Screen printing, also known as serigraphy, has roots that date back thousands of years. The technique originated in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), where artisans used silk screens and stencils to create intricate patterns on fabric. This early method spread to neighboring countries, particularly Japan, where it evolved into a refined art form used for printing on textiles and paper. In the late 18th century, screen printing made its way to Europe, where it gained popularity for creating decorative wallpapers and intricate designs. The introduction of synthetic materials for screens in the early 20th century allowed for more precise and durable prints, laying the groundwork for modern screen printing. Today, whether you're looking for local t-shirt printing, logos near me, or custom apparel near me, the legacy of screen printing continues to thrive.

The commercial use of screen printing took off in the 20th century, particularly in the advertising and textile industries. In the 1930s, screen printing became a popular medium for creating bold, graphic posters and signs, thanks to advancements in photo-reactive stencils. During the 1960s, the process gained prominence in the art world, with renowned artists like Andy Warhol using screen printing to produce iconic works, such as his famous Marilyn Monroe series. Today, screen printing remains a widely used technique for producing high-quality designs on a variety of surfaces, valued for its versatility, durability, and ability to create vibrant, long-lasting prints. 

Getting custom t-shirts printed used to be a straightforward process, with screen printing on cotton t-shirts being the most cost-effective option. However, recent advancements in printing technology have made other methods more affordable and accessible. Now, you can choose the best custom t-shirt printing methods based on various factors such as quantity, budget, color options, types of images, and apparel brands. Whether you are looking for local t-shirt printing, logos near me, local vs corporate uniforms printing, custom apparel near me, or screen printing companies near me, there are numerous options available to suit your needs.

You can have almost anything you want in apparel printing, as long as you understand the strengths and limitations of each method. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of custom t-shirt printing and decorating techniques to help you make the right choices for your application. If you’re looking for information on a specific process, use the topic links below to jump to the section you need. Whether you need custom sports apparel near me, embroidery in Wichita, KS, or custom screen printing near me, this guide has you covered.

Screen Printing

How is Screen Printing Done? Screen printing applies ink through a fine screen of fabric mesh, stenciled with a pattern for one of the colors used in the design. The screen is placed on the shirt's surface, and a machine or human draws a squeegee across to push thick ink through the screen, applying a single-color image to the shirt. Screening allows only one color at a time to be printed, and a white background, called an under base, may need to be applied to the fabric so the colors will “pop” on the surface. This method is widely used by screen printing companies in Wichita, KS, and other locations.

Garments are not the only application for screen printing. This technique, traditionally called silk screening, is also used to print posters and fine art, known as serigraphs. Whether you are looking for screen printing Wichita, KS, or Wichita embroidery, screen printing remains a popular choice for various printing needs.

Screen Printing Techniques Screen printing can be done by hand, usually for fine art and hobby applications. Machines are used for garment printing, but the process and basic tools are the same. Here are the components of a standard screening operation:

• A fine-mesh fabric screen stretched onto a frame (like a painter’s canvas)
• A light source
• Inks
• A squeegee
• A photo emulsion kit
• A transparent “light stencil” material
• Brushes
• Water

The Steps of Screen Printing

1. Create an Image and Digitize It First, you need an image (our graphic designers can help if you don’t have one yet). The image must be converted to a digital format for garment printing. The best format is a vector drawing, which maintains crisp edges and fine detail regardless of size. The alternative is a raster drawing, which uses pixels to create the illusion of an image. Pixels can make image edges look rough when resized to a larger format. Use vector drawings for screen images whenever possible.
2. Separate the Colors Since screen printing allows only one color at a time, the artwork needs to be separated into its component colors. Artists typically use programs like Adobe Illustrator or Google Vectr to create images or reproduce existing images in vector form. This allows them to place each color on a different layer in the document, so color layers can be exported individually for use on different screens with different inks.
3. Coat the Screen with Photo Emulsion A photo-sensitive fluid is applied to the screen, which must be a very smooth, consistent application for the garment to look right. The emulsion is left to dry in a dark room, similar to old-school photographic film that will be exposed to light to make an image appear.
4. Print and Apply a Black-Out Stencil for Each Color The electronic layers of colored vector images are printed in black on a piece of transparent film, which is laid over the photo-emulsified screen. This blocks the light from hitting image areas when the film is exposed. The image areas under the black do not change chemically, but the exposed areas of emulsion cure and harden. The stencil is then removed, and the softer areas of photo emulsion are washed away with water and brushes, leaving a stencil on the screen through which ink can be pushed to deposit ink only in the areas corresponding to each color in the artwork.
5. Print Color onto the Garment The garment is pulled taut on a smooth surface, and the screen is pressed against it. Ink is poured into the screen frame at one end and pulled across the screen by a rubber squeegee, pressing the ink through the open areas of fabric mesh, leaving a bright, bold layer of color on the garment.

Pros and Cons of Screen Printing Advantages:

• Deep, brilliant colors: Screening ink is thick, leaving bright, opaque colors on the fabric.
• Fast turnaround: Screen printing can produce large numbers of custom garments quickly once the screens are made.
• Variety of inks available: Screen inks come in every color of the rainbow, as well as textures and options not available with other types of garment printing.
• Resilience: Screened images on shirts are tough, thick, and well-bonded to the textile, lasting for years.

Disadvantages:

• Higher setup costs: There’s a lot of labor involved in getting screens ready for the print run, making it cost-prohibitive for small quantities. However, simpler designs with only a couple of colors can be done at reasonable prices.
• Environmental impact: Screen printing is messy and requires heavy water use and generates chemical waste. Today’s water-based inks are better than older types, but this is still the least sustainable printing technique.

For all your custom apparel needs, whether it's local t-shirt printing, custom sports apparel, or corporate logo apparel, understanding these techniques will help you make the best choice for your project. Whether you're looking for screen printing companies near you, embroidery in Wichita, KS, or custom t-shirts in Wichita, this guide covers the essentials to get you started. From Wichita print shops to printing services in Wichita, KS, this comprehensive overview will ensure you find the best printing companies in Wichita, KS, for your custom apparel needs.