Why Is Screen Printing So Expensive

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Issue Time: Aug 8,2021

Summary

Screen printing is a versatile printing method that is commonly used in the apparel industry to print high-quality designs on clothing, bags, hats, and other wearable items. While screen printing is an effective and long-lasting method, it can also be more expensive than some other printing...

Reasons Why Screen Printing Can Be Expensive

The first reason why screen printing can be expensive is because of the setup costs. Screen printing requires a lot of preparation, including creating the design, screens, and stencils, and mixing the ink. Unlike digital printing, which can be done quickly and easily, screen printing requires manual labor and precise attention to detail.

The setup process can be time-consuming and costly, especially for small orders. The cost of setting up the printing equipment, creating the screens, and preparing the artwork can add up quickly. However, the cost per unit decreases as the number of items ordered increases. Thus, the larger the order, the lower the setup cost per unit.

Another factor that can affect the cost of screen printing is the number of colors used in the design. Each color requires a separate screen, stencil, and ink, which can increase the setup time and cost.

While screen printing can produce vibrant and rich colors, the cost of producing a multi-colored design can be prohibitive for some businesses and consumers. On the other hand, with digital printing, multiple colors can be printed in a single pass, making it a more cost-effective option for designs with many colors.

Screen printing requires manual labor, which can be more expensive than digital printing. Each garment needs to be aligned individually and printed by hand, which requires a certain level of skill, experience, and attention to detail. This can result in higher labor costs, especially when printing becomes more complicated than a single-color design.

The cost of screen printing also depends on the type of garment or material used. Some fabrics require special inks or treatments to achieve the desired print quality, which can add to the cost. In addition, certain types of fabrics are more difficult to print on than others, which can increase the labor costs.

The quantity of items ordered can also affect the cost of screen printing. As mentioned earlier, the setup costs per unit decrease as the number of items ordered increases. So, ordering larger quantities means a lower unit price.

On the other hand, small orders may not be as cost-effective as larger orders due to the higher setup cost per unit. Therefore, many screen printers will have a minimum order quantity to ensure that the setup costs are covered.

Why Screen Printing is a Valuable Investment

Despite the higher costs associated with screen printing, it is still a valuable investment for businesses and consumers for several reasons:

Unlike some other printing methods, screen printing produces a long-lasting print that can withstand multiple washes and wears. This makes it a great choice for clothing and promotional items that need to retain their quality for a long time.

Screen printing produces a high-quality print that is sharp and vibrant, with colors that pop and designs that stand out. This is especially true for designs with a limited color palette, as screen printing allows for precise color matching and consistency.

Screen printing can be used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and even non-fabric materials like plastic, glass, and metal. This makes it a versatile printing method that can be used on an array of promotional items, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, and banners.

Screen printing allows businesses to create custom designs that reflect their brand's image and message. This is especially important for promotional items that are used to promote the business at events or as merchandise. A high-quality print can increase brand recognition and add value to the business.