Can someone explain the differences in silk screening and digital printing?
I want to make a t-shirt, and the web sites are kinda vague on the subjects. Can you explain the difference with quality and other things and give your opinions? Thanks!
Silk screening has actually turned into screen printing (they use polyester rather than silk as it’s easier to produce and cheaper).
Screen printing involves producing a screen with a negative of each color "burned" into it. The more colors the more screens it takes. Many times you will see a 4 color process though for things that look like a picture rather than a generated graphic. It’s older technology but if you’re going to produce a large amount of shirts it’s rather cost effective.
Digital printing involves a large inkjet printer. Much like your home printer. It contains special inks that need to be handled properly. The shirts need to be fed properly. etc… This is more efficient for smaller print jobs. It does take longer to print a shirt this way but takes less prep time.