There are several advantages that screen printed signs deliver over digital printing. Depending on the specific application, these benefits may or may not make screen printing the right option for you. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of screen printed signs.
Screen Printed Signs Are Best for Bulk Orders
As a process, screen printing becomes more cost effective as the number of printed units increases. This is because a custom screen must first be created before any printing can actually be done. For this reason, screen printed signs aren't really recommended for single sign orders. However, if you need 25 signs or more, then screen printing may be the most affordable printing option available to you.
Common applications that are conducive to the bulk-order requirement of screen printed signs include real estate "For Sale" signs, roadside advertisements, political campaign signage and contractor yard signs.
Screen Printed Signs Are Weather-Resistant
Another advantage of screen printed signs is the fact that they are fairly durable. Thanks to the use of weather-resistant inks, screen printing reduces the potential for color fading and other unwanted damage. To improve durability, customers also have the option of choosing from a variety of sign materials beyond standard paper. These options include plastic, styrene, acrylic and more.
Downsides of Screen Printed Signs
One of the biggest downsides of screen printing is size constraints. Since the physical size of the printing screen needs to be kept fairly small to keep prices low, the process typically doesn't make sense for larger sign applications. Additionally, price of screen printed signs increases considerably as the number of colors increases. This means that signs that incorporate rich imagery and complex graphics may be better suited for digital printing. As a general rule of thumb, sign designs with more than three colors are typically not ideal for screen printing.
Getting Cheap Screen Printed Signs
To save money on screen printed signs, consider comparing prices from a variety of online printing companies. In general, online printers tend to charge less for screen printing when compared to small local printing shops. Thankfully, a healthy amount of online competition helps keep screen printing costs relatively low.
