When most people think about screen printing, T-shirts are probably the first thing that comes to mind. While custom apparel is one of the most popular uses for screen printing, the process isn’t limited to clothing.

The screen printing process can also be used on a variety of non-apparel products, giving businesses, organizations and individuals more ways to put their logos, artwork and messages in front of people. From tote bags to promotional products, there are plenty of options beyond the traditional T-shirt.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are one of the most common non-apparel products for screen printing. Their flat, relatively large surface provides plenty of room for a logo, graphic or other design.

Custom printed tote bags can be useful for businesses, schools, fundraisers, events and organizations. They’re also practical promotional products because people can continue using them long after an event or campaign is over.

A well-designed tote bag essentially turns a simple everyday item into a mobile advertisement for your business or organization. The screen printing method is particularly useful for producing durable prints that can withstand regular use.

Canvas Bags

Canvas bags offer another durable surface for screen printing. Like tote bags, they provide a relatively large area for displaying artwork while offering a practical product that people can use regularly.

Canvas is particularly well suited to bold logos, lettering and simple graphics. Whether you’re creating merchandise for an organization or branded bags for a business, custom printed canvas bags can be a useful alternative to apparel.

Depending on the material, screen printing ink can be selected to provide strong adhesion and lasting results. A properly chosen printing technique can also help maintain overall print quality on the finished product.

Posters and Signs

Screen printing can also be used to create bold graphics on certain types of posters and signage. The process can produce strong, vibrant prints that work particularly well for designs with clean lines and high contrast.

Custom screen printed posters can be used for events, promotions, businesses, organizations and artwork. Art prints are another potential application, particularly when the goal is to create a distinctive physical piece with a bold printed design.

Screen printers can use a mesh screen and carefully selected inks to transfer the desired image onto an appropriate surface. Depending on the design, multiple colors and intricate patterns can also be incorporated into the finished print.

Stickers and Decals

Custom stickers and decals provide another way to get a logo or design into the hands of customers and supporters. They can be used for branding, promotional giveaways, events and a variety of other purposes.

Not every sticker or decal is produced using traditional screen printing, so the best production method depends on the material, design and quantity. However, screen printing can be an option for certain applications where durable, bold graphics are desired.

The right printing process can make a significant difference in print quality, especially when a design needs to remain clear and recognizable after repeated handling or exposure.

Promotional Products

Businesses often use promotional products to keep their brand visible outside of their storefront or website. Depending on the product and material, screen printing can be used to add logos, names, graphics and other branding.

Some examples may include:

• Bags
• Drinkware
• Promotional accessories
• Event merchandise
• Branded giveaways

The appropriate printing methods depend on the specific product. Screen printing works particularly well on products with a suitable surface that can accommodate the ink and printing process.

The screen printing press plays an important role in producing consistent results, particularly when businesses need a large quantity of identical products. For custom T-shirts, promotional bags and other branded products, a consistent process can help ensure that every item has a similar appearance.

Specialty Items

There are also a variety of specialty products that may be suitable for screen printing. If an item has an appropriate surface and enough room for the design, screen printing may be an option.

However, the material, shape, texture and intended use of the product all need to be considered. Some products are better suited to other decoration or printing methods.

For example, cardboard boxes and other packaging materials may be suitable for certain screen printing applications when the surface and ink are compatible. Other products may require a different process to achieve the desired results.

If you have a specific item in mind, it’s worth asking a printing professional before deciding how to produce it. They can help determine whether screen printing is appropriate for the material and design.

What Makes a Product Suitable for Screen Printing?

Not every product can be screen printed. Several factors determine whether the process will work well, including:

• Material: The surface needs to be compatible with the type of ink being used. Water based inks, for example, may be appropriate for certain materials and applications where a particular finish or soft texture is desired.
• Surface texture: Smooth, consistent surfaces generally make it easier to achieve a clean print. Uneven surfaces can make it more difficult to maintain consistent coverage.
• Shape: Products with flat or easily accessible printing areas are often better candidates than highly curved or irregular objects.
• Available print area: Your product needs enough room for the artwork to be printed at the desired size.
• Ink compatibility: Different materials may require different types of ink or printing processes. Choosing the right ink can help prevent ink adhesion or coverage problems.
• Quantity: The number of products you’re ordering can also influence which printing method makes the most sense.
• Mesh count: The mesh count of the screen can affect how much ink passes through during printing. A lower mesh count can be useful for certain applications where heavier ink coverage is needed.

Before beginning a larger production run, a test print can help identify potential issues with the artwork, material, ink or printing setup. This gives screen printers an opportunity to make adjustments before producing the entire order.

Careful preparation and careful printing can help produce consistent results, especially for designs that use multiple layers, several colors or fine details. The goal is to achieve strong coverage while maintaining the intended appearance of the artwork.

Find the Right Product for Your Design

Screen printing offers much more than a way to customize T-shirts. Custom accessories and custom merch can all provide additional opportunities to display your brand or artwork.

Whether you’re ordering tote bags, T-shirts, posters, bags or other promotional products, the right screen printing process can help create a professional finished product. Screen printing remains a versatile screen printing method because it can be adapted to a variety of materials, designs and production needs.

The right product depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, where the product will be used and what type of design you want to print. A printing professional can help you determine which products and printing methods are best suited to your project.

If you’re looking for custom screen printing beyond traditional apparel, Screen Graphics can help you explore your options. Contact us to discuss your design, product and printing needs.