Screen printing is a fabric printing method that forces ink into the fibers of clothing, resulting in durable graphics that resist washing and wear. It allows for scalable images, accommodating various applications across different materials, but it faces challenges in achieving precise color mixing and intricate details. While it requires a multistep process with potential issues in alignment, advancements are gradually improving its capabilities.

2.  Many fabric printing methods are derived from
technologies that were originally designed for use
on other materials.
 This results in the application of inks to the
surface of a shirt or piece of clothing where it can
be easily peeled away or affected by weather.

3.  Screen printing uses pressure from a squeegee or
other mechanical device to force the ink into the
fibers where it is absorbed and integrated into the
fabric.
 This creates printed products that have very
durable graphics. The graphics will not wash away
or respond to physical contact. Items printed in
this way will last for years.

4.  One of the advantages of printing with screens is
that a single image can be scaled upwards or
downwards as needed.
 This means that a business logo or other graphic
can be scaled to cover the entire front of a shirt or
just a small area over a pocket.

5.  Photosensitive masks make it possible to
generate these types of screens quickly. This is
not always possible with some other applications
that require separate graphic files in order to
change image sizes.
 This saves businesses money and time creating
multiple designs for different formats.

6.  Screen printing is a method
that can accommodate a
wide range of different
materials. This means
printers can produce tshirts,
promotional banners, hats
and even posters all from
the same screens.

7.  Additionally, the quality of each product will
remain consistent despite the underlying ground.
This gives businesses the opportunity to produce
a range of branded products for customers,
storefronts or the office.

8.  A disadvantage of the printing process is that the
ink must be pushed through the screens. This
means that it is difficult to mix colors in an
accurate and painterly way in order to simulate
smooth gradients and other effects.
 This is why most items printed in this way are
made from a combination of different color zones
with no intermediary mixing.

9.  Screen printing is a process that requires fewer
initial steps than most other techniques.
 The printing, however, is a multistep process that
involves placing different screens over a shirt in
perfect alignment in order to create the final
graphic.

10.  Small problems during the printing of any single
screen could create an issue that offsets or
distorts the completed image.

11.  The limitations of screens as well as the
techniques used to apply the ink to the fabric
make it difficult to create small intricate details.

12.  The exact limitations vary depending on the
printer and the equipment. Attempting to print
designs with small details can sometimes result in
technical problems, bleeding and poor quality
results.
 New techniques and screen materials are slowly
removing this restriction.