Screen Printing from Wordans

Screen printing is the ideal method for designs with few colors, such as logos and slogan prints, performed by printing designs on apparel via a mesh-like screen rather than directly onto the garment. It is by far the most commonly used printing technique in the apparel industry, thanks largely to the vivid color tones that it achieves.

This is possible because of the thicker inks that you can use in screen printing compared to other methods, resulting in rich, long lasting colors.

Another advantage of screen printing is its incredible speed, with the latest machines capable of printing thousands of shirts per hour. This technology has made screen printing the best method for bulk orders, it is fast and cost effective, especially through Wordans.

We use the latest screen printing machines, with the highest quality ink, so you can be sure that your order will be processed quickly, and that the design will look good long after you’ve purchased it.

Custom Printing Method

Despite being one of the oldest apparel printing methods, screen printing remains one of the most popular ways of putting designs, logos and messages on clothing. Debate over the origin of this technique has continued to rage on since it was introduced to Europe in the late 1700s, but that hasn’t stopped it becoming the clothing industry’s favourite way of t-shirt printing. Screen printing is often known as “silk screen printing” due to the fact that silk was the material traditionally used to make the mesh required for the process. However, nowadays the screen can be made of nylon, polyester or card stock as well as silk.

At Wordans our chosen method for screen printing shirts and the material we use for the screen depends largely on the size of the order and the specific details of the desired design.

Origins of Screen Printed T-shirts

Screen printing was originally performed by workers using handheld brushes to push the ink from the designs through the screens and onto the t-shirt or other garment. This was often a difficult, drawn out process that meant it was rare to see many people with t-shirt designs back then. Things changed when the brush was replaced by a squeegee, which made the process slightly easier, although it still took a very long time, which meant screen printing still wasn't a viable option for mass produced clothing. The process was completely revolutionized in 1963 when American inventor Michael Vasilantone became the first person to use the rotary printing press in apparel printing. This method proved extremely successful, allowing for faster and more convenient bulk printing for large orders. Rotary printing is still one of the most popular methods used today, perfect for printing one or a few colors on cheap wholesale t-shirts from Wordans.

Another screen printing method in use today is stencilling, which was originally performed with handmade stencils but now incorporates photo-reactive chemicals. This allows printers to place more detailed designs such as pictures and complex patterns.

Our other printing methods:

• Digital Printing
• Custom Embroidery