Screen Printing on Promotional Products: Choosing Product and Design
Screen printing is one of the oldest and most reliable ways to put a logo on a product. With the right product and a well-thought-out design, it delivers a crisp, vibrant and long-lasting result. That said, screen printing is not suited to every surface or every logo. In this article, we explain how screen printing on promotional products works, which items it suits best and what to prepare in your artwork before production.
Key takeaways
- In screen printing, each colour is applied separately using its own screen, so the number of colours affects both set-up and price.
- Screen printing works best on flat or slightly curved surfaces, such as textiles and bags.
- Small text and fine lines need enough space – a simplified logo is often the better choice for a small print area.
- On dark textiles, light colours may need a white underbase.
- Price and production time are confirmed based on the specific product, quantity and design.
How does screen printing work?
In screen printing, a separate screen is made for each colour in the design. The screen acts as a stencil: ink is pressed through the open areas of the mesh onto the product, while the blocked areas stay clean. For a multi-colour logo, the colours are printed one after another, each with its own screen.
This leads to the defining feature of the method: the fewer the colours, the simpler and more affordable the set-up. A one- or two-colour logo is usually the most practical choice for screen printing. For designs with many colours and gradients, it is worth considering other decoration methods as well.
Which promotional products suit screen printing?
Screen printing works well on products with a sufficiently large, even print area. Common examples include:
- Textiles – T-shirts, hoodies and other branded textiles, with the logo placed on the chest, back or sleeve.
- Bags – fabric bags and bags made from other materials, whose sides offer a large, flat print area.
- Other flat-surfaced products whose material and shape allow the ink to be applied evenly.
Product type alone does not determine suitability. The material, the shape of the surface and the logo placement all matter. That is why it pays to assess the product and the design together, rather than choosing a printing method based on the logo file alone. You can find more information on our screen printing service page.
How do you prepare artwork for screen printing?
A good result starts with a proper file. Before production, check the following points:
- Use a vector file. The original logo file (e.g. AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) lets the design be scaled up without any loss of quality.
- Convert fonts to outlines. That way, the lettering looks right regardless of whether the printer has the same typeface installed.
- Specify the colours. Define each colour, preferably with a Pantone code, so the shade matches your brand.
- Check the scale. A logo that looks fine enlarged on screen can become hard to read at a small size on the product.
- Leave clear space around the logo. The design looks cleaner when it is not squeezed against seams, edges or other details.
If your logo contains very fine lines or small text, it may make sense to use a simplified version on a small print area. On dark fabric, a white underbase may be needed to keep light colours visible – whether it is required depends on the fabric colour and the design.
Screen printing or another decoration method?
No decoration method automatically suits every product. The table below will help you get started with your choice.
| Method | Works well for | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Textiles, bags and other products with a larger flat surface | Each colour needs its own screen; best for logos with few colours |
| Pad printing | Smaller and curved surfaces, such as pens | The print area is small, so the logo needs to be simple and clear |
| UV printing | Multi-colour designs and gradients on hard surfaces | Suitability depends on the product's material and surface |
| Embroidery | Premium textiles, such as caps and jackets | Very fine details may not come through in embroidery |
For an overview of all decoration methods, visit our branding services page.
What affects price and production time?
The price of screen printing depends on several factors combined: the chosen product, the quantity, the number of colours, the number of print positions and the amount of artwork preparation required. Because each colour needs its own screen, screen printing usually becomes more cost-effective per unit at larger quantities.
Production time depends on product availability, quantity and how quickly the design is approved. If the products are needed for a specific event or campaign, mention your deadline in your enquiry – that way, a realistic schedule can be planned from the outset.
How do you get started with your order?
For your enquiry, it helps to gather the following information:
- what the products are for and who they are intended for;
- your preferred product or product category;
- the approximate quantity and desired deadline;
- the original logo file and your wishes regarding colours, size and placement.
Logotrade has been providing promotional gifts and branding services since 2004. We help you choose the right product and printing method, prepare your artwork for production and send you a digital proof for approval before production starts. You can browse completed projects in our portfolio. If you are looking for branded business gifts for employees or clients, you will find our range on our website.
Get in touch with us – we will find the right solution for your logo and product.
Frequently asked questions
Is screen printing suitable for a multi-colour logo?
Yes, but each colour is printed with its own screen. The more colours, the greater the set-up work and the higher the price. For designs with many colours and gradients, it is worth comparing other decoration methods too.
Is screen printing durable?
With the right product and printing solution, screen printing is durable. The result still depends on the material, use and care – for textiles, follow the product's care instructions.
What kind of logo file is needed for screen printing?
A vector file (e.g. AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) with fonts converted to outlines is best. If you do not have such a file, we can help prepare the artwork for production.
Can light colours be printed on a dark shirt?
Yes. On dark fabric, a white underbase may be needed to keep light colours bright. Whether it is required depends on the fabric colour and the design.
More guides on print methods and materials are waiting on our blog.