Screen printing is a powerful and versatile printing method used by multiple industries to create quality-finished products. screen printing melbourne is a tool that is embraced by the multifaceted culture of Melbourne and its revolving creative community who are able to make use of screen printing to create custom apparel, promotional material, posters, flyers and other artworks that can be sold or utilized to promote an individual, business or cause. This guide is aimed at explaining to you how screen printing is done in Melbourne, what is the benefits of screen printing and how to make the best use of screen printing in Melbourne.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing melbourne is a printing process in which ink is forced through a mesh onto a substrate (usually fabric or paper). A stencil or template, onto which ink cannot pass, is created on the screen. The ink is pushed onto the material via the mesh, leaving a clear – but slightly ‘jagged’ – image or design below.

This technique is loved for its durability, endless colour options and the wide range of items that it is able to print on, from t-shirts and hoodies to posters and print promotions. 

The Screen Printing Process

In the process of screen printing, each step helps to achieve the quality and longevity of the final product. Below is the breakdown of the screen printing process: 

Design Creation

The first step of screenprinting is when the design is designed to be printed. Most of the screen printing companies in Melbourne will accept digital designs in format of PNG, AI or EPS. Then they will turn the design into some sort of transparent film that will later be turned into the stencil for the screen.

Screen Preparation

A mesh screen (usually a polyester) is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion and a transparent film with the design placed on it; both are then exposed to a UV light source. The light hardens the emulsion in areas where the film is absent, and the design area is washed away, leaving a stencil on the screen.

Ink Application

Once the screen is ready, it’s set over the material that will be printed. Ink is added to the top of the screen and then pushed through it with a squeegee. For every colour that needs to be printed, a separate stencil is required; that means all the screens need to be perfectly aligned for a successful multi-colour print.

Curing and Drying

Next, the material is passed along to a dryer section, where it is usually heated to set the ink to the fabric permanently. The image is now ready for printing on, and the fabric is ready for fixing onto apparel and homeware.

Advantages of Screen Printing

Screen printing is a printing technique that has been around for centuries but still remains hugely popular in the present day- and not without reason. Here are some of the its obvious benefits:

High-Quality Prints

These bright, bold, quality prints are difficult to match with other methods because screen printed art work uses a thick layer of ink, which leads to vivid colour that is long-lasting.

Durability

Longevity It’s not well known to most people Melbourne why businesses and individuals are happy to spend money to get screen printing, but screen printed clothings and things have a longer life. All tshirt screen printing materials and garments can be washed hundreds of times and the prints won’t crack or fade for a long period of time. It’s the main reason screen printing option is a common choice.

Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders

Screen printing is cheaper in large numbers. While set-up costs are higher than with digital printing, once the screens are done, printing in bulk is cheaper, making it right for working with large numbers such as corporate uniforms, t-sh or promotional products.

Versatility

Screen printing can be used on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, paper, wood and metal. This diverseness enables businesses to use this technique for applications such as apparel, signage and many more.

Screen Printing Services in Melbourne

In Melbourne most suburbs offer screen printers and they cater for the various needs of customers, be it a 5x run of t-shirts for your business, or a limited 3x run of shirts for a band, or maybe you need some flyers printed for a corporate event? Alternatively you need some PVC strips? You can find it and get it done. 

Some of the top screen printing services in Melbourne include:

Melbourne Screen Printing: Offering affordable rates for screen printed T-shirts, bags, badges and promotional product, Melbourne Screen Printing works with small business and large corporations alike. 

Print Together: It goes without saying that using wood for screen printing is not ideal. So Print Together, a UK-based screen printer, has switched to using inks that are water-based and recycled materials. 

The Print Bar: Quick turnarounds and superb-quality prints come with a user-friendly design-maker attached. 

Choosing the Right Screen Printer

Choosing the right screen printing company in Melbourne can be a good choice. The factors that play a significant role while opting for a screen printing company include:

Experience and Reputation

Make sure the company is well established and has positive accounts of what it does for other people. Read its customer reviews and ask to see some of its work (for example, if the business helps with trauma issues, it can share transcripts of past therapy conversations for you to listen to).

Services Offered

Depending on the type of screen printing company you use, their services can range from apparel printing, to wall paper, to posters, to large scale signs. Make sure that the screen printing company you look at specialises in the type of print the project you have in mind will need.

Turnaround Time

On account of the tight deadline we are on, we suggest you ask if the company has different turnaround times. Most screen printing companies in Melbourne offer express and rush order service.

Pricing

Therefore, although screen printing is a nice way to go for a high-volume order, the prices will vary depending on the vendor. Obtain quotes from more than one supplier to find a company that can meet your needs and your budget! 

Conclusion

Screen printing Melbourne companies is a hugely profitable endeavour that is still on the rise. Screen printing is not a new concept, but it is still just as viable as it was before – if not more. For businesses, screen printing Melbourne services are the perfect way to promote your brand. As for artists, screen printing Melbourne companies can help them make batches of custom apparel with their designs. For individuals, screen printing Melbourne services are the perfect way for them to find a cost-effective way to get those cool designs they search for online all year round. There are so many companies for screen printing in Melbourne it’s hard not to find one that suits your needs.