Screen vs. Digital: Which One is Better for You?

by | Jun 17, 2016 | Business

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Tampa T-shirts offers a range of screen print and digital print apparel choices. Can’t decide which one you want to go with? Read this article to learn more about the two different processes.

Basics

Screen printing uses stencils, also called a screen, in applying ink layers on a printing surface. That means there’s a different stencil for every color in any given design.

Digital printing, a newer technique, does away with stencils. Instead, a computer processes the design and prints it directly onto the garment.

Pros

Screen is ideal for designs where color volume is important. You have a wider range of hues and shades to choose from, says Fespa. Rendering designs that have a lot of color and vibrancy, along with special color effects, is much, much easier with this method. Hard and soft finishes are also available. It also offers opacity that’s far better than what digital printing has been able to come up with so far. Because costs are lower, it’s a better option for longer production runs. Thus, you get screen print apparel designs that are richer in color at a far better cost.

Digital printing works best for designs that require high-definition details. With digital, it’s now possible to print designs that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. Also, it’s a whole lot faster and much more efficient because the colors are all printed in one go. Colors register perfectly through digital as well, leading to zero bleeds or traps. Any graphic design can be reproduced this way. Since there are no screens, prep times are much shorter, making for faster project completion and delivery.

Conclusions

Depending on what you need, whether it’s a one-time job or a longer run, each printing method offers its own set of advantages. Pick the one that best matches the needs and requirements of your project.

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