Screen printing is a traditional print method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the surface of a product, using a stencil to define the design. Each colour is applied one at a time using separate screens, making it best suited for bold, single-colour graphics and solid shapes. Known for its durability and crisp finish, screen printing is ideal for simple logos, text, and high-volume runs on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Tips for Designing for Screen Print
Avoid fine lines and intricate details
Screen printing works best with bold, uncomplicated graphics. Fine lines, tight spacing, or delicate design elements may not print cleanly, as the mesh and ink application can cause them to fill in or blur. Aim for strong, well-defined shapes for the most reliable results.
Use a minimum font size of 8pt to maintain readability
Text smaller than 8pt can become distorted or unreadable, particularly on textured or uneven surfaces. Using 8pt or larger ensures your text remains legible and the integrity of your font is preserved once printed.
Stick to solid colours
Gradients and subtle shading don’t translate well in screen printing. Instead, use flat, solid fills. If your artwork includes halftones (dots to simulate shading), make sure they are vector-based and use a dot pattern appropriate for the screen mesh to ensure clarity.
Outline all strokes by converting them to shapes
Strokes or line weights in design software may not appear correctly in pre-press. Convert all strokes to outlined shapes to lock in their appearance and ensure they print exactly as intended.
Combine overlapping paths into a single graphic
Layered vector elements can cause registration issues or inconsistent ink coverage. Instead of stacking shapes, merge them into one clean, continuous path to create more accurate and predictable results.