Understanding Screen Printing. How Is It Carried Out On Tshirt?
                     What Is Screen Printing On T-Shirt?
Screen printing on T-shirts is an ancient, intriguing, and versatile art form, prominent
for  transforming  plain  cloth  into  wearable  masterpieces.  Its  intricate  process
encompasses  pressing  ink  through  a  stenciled  mesh  screen  to  produce  custom
designs,  ranging from bags, jerseys,  and hoodies to promotional  merchandise. The
procedure,  also  known as  serigraphy or  silk  screen printing,  is  utilized not  just  to
create appealing canvases, posters, and artwork but also to print fabrics and textiles.
Since  this  persuasive  technique  is  leveraged  in  multiple  industries,  we  all  have
undoubtedly owned a collection of screen-printed products at our houses.
With its capacity to bring vivid colors to life, screen printing is an incredible way to
produce custom clothing and multitudinous unique products. Let's dive in to explore
the fascinating  world  of  T-shirt  printing in  San Jose and the  broader  California
Region.
Understanding Screen Printing
The Basics
Screen printing is a process that includes using a stencil or "screen" to apply ink
to the t-shirt's fabric,  acclaimed for producing high-quality, long-lasting prints
with vibrant colors that last after multiple washes.  It's  extensively utilized to
create custom t-shirts, promotional apparel, and decorative prints. 
The Process
 Creating the Design
The foremost step in screen printing is designing the artwork that will be
printed on the t-shirt, which you can accomplish digitally or by hand. But
ensure  the  image  is  clear  and  has  high  resolution,  irrespective  of  the
method used.
 Prepping the Screen
A  fine  mesh  screen,  usually  composed  of  silk  or  polyester,  is  firmly
stretched over a frame. Subsequently, the screen gets coated with a light-
sensitive emulsion.
 Exposing the Image
At  this  step,  the  design's  transparency  is  placed  on  the  screen  and
exposed to UV light. The emulsion is then treated, solidifying it in the areas
where ink passage is required and eliminating the unexposed emulsion.
 Printing
The fascinating part: printing the T-shirt! The screen is placed on the t-
shirt, and ink is applied to the top of it. The ink is then pushed through the
open sections of the screen using a squeegee, transferring the design to
the cloth.
 Drying and Curing
T-shirts are often dried after printing using a dryer to cure the ink, making
them durable and resistant to fading.
 Quality Control
Once the t-shirts have dried, they are subjected to quality control to verify
that the printing is crisp and the colors are precise.
Is Screen Printing Good for T-shirts?
Here are a few compelling advantages why it's the most widely favored technique for 
T-shirt printing:
 Durability
Screen printing is extremely durable. Since the ink is deeply pushed into the
cloth, it forms a solid connection that can withstand numerous washes and wear,
making it a perfect alternative for producing long-lasting promotional products or
company clothing.
 Vibrant Colors
Even on dark textiles, screen printing produces exceptional and opaque colors.
Due to its capacity to generate numerous colors and gradients, it is an effective
technique for generating aesthetically appealing t-shirt designs. So whether you
seek screen print California-inspired or have a design in mind, screen printing
can precisely craft your design onto the fabric.
 Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders
It's  cost-effective  when  printing  an  immense  t-shirt  quantity  with  the  same
design. Since the setup expenditures are distributed throughout the entire print
run, the cost per unit decreases as the quantity grows.
 Versatility
Screen  printing  can  be  performed  on  different  materials,  including  cotton,
polyester, and mixes.  Its adaptability makes it  suitable for several sorts of  t-
shirts,  guaranteeing  that  your  design  possibilities  aren't  restricted  by  fabric
choice.
 Customization
Whether  you  want  to  print  one  or  a  hundred  t-shirts,  screen  printing  offers
customization,  enabling  you  to  create  exceptional  designs  and  add  personal
touches while catering to certain preferences or themes.
What is the Difference Between Digital and Screen Printing on T-
shirts?
There  are  typically  two  primary  ways  to  print  custom  t-shirts:  digital  and  screen
printing.  Unlike  digital  printing,  which  utilizes  computers  and  printers  to  create
personalized graphics on t-shirts, screen printing is more labor-intensive and tedious,
ensuring precise and lasting prints.  Thus,  to  help you make an informed decision,
we've enlisted a few distinctions between these two:
Digital Printing
 Process
A printer is used to apply ink directly to the cloth in digital printing. No
screens or stencils are required.
 Color Options
Digital  printing  offers  more  colors  and  gradients,  enabling  more
sophisticated and detailed patterns.
 Small Runs
It's ideal for small print runs and one-off designs, making it appropriate for
creating personalized t-shirts.
 Texture
Digital printing uses ink placed on top of the cloth, giving it a softer feel
than screen printing.
Screen Printing
 Process
Screen  printing  includes  creating  screens  using  stencils,  making  the
preparation more labor-intensive. However, for big print runs, this setup is
cost-effective.
 Color Options
While screen printing produces vivid colors,  it  does not  have the same
color range as digital printing.
 Durability
Screen printing creates long-lasting prints that can endure several washes
and wears.
 Cost-efficiency
It is economical for large orders since the setup expenses are spread out
throughout the whole print run.
Final Thoughts
T-shirt  screen printing is a versatile,  effective, and reliable technique for producing
custom clothing with vibrant, durable prints. It stands out for its longevity, vivid colors,
and cost-effectiveness for large purchases. Consider your design, quantity, and budget
when deciding between screen and digital printing since each procedure has pros and
cons, and choosing the appropriate one will ensure that your t-shirts look fantastic and
last a long time.
Article Source: 
https://medium.com/@nbnsports4/what-is-screen-printing-on-t-shirt-4c5ba671b549