Screen Printing Printing: The Complete Guide

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a stencil-based process where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the bag surface. Each color requires its own screen, which makes the method ideal for bold, solid graphics rather than multi-color photographic work. Because the ink layer is thicker than offset or flexography, the print has strong opacity and a slightly tactile feel. This makes screen printing a reliable choice for darker bag colors or designs that need maximum contrast. The method is widely used in custom production when durability and visual punch are the priority, especially for logos, brand marks, and short messaging.

The process is straightforward and flexible: artwork is separated by color, screens are prepared, and ink is applied with a squeegee in controlled passes. The thicker ink deposit produces strong coverage and excellent longevity, which is valuable for retail bags handled repeatedly. The trade-off is that gradients, halftones, and very fine detail are limited by the screen mesh and ink spread. Screen printing becomes more expensive as color count increases, so it is best suited for one or two colors and clear graphic shapes. If your brand needs bold contrast and rugged durability on a smaller production run, screen printing is often the fastest path to a confident result.