You've Finalized, Your Artwork, Now What?
You've created beautiful graphics that you cannot wait to show off to the world. The only thing left to do (ok, not only) is to translate your digital file into a finished, printed peice.
Before you can decide, there are some questions that you need to ask yourself:
- Is your project a short-run or a bulk order?
- What level of image quality and vibrancy do you want to achieve?
- Is your design highly detailed (contains more intricate artwork and colors), or on the simpler side?
- How durable do you need your final piece to be?
- Where will your graphic be displayed? For how long?
Two popular printing methods are screen printing, and digital printing. So when should you choose screen printing over digital printing? We’ve put together this helpful infographic to help you decide when you should choose screen printing over digital printing and vice versa:
Screen Printing
Screen Printing is a traditional print technique that has been used for many years before digital printing came into popularity. The screen printing process involves pushing several layers of ink through a customized stencil design onto the surface of the print material. When to use screen-printing:
- Looking for a perfect PMS match or something particularly vibrant? Screen printing is the way to go.
- Highly durable, best for long-term use.
- Print on unique substrates such as wood, balloons, fabric, and more.
- Specialized finishes including metallic, glitter, and neons.
- More cost-effective for bulk printing.
Digital Printing
Digital printing on the other hand, is a modern technique that involves creating a digital image that is then printed on the material via laser or inkjet technology.
- Do your graphics contain intricate designs with many colors? You need a digital print.
- Very precise, high-image accuracy.
- Easily customize your print designs.
- Quicker turn-around times compared to screen printing.
- More cost-effective for short-run prints.
Why Choose One Over The Other?
There are many advantages for both methods and it all depends on your project goals. Digital printing can offer more image customization and precision, and it is easier to print with a larger variety of colors. It is also more cost-effective for short-print runs.
Screen-printing however, offers more durability than digital printing, more vibrancy, and overall greater quality. Although it is generally more costly than digital printing since it requires more manual labor, it is more cost-effective for bulk-printing projects. The final product appears brighter, offers a more professional appearance, and lasts longer.
About BluEdge
BluEdge is a national provider of comprehensive Business Technology Solutions and Experiential Marketing Services. We’ve been supporting our clients since our establishment in 1898. BluEdge has been family-owned and operated for over 125 years and is proud to be a certified Woman Business Enterprise.
BluEdge has six locations in Carlstadt, NJ, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, IL.
