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Profitable Advantages and Disadvantages of Screen Printing You Must Know

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Screen Printing Overview: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages

Screen printing, a pivotal technique in the custom apparel industry, presents a range of advantages and disadvantages that are crucial for businesses to consider. Known for producing vibrant, durable prints, this method offers significant cost-efficiency for large orders due to its thick ink application and streamlined process.

Nonetheless, it’s vital to consider both the pros and cons. For instance, screen printing may not be as advantageous for small or on-demand orders where introducing additional colors can inflate costs. Similarly, the process can introduce complexities, such as removing prints from shirts, which may pose significant challenges. Additionally, the environmental impact and the potential mess of DIY setups are notable disadvantages that should be considered.

Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of screen printing carefully. Moreover, this technique is renowned for producing robust, quality prints that last. Hence, we encourage you to join us as we delve into the pros and cons of screen printing, providing you with a detailed understanding of its implications for your projects.

The image depicts a person in a workshop setting, focused on a task. They are wearing a cap and a long-sleeved shirt, both splattered with paint, suggesting that they are engaged in a creative or manual job. In front of the individual is a bright orange safety vest with reflective stripes being held out for inspection or preparation, likely to be screen printed or customized. The workshop has various tools and equipment, hinting at a space where hands-on work is performed
Safety T-shirts are screen printed on a manual carousel like this one or an automatic.

Advantages of Screen Printing

1- Longevity: A Prime Advantage

Screen printing’s thick, robust inks lead to designs that endure more stress, offering a clear advantage in durability.

2- The Advantages of Screen Printing for Large Orders

Unpack the benefits of screen printing for large-scale projects, where its cost-efficiency and the durability of prints offer significant value.

3-Thick Ink Application

The method’s capability to apply thicker ink layers opens up a wider range of finishing possibilities.

4-Wide Range of Surfaces

Screen printing allows for a greater thickness of the ink than other techniques, which results in greater possibilities for the piece’s finish.

5- Versatility

Screen printing’s adaptability is impressive. You can print on nearly any flat surface, whether it’s fabric, wood, plastic, or metal.

The image features a smiling person holding up a gray sweatshirt with a screen-printed design. The design includes a graphic element with three horizontal stripes and the word "FLAGSTONE" prominently displayed in the center. The person is standing in front of a backdrop with text and logo graphics, which appears to be the branding wall of a custom apparel company. The overall image conveys a cheerful and professional atmosphere, often associated with small businesses showcasing their custom printing services.
Kid’s Shirts work great for screen printing

6- Simplicity of Process

The fundamental process of screen printing remains consistent, whether done by hand or machine, and the tools involved are simple to replace.

Disadvantages of Screen Printing

1- Understanding the Disadvantages of Screen Printing for Small Batches

Explore the challenges that screen printing presents for small or on-demand orders, including higher costs for additional colors and process complexities.

2- Cost with Colors

It turns out that creating a screen for each color can be a bit of a hassle. Colorful designs complicate the process and make it more expensive, so it is better to keep designs for screen printing with as few tones as possible.

This image is a vibrant composition emphasizing water conservation. The central focus is a red t-shirt with the "SUN BOWL 2021" graphic featuring "Tony the Tiger" in front of a football-themed design, suggesting a sports event souvenir. Overlaying the image are several elements: a doodle of a water jar with droplets, symbolizing water saving; a crushed plastic water bottle, possibly indicating waste or recycling; and a green power drill, perhaps representing tools or DIY. The bold caption "EVERY DROP COUNTS" across the top reinforces the theme of water conservation. The eclectic mix of items might represent the importance of water preservation across various aspects of daily life, including sports and home improvement.
A disadvantage of screen printing t-shirts is the waste of water.

3- Environmental Impact

One cannot overlook the environmental impact, a significant disadvantage, as screen printing often requires substantial water use.

4- Cost Implications of Multiple Colors

The necessity for multiple screens with colorful designs introduces a disadvantage in terms of cost and complexity.

5- Print Removal Challenge

Once applied, removing a screen print from a t-shirt is challenging due to the strong bond between the ink and the fabric.

6- Messy Home Projects

Attempting screen printing at home can lead to a messy environment, and it’s hard to maintain a professional space for customers.

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Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

Alicia-Wada

Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

Erik-Mikelson

Erik Mickelson

Manager

Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

Ruth-Nhoung

Ruth Nhoung

Production Manager

Ruth Nhoung is our Production Manager and Northwest Custom Apparel is lucky to have her. Thanks to her vast knowledge of machine embroidery and dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive work environment, the production plant runs smoothly and customers are pleased with our work. She is a loving mother and grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with her siblings. She says, “I love everything about Northwest Custom Apparel: the people, the atmosphere, the work, and the customers. I love what I do and I embrace all of NWCA’s core values”.

Steve-Deland

Steve Deland

Art Director

Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

Taylar-Hanson

Taylar Hanson

Sales

Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nika-Lao

Nika Lao

Sales

Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

Bradley-Wright

Bradley Wright

Accountant

Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

Dominic-Nguyen

Dominic Nguyen

DTG Operator

Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

Sothea-Tann

Sothea Tann

Production Team: Trimmer

Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

Brian-Beardsly

Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

UT-Tri-Tran

UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

UT Tri Tran loves Northwest Custom Apparel so much that, although she has already retired after a long career in machine embroidery operations, she is happy to return part time. She says, “I love the family style work environment and how everyone shares food, laughter, and fun on a regular basis.” In her free time she is dedicated to living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle with her friends and family.

Bunsereytheavy-Hoeu

BunsereytheavyHoeu

Embroidery Machine Operator

BunsereytheavyHoeu, who goes by Theavy, won our Operator of the Year in 2021. She takes on many roles in the production team. She says, “These are not my co-workers, these are my family! I cherish all the memories we make together”. When she goes home to be with her family, she makes the most of her time with them by holding family get-togethers and even karaoke competitions.

Sreynai-Meang

Sreynai Meang

Embroidery Machine Operator

SreynaiMeang is a hard-working Machine Operator. She is most passionate about helping people. Sreynai, who goes by Nai, likes to exercise in her free time and talk with her family in Cambodia.

Kanha-Chhorn

Kanha Chhorn

Embroidery Machine Operator

Kanha Chhorn has been an Embroidery Operator with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. She is delightful and always makes everyone smile and laugh. Kanha takes on additional tasks that allow us to exceed our customers’ expectations. In her free time, she can be found at her local temple or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Savy-Sorm

Savy Som

Embroidery Machine Operator

SavySom is one of our Machine Operators who is passionate about embroidery and sewing. She enjoys working at NWCA because of its flexibility. She has two teenage sons and loves spending time with her family on the weekends.

Sorphorn-Sorm

SorphornSorm

Embroidery Machine Operator

SorphornSorm has been a Machine Operator since 2011. One of her four sisters works here as well. Her other relatives are in Cambodia. In her free time, Sorphorn studies English, listens to music, and enjoys exercising.

Jim-Mickelson

Jim Mickelson

CEO

Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.