You can use it as a cheap way to promote your business. If you need a matching uniform for your employees, a shirt is a simple and cost-effective way to make sure everyone looks the same. 

It's also an easy way to promote your business by making enough to hand out to potential customers, especially if it's a grand opening. You can give them away as door prizes, raffle them off, or give them as a trivia prize. 

Shirts can also be a team-building tool. Maybe you're on a marathon team, or you're part of a work retreat or picnic. A matching uniform can help create a mindset that you are all in this together and should work together as such. 

Shirts are also a fun and colorful way to keep track of groups, like groups of kids. If you're the chaperone for a kids' field trip or summer camp trip, it will be helpful to pick your child and group apart from the rest if they are wearing matching shirts.

It will also be helpful in case someone gets lost from the group. Putting the name of the group they are with on the shirt will make it easier to help them find their group again. 



Shirts can also be used to help promote music groups, theater plays, and memorable events. 

Order Your Screen Printed Shirt Today

Now that you know all about what is screen printing and how it's used you can order your own shirts today! If you're wondering "where is there screen printing near me?" and you live in the Jacksonville, Florida area look no further than Dynamic Designs. 

We offer top-notch screen printing services at affordable prices. Get a free quote for our services today!