Decoration | Must Read Blank brandable goods are great, but it’s the decoration that makes them customizable and truly unique. This quick guide to four of the most popular decorating methods – screen printing, embroidery, laser engraving and die casting – can help you explain to clients how each approach works and which is best for their projects. 1 SCREENPRINTING Screen printing (aka silk screening) is used to transfer images onto blank products, such as T-shirts, glass, electronics and banners, using ink or dye, a mesh metal screen and a squeegee. Ink is forced through the metal screen onto desired areas using a stencil for each color in the design. Screen printing is one of the most popular methods of decorating blank products, especially fabrics and paper goods, and it’s a fast, affordable way to print sizable orders with relatively quick turnaround. Since 1959 (the year plastisol ink debuted), screen-printed T-shirts have served as walking billboards for businesses, brands, benefits and events of all sizes. Screen-printed T-shirts in all kinds of fabrications, styles and colors have become one of the most-popular clothing items – there’s even a market for worn T-shirts in vintage wear. Screen Printing Is Ideal For: • Graphic T-shirts to advertise local businesses, events, bands, school spirit, etc. • Teamwear. • Work uniforms. • Safety apparel. • Paper, canvas and artwork. Screen Printing Quick Facts: • A screen-printed T-shirt will last through 40-50 washes. • Best fabrics for screen printing are cotton, cotton blends and polyester. (Not suitable for coated fabrics.) • Produces bold, vibrant colors and clean, sharp edges. • Best-suited for one- or two-color designs (more colors mean more costs). • Not ideal for complex/ detailed designs. PPAI • JANUARY 2023 • 47
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