Introduction
At Stitch 99, we understand that screen printing is both an art and a science. One of the most exciting aspects of the process is working with colours, but it can also be one of the most complex. To help you better understand how colour works in screen printing, we’ve compiled answers to the top 10 most common questions we receive at Stitch 99. Whether you’re new to screen printing or looking to enhance your knowledge, this guide will help you get a better grasp of colour in screen printing.
1. How Does Screen Printing Differ From Digital Printing in Terms of Colour?
Screen printing and digital printing use completely different methods to apply colour. In screen printing, we use inks that are pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. This allows for vibrant, opaque colours that stand out, especially on darker garments. With digital printing, colours are applied via tiny ink droplets, similar to how an inkjet printer works. While digital printing is great for detailed designs, it can struggle to achieve the bold, vivid hues that screen printing offers.
At Stitch 99, we specialise in screen printing because it provides long-lasting, rich colour, perfect for T-shirts, hoodies, and promotional materials.
2. What’s the Difference Between Pantone, CMYK, and RGB Colour Models?
The colour model you choose depends on the application. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pantone (PMS): The Pantone Matching System is an internationally recognised colour standard. With Pantone, you get consistent colour across all prints. This is especially useful for corporate branding where precise colour accuracy is critical.
- CMYK: This stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It’s the most common colour model for screen printing, where colours are mixed to produce the final image.
- RGB: Red, Green, and Blue are used primarily for digital screens. It’s not used in screen printing since fabric doesn’t emit light the way a screen does.
At Stitch 99, we often work with Pantone and CMYK to deliver high-quality, consistent results.
3. Can I Use Metallic or Speciality Inks in Screen Printing?
Yes, speciality inks such as metallic, glow-in-the-dark, and glitter inks are available for screen printing. These inks can add a unique flair to your design, making it stand out from more traditional prints. However, speciality inks can require more preparation and might add a small premium to the price.
Metallic inks, for instance, involve particles that create a shimmering effect, perfect for logos or accents. At Stitch 99, we are experienced in working with these types of inks and can advise on the best options to suit your design.
4. What Affects the Brightness and Opacity of Colours in Screen Printing?
The fabric colour and type play a big role in how colours appear in screen printing or T-Shirt Printing London. For example, bright colours on dark garments usually require an additional white base layer to make them pop. Without this base layer, the fabric may absorb some of the ink, resulting in a more muted appearance.
In addition to the fabric, the type of ink also matters. Plastisol inks, for example, sit on top of the fabric and offer great opacity and brightness, while water-based inks soak into the fabric and can provide a more muted, vintage feel.
At Stitch 99, we take fabric and ink type into account to ensure your colours are as vibrant as possible.
5. Can I Achieve Gradients or Shading With Screen Printing?
Screen printing is generally known for bold, solid colours, but you can create gradients or shading using a technique called halftoning. Halftones are small dots of colour that, from a distance, give the illusion of a gradient. The smaller and more tightly packed the dots, the smoother the gradient effect.
At Stitch 99, we use advanced techniques to ensure that your halftones come out clean and precise, offering professional-looking shading even in a traditionally flat medium.
6. Why Do Some Colours Cost More to Print Than Others?
Not all colours are created equal when it comes to screen printing. In general, the more colours you use in your design, the higher the cost because each colour requires its own screen. Some colours, like metallics or fluorescent inks, also come at a higher cost due to the materials involved.
Additionally, dark garments often require an underbase layer to ensure bright colours stay vibrant, adding an extra step to the printing process. Stitch 99 is transparent about our pricing structure and will help you find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
7. How Many Colours Can I Use in My Design?
Screen printing works best with solid colours, and you can typically use between 1 and 12 colours in your design. However, bear in mind that more colours mean more screens and more complexity, which can increase both the production time and cost.
At Stitch 99, we recommend keeping designs to a minimal number of colours to maintain both clarity and cost-effectiveness. Our team can guide you on how to optimise your design for the best result.
8. Can Screen Printing Match Exact Brand Colours?
Yes, screen printing can match exact brand colours, especially when using the Pantone Matching System (PMS). This system allows us to reproduce specific hues with high accuracy, ensuring that your brand’s identity remains consistent across all printed materials.
At Stitch 99, we work with Pantone colours to match your brand’s specifications exactly, providing peace of mind that your promotional items or staff uniforms will reflect your company’s image accurately.
9. How Do You Choose the Best Colour Combinations for Screen Printing?
Choosing the right colour combinations is crucial for a successful print. When selecting colours, consider the contrast between the ink and the fabric. High contrast, such as white on black or black on yellow, tends to be the most visually striking and readable. On the other hand, colours that are too similar, like red on orange, may be difficult to distinguish.
At Stitch 99, our design team can help you choose the best colour combinations for maximum impact. We offer mock-ups and samples to give you a better idea of how your final product will look.
10. What Should I Consider When Printing on Dark vs Light Fabrics?
When printing on dark fabrics, it’s important to account for the fabric absorbing some of the ink. As mentioned earlier, an additional white underbase is often necessary to ensure bright colours maintain their vibrancy. Without this underbase, colours may appear dull or washed out.
For light fabrics, this underbase isn’t usually necessary, and the colours tend to pop more easily. However, delicate or pastel colours can sometimes blend into light backgrounds, so it’s important to choose your colours carefully.
At Stitch 99, we have years of experience in screen printing on both dark and light fabrics. We’ll make sure your designs look sharp, no matter the fabric colour.
Conclusion
Colour is one of the most exciting aspects of London Screen Printing, but it can also be challenging to get right. Whether you’re looking for bold, vibrant hues or subtle, understated tones, the team at Stitch 99 in London is here to help you every step of the way. From Pantone matching to speciality inks and expert advice on design, we have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life.
Got more questions about colour in screen printing? Contact us at Stitch 99, and our team will be happy to assist you in achieving the perfect print for your project.