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Philadelphia Screen Printing Services

Are you looking for a unique way to promote your Philadelphia area business? Our screen printing in Philadelphia can help!

CUSTOMERS IN PHILADELPHIA

Custom Philadelphia Screen Printing

We offer customized screen printing in Philadelphia for organizations looking for promotional products to grow business or raise awareness for a cause. Our team will work with you to create a design that meets your needs and helps you achieve the desired outcome.

Contact us today to get started!

screen printed shirt and water bottle from Shenk Company in Harrisburg
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Why Shenk for Philadelphia Screen Printing?

The Shenk Company is one of the most trusted businesses in Philadelphia screen printing. We have been providing outstanding service for over 100 years. When you partner with Shenk, we promise to work with you to bring your designs and ideas to life.

Screen printed apparel
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Custom Screen Printing in Philadelphia

Trusted across Philadelphia for custom promotional products, our screen printing services help businesses stand out from the competition. As your local Philadelphia screen printing partner, we deliver made-to-order designs that perfectly match your vision while keeping costs manageable for any size order.

Wide Variety of Colors and Materials

Add a personal touch to any item with Philadelphia screen printing services. From t-shirts to coffee mugs, there are endless possibilities for what can be customized.

Front or Rear Printing

Screen printing is a process that allows you to customize your product by printing on the front or back.

Short Run and Long Run Options

You don't have to order more than you need, making screen printing an excellent option for businesses and individuals.

What Is Screen Printing in Philadelphia?

Screen printing services in Philadelphia use a specialized mesh-and-stencil technique to create vibrant, durable designs. The screen printing process precisely applies ink through custom screens, ensuring sharp, clean prints on your apparel or promotional items.

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Our Philadelphia Screen Printing Process

Modern technology meets traditional craftsmanship at Philadelphia’s premier screen printing facility. Using premium light-reactive emulsions and precision stenciling techniques, we create detailed, lasting designs that meet exacting commercial standards.

1.

Creating the Design

The printer takes the design they want to create on their finished product and prints it onto a transparent acetate film. This will be used for creating stencils!

2.

Preparing the Screen

Next, the printer will choose a mesh screen to suit the complexity of your design and texture. The material is coated with light-reactive emulsion that hardens when developed under bright lights.

3.

Making the Stencil

After the screen has been exposed for a set time, any unhardened emulsion is carefully rinsed away. This leaves an accurate imprint of your design on top so that ink can flow through easily. The printer will make touch-ups where necessary to ensure everything comes out perfect every single time–and now you have a stencil. 

4.

Screen Printing the Product

The screen is placed on top of the printing press. The printed item or garment will go underneath this onto a flat surface prepared beforehand with ink. 

5.

Checking and Washing Your Product

Once the printed product has passed through a dryer, this process “cures” the ink. It will be checked and washed thoroughly to remove any residue. The final piece is then ready for its new owner!

Philadelphia Screen Printing Equipment

Screen printers must have everything they want to ensure that the print job turns out smoothly. Below you can read about the pieces of equipment involved in this process. 

a conveyor belt with black shirts ready to be screen printed

Screen Printing Press

Printing with a mesh screen and squeegee is one way to make a print. However, most printers prefer the press as they can print multiple items at once using this method. This allows them greater efficiency because swapping out the item they are printing on is easy. 

Our screen printing facility utilizes three press types: manual for specialty projects, semi-automatic for medium runs, and fully automatic for high-volume orders. Each press type allows us to deliver the perfect balance of quality and efficiency for your specific needs.

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Silk Screen

Silkscreen printing is a process where an artist uses tightly-stretched mesh or screens to leave designs on canvas. The first step of this technique requires mounting the silkscreens over your chosen fabric, with separate pieces for each color. 

Screen printing table

Frame

Different frames are used in screen printing, including wood and aluminum. The wooden option is more budget-conscious. However, the aluminum frame is more durable in the long run and is easier and lighter on the printer. 

a man wearing gloves and holding a hose and spraying water on a screen printing press

Washing Equipment

Philadelphia’s dedicated screen printing facility maintains exceptional quality through meticulous screen maintenance. Professional-grade equipment and thorough cleaning processes ensure every print meets premium standards.

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Inks

Make designs pop with specialty inks from Philadelphia’s expert screen printers. Choose from dimensional puff effects, sparkling glitter, or textured finishes – each perfectly matched to your material and vision.

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Squeegee

Our expert team utilizes professional-grade squeegees matched to each project’s needs. We select specific blade firmness for your design (firm rubber for intricate details, softer for fabric and simpler designs) ensuring perfect ink coverage every time.

Digital Screen Printing in Philadelphia

Digital printing in Philadelphia delivers precise color accuracy for even the most complex designs. Advanced fabric printers capture every detail with exceptional clarity, which is ideal for intricate logos and vibrant multi-color artwork.

screen printed shirt

Screen Printing vs Other Printing Methods

Screen printing is a popular way to print designs on shirts, hats, and other fabrics. But did you know that there are other methods available? Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential.

Sublimation vs Screen Printing

With dye sublimation, you can have a unique design on every shirt. It’s perfect for small projects or one-of-type creations because of its high cost and time consumption.

DTG vs Screen Printing

DTG (direct to garment) printing services offer a perfect solution for small batches and photo-realistic designs. Our advanced digital printers transfer images directly to fabric with exceptional detail, making it ideal for complex logos, photographs, and custom one-off pieces.

Heat Press vs Screen Printing

Heat transfer printing is an easy and cost-effective way to get personalized items. It can be used for small batches, like shoes, bags, or hats, that require detailed designs because of their awkward shape.

Vinyl vs Screen Printing

Get expert guidance in Philadelphia to choose the ideal printing method for your project. Here’s why screen printing stands out:

  • Durability: Screen printed designs resist fading and cracking, outlasting vinyl alternatives.
  • Quality: Achieve vibrant colors and intricate details that vinyl can’t match, perfect for complex Philadelphia business logos.
  • Volume: Most cost-effective for orders over 12 pieces, ideal for team uniforms or event merchandise.
  • Color Options: Superior color range and gradient capabilities for eye-catching designs.

Philadelphia Screen Printing Services Vs DIY Projects

While DIY screen printing might seem tempting, professional screen printing services in Philadelphia offer superior quality and cost-effectiveness for most projects. Skip the DIY hassle with Philadelphia’s most trusted screen printing shop, delivering expert results while you focus on design.

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A Brief History of Screen Printing

The first screen printing was introduced in China during the Song Dynasty (969-1279AD), and other countries like Japan have since adopted it. Screen-printing processes are more advanced than traditional methods of printmaking because they can create intricate designs that would otherwise not be possible with just ink on paper or cotton fabric!

The use of screen printing in the West was introduced from Asia sometime around the 18th century. Still, it did not gain significant acceptance until silk mesh became more available and profitable.

Popular Screen Printed Products

Screen printing is a process that has been used for centuries to create images and designs on textiles. In fact, screen printing is so popular that countless businesses specialize in creating these products. Screen-printed products are a great option if you want a unique gift or something to promote your business.

T-Shirts

Add a personal touch to any item with Philadelphia screen printing services. And with so many color options and materials available, it's easy to find the perfect match for any project.

Long-Sleeved T-Shirts

A lightweight long-sleeve printed t-shirt is an excellent way to transition from winter to spring and summer to fall.

Tank Tops

Some organizations that would benefit from a screen-printed tank top would be gyms, summer camps, and mobile car detailing companies.

Sweatshirts

Sports teams will appreciate a warm screen printed sweatshirt that represents their school and is personalized with their name and jersey number.

Sweatpants

Athletes often transition from a warm building to the cold outdoors; having a pair of screen-printed sweatpants to throw on top of their uniform will keep them comfortable and is a great way to show team spirit.

Hats

A screen-printed hat will give your business or nonprofit recognition all over town.

Uniforms

If your organization seeks a way to bring consistency to your employees, players, or volunteers, a screen-printed uniform will help others quickly identify your business or team.

Bags and Backpacks

Almost everyone has used a customized screen-printed backpack or bag.

Umbrellas

This is a functional addition to your promo products that clients and customers would surely appreciate when they need to stay dry or out of the sun.

Blankets

A screen-printed blanket with your company logo is the perfect and practical way to say thank you.

Towels

Golf clubs, gyms, fitness spas, and sports teams would benefit from a screen-printed towel.

Other Products

Consider a screen-printed water bottle or a coffee mug if you're seeking a promotional product that will get daily use.

Businesses That Benefit From Screen Printing in Philadelphia

Local Philadelphia embroidery service businesses and organizations will see a positive impact when choosing to promote and advertise their services using screen printing. When you partner with a local screen printing company, you are taking your advertising to the next level and creating brand awareness in the Philadelphia region and beyond. 

Landscaping

Landscapers in the Philadelphia area can grow your clientele by screen printing your employee's shirts, hats, and other gear that will get the attention of homeowners and other businesses requiring professional lawn care services.

Education

Public, private, and charter schools in Central Pennsylvania can promote your place of education with the use of screen printing products like pens, mugs, cups, and more.

Nonprofits and Fundraising

From neighborhood initiatives to city-wide campaigns, we help your cause reach more supporters across the Philadelphia area with quality printed apparel.

Restaurants

Restaurants and cafes in the Philadelphia region will benefit from screen-printed products such as menus, signage, and other marketing materials that will grow the business.

Bars

Philadelphia has no lack of bars, and one way to have your company stand out from the crowd is by partnering with a local screen printing company to have your logo printed on things like aprons, menus, t-shirts, and much more.

Bands

For the musically inclined in Central Pennsylvania, screen-printed band t-shirts, hats, and cups are a great way to promote your group. Fans will flock to your merchandise table to get the latest gear.

Sports

Whether you represent a local Philadelphia high school or private sports team, screen printing your team on products like jerseys, drawstring bags, equipment, and water bottles is a great way to display team spirit for all to see.

Price Factors for Our Printing Services

The prices of products and services vary depending on the type, size, or design. If you’re looking for something specific, it is best to contact the printing company before making any decisions about your purchase, so you have all the information upfront. 

Type of Product

Screen printing costs in Philadelphia reflect each project’s unique demands. Expert printers deliver vibrant results on any color material, with white garments offering the most cost-effective option.

Quantity

You might be surprised that buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. This quantity discount allows you to purchase a larger quantity of an item for a lower price per unit.

Location

Screen printing can be done on the front or back of the garment, but you can also create a unique look by printing on the sleeves as well.

Number of Colors

If you’re looking for a shirt with multiple designs and colors, it will be more expensive than one with just one color.

Due Date

If your order requires a quick turnaround, you may see an increase in cost. This is because the orders are prioritized in our production queue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing

If you take good care of your screen-printed shirt, it will last the garment’s life! Fading is typical and can happen if wear isn’t adequately cared for.

Screen printing provides high-quality prints on various materials with excellent results. It’s worth the extra cost because it produces such great-looking pieces, and you can’t go wrong using a local screen printing company to promote your organization. 

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

We specialize in creating high-quality screen printing and embroidery tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s custom apparel, promotional items, or team uniforms, we’re here to help make it happen.

Fill out the form to get your free quote, and one of our friendly experts will be in touch promptly to discuss your project. Let us show you why businesses and organizations across Pennsylvania trust Shenk Company for exceptional service and fast turnaround times.

Get started by filling out this form, and a member of our team will be in touch!

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