What is Screen Printing? A Step-by-Step Guide

Screen printing is the process of pressing ink through a stencilled mesh screen to create a printed design. It’s one of the most popular methods for decorating textiles, especially when it comes to custom t-shirts, hoodies, and branded apparel. Even if you've never heard of it before, chances are you've worn something that was screen printed.

Also known as serigraphy or silk screen printing, this technique is widely used across the promotional product and fashion industries for its bold colour output, long-lasting results, and tactile finishes. Whether you're creating custom merchandise, uniforms, or event gear, screen printing delivers professional-quality results that stand out.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What screen printing is
  • Why it’s used
  • How the screen printing process works
  • Key equipment involved
  • Whether it washes out
  • The difference between screen printing and digital or heat transfer
  • A brief history of the method

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a stencil-based printing technique that uses a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee to transfer a design onto a flat surface. It’s most commonly used on fabric and paper, but with the right inks, it can also be applied to wood, plastic, metal, and even glass.

The process involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen. Ink is then pulled across the screen with a squeegee, forcing the ink through the open areas of the mesh onto the material underneath. Multicoloured designs are created using multiple screens, each applying a different layer of ink.

Common stencil creation methods include:

  • Masking tape or vinyl
  • Painted-on screen blockers (like glue or lacquer)
  • Photo emulsion technique (most common for commercial jobs)

Want to see how it looks in action? Check out our screen printing services to learn more.

Why is Screen Printing Used?

Screen printing is ideal for:

  • Vibrant colours that pop, even on dark fabrics
  • Durable prints that withstand regular wear and washing
  • Bulk production, thanks to reusable stencils

That’s why it’s the go-to technique for:

The Screen Printing Process: Step-by-Step

1. Design Creation
The design is printed onto a transparent acetate film.

2. Screen Preparation
A mesh screen is coated with light-sensitive emulsion.

3. Exposure
The acetate is placed over the screen and exposed to UV light, hardening the emulsion except where the design blocks the light.

4. Stencil Development
Unexposed emulsion is washed away, leaving a stencil.

5. Set-Up
The garment is laid on the printing board under the screen.

6. Printing
Ink is pulled across the screen with a squeegee, transferring the design.

7. Curing
Printed garments are dried and cured in a heat tunnel to set the ink permanently.

For detailed costings or to start designing, visit our screen printing calculator.

Equipment Overview

  • Printing Press: Manual, semi-auto, or fully automatic
  • Inks: Plastisol, water-based, puff, metallics
  • Screens: Fine mesh, usually polyester
  • Squeegee: Firmness depends on design complexity
  • Washout Station: Removes emulsion post-print

Will Screen Printing Wash Out?

Not if it's done right. Professional screen printing uses inks that are heat-cured for a wash-resistant finish. Our prints are designed to last through repeated wear and machine washing.

Screen Printing vs Digital Printing

Digital printing (DTG) is best for small runs or photo-realistic designs. Screen printing, on the other hand, gives:

  • Richer colours
  • Greater durability
  • More tactile, premium finishes

Need help choosing? Compare options on our printing services page.

Screen Printing vs Heat Transfer

Heat transfer printing uses a heat press to apply pre-printed designs. It’s fast and affordable for small orders but less durable than screen print.

For long-lasting garments and promotional products, screen printing is often the better choice.

A Brief History of Screen Printing

Screen printing dates back to 10th-century China, with later refinements in Japan. It became popular in Europe in the 18th century and boomed as a commercial process in the 20th century.

Pop artists like Andy Warhol helped cement screen printing as a fine art technique, and today it’s a mainstay of custom clothing production.

Why Choose Custom Planet?

We’re industry experts in screen printed clothing, offering bold, durable prints on a huge range of garments. From high-volume workwear to low-run merch drops, we deliver quality with every order.

Check out our screen printing calculator or browse our screen printed collection to get started.

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