Screen printing is a traditional printing technique wherein ink (or dye) is pushed through a mesh screen and onto a substrate (typically a fabric or paper) to create a simple design. 

How does screen printing work?

In screen printing, a squeegee spreads ink across a mesh screen, filling the open areas with color. Then, as the squeegee moves back, it presses the screen onto the fabric (or other material), which transfers the ink. Once the squeegee passes, the screen lifts, leaving the design behind. Multiple screens are used to create multi-colored designs since only one color is applied at a time. With colors requiring separate screens, you will have bold, vibrant prints with solid colors. However, if you’re looking for more intricate designs, digital printing techniques like DTG or DTF may be more suited to your needs.

Overall, screen printing’s process can be time-consuming, so it’s preferred for bulk swag purchases, where hundreds of items are manufactured in one production run. And while its setup process can be complex, once it’s prepared, the production is fast and consistent. As such, when it comes to bulk production for swag items like T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, screen printing can be a great choice.