Screen printing is one of the most widely used methods for putting logos and designs on apparel — and for good reason. When done correctly, a screen printed design is durable, vibrant, and built to last through years of regular washing.

This page covers how screen printing works, when it makes sense, and what Maine businesses and organizations typically need to know before placing an order.

How Screen Printing Works

Screen printing forces ink through a mesh screen onto a garment using a squeegee. Each color in a design requires its own screen, which is why the process is best suited for designs with defined, solid colors rather than photographic gradients.

The basic steps are:

1. Artwork is separated into individual color layers
2. Each color layer is burned onto a separate mesh screen
3. The garment is placed on a press platen
4. Ink is pushed through each screen in sequence
5. The finished print is cured with heat to bond the ink permanently to the fabric

Manual vs. Automatic Presses

Smaller shops often run manual presses, where a printer physically pulls the squeegee across each screen by hand. Larger production shops use automatic presses, which are machine-driven and capable of printing hundreds of shirts per hour with consistent pressure and registration.

For orders of 24 pieces or more, automatic press production generally delivers more consistent results — every shirt receives the same ink deposit, the same pressure, and the same color placement.

What Screen Printing Works Well For

Screen printing is the right choice when:

• The design has 1–6 solid colors
• The order quantity is 12 pieces or more
• Long-term durability is important
• The garment is a standard cotton or cotton-blend fabric

It's used widely for employee uniforms, event shirts, team apparel, nonprofit fundraiser shirts, restaurant staff wear, and branded workwear across Maine.

Ink Types Used in Maine Print Shops

The two most common inks in commercial screen printing are plastisol and water-based.

Plastisol is the industry standard — it's opaque, durable, and forgiving to work with. Water-based inks absorb into the fabric rather than sitting on top, producing a softer hand feel. Some shops also offer discharge printing, which uses a chemical activator to remove dye from the garment and replace it with ink, resulting in an extremely soft print on darker garments.

Common Questions About Screen Printing in Maine

What's a typical minimum order? Most screen printing shops in Maine set minimums between 12 and 24 pieces per design. Lower quantities can be accommodated through direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which is better suited for short runs.

How long does production take? Standard turnaround in most Maine shops runs 7–10 business days after artwork approval. Rush options vary by shop.

Can you print on dark shirts? Yes. Printing on dark garments requires an underbase — a white ink layer printed first so colors appear accurate on top of the dark fabric. This adds a step to the process but is standard practice.