The difference between Digital and Screen printing

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a traditional printing technique where ink is pushed through a stencil or “screen” onto the material. Each colour requires a separate screen, making it ideal for designs with a limited colour palette and bold, vibrant hues. This method has been used for decades across industries, particularly for creating labels, textiles, and promotional items.

Pros of Screen Printing

• Durability: Screen-printed labels and designs are known for their long-lasting vibrancy, even when exposed to harsh conditions.
• Cost-Effective for Large Runs: When printing in large quantities, the cost per unit decreases significantly.
• Versatile Surfaces: Screen printing can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including textiles, plastics, glass, and metals.

Cons of Screen Printing

• Setup Time: Each colour requires a separate screen, making setup more labour-intensive, which is less suitable for short runs.
• Limited Colour Blending: While screen printing excels in solid, bold colours, it’s less suited for intricate designs with gradients or photographic elements.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a modern, technology-driven process that involves transferring a digital image directly onto the material. There is no need for screens or physical stencils, allowing for more flexibility in design and faster turn around times. Digital printing is ideal for highly detailed, multi-colour designs with gradients or photo-realistic elements.

Pros of Digital Printing

• Fast Turnaround: Without the need for screens, digital printing is much quicker to set up, making it ideal for short runs and urgent orders.
• Unlimited Colour Options: Digital printers can replicate complex images with hundreds of colours, gradients, and fine details.
• Minimal Setup Costs: Since there’s no need to create physical screens, digital printing eliminates setup fees, making it more affordable for smaller orders.

Cons of Digital Printing

• Less Durable in Some Applications: While suitable for many applications, digital prints may not always be as durable as screen-printed designs, especially when exposed to extreme conditions or harsh chemicals.
• Cost for Large Runs: For large quantities, digital printing can be more expensive than screen printing due to the per-unit cost remaining relatively static.

Our Services

At Customark Ltd, we offer both screen printing and digital printing solutions, ensuring that no matter your project’s needs, we have the technology to deliver. Whether you’re looking for durable labels that withstand tough environments or high-resolution, vibrant prints, our expert team will guide you to the best printing method for your application.
See our services here

The Difference

Understanding the difference between digital and screen printing can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. If you need guidance on which technique is the best fit for your labels, Customark is here to help. Reach out to us today to discuss your project and discover how we can bring your designs to life with the perfect printing method.