Screen Printing vs. Heat Press: Which is Better & Why - Press

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Screen printing and heat press application each have their own unique pros and cons, depending on the specifics of your order. Screen printing is the most popular decoration method, especially for bulk orders. However, heat press transfers are better suited for certain applications, like on hats. We’ll explain the benefits of each so you can determine which is the best decoration method for your project. Screen Printing vs. Heat Press Both methods can produce high-quality products at an affordable price. So, the difference comes down more to your design and the garment you’re printing on. Screen Printing Screen printing is a method of printing graphics on a garment by pressing ink through a screen. The mesh screen works much like a stencil, where it blocks ink in some areas to create the desired design on the garment. The number of screens required to print your order will depend on the number of colors in the design. The more colors in the design, the more screens are used, as each color requires its own screen. Advantages of Screen Printing Screen printing is an entirely hands-on process. We use machines to hold things in place and lasers to perfectly align design elements, but the process is human-driven and controlled. The ink colors are custom-mixed to attain the exact shade you want and applied with care. Screen printing is ideal for simpler artwork with 1-3 ink colors or large quantity orders. This method typically has higher bulk discounts than heat press transfers. Therefore, screen printing is the more cost-efficient option for high quantities. Heat Press Transfers When people think of heat transfers, they often think of iron-on decals you can apply as DIY […]