Frequently Asked Questions
Why screen print vs. offset or litho print?
There are several reasons why items are screen printed vs. typical printing. The first reason to screen print is the achievable color gambit which delivers rich, bold, and brilliant colors, as well as being able to print various specialty inks which include metallic, dry erase, non skid, magnetic, chalk board and many others. The second reason is durability of the print. While typical offset or litho prints exposed to outdoor conditions last only 3-4 months depending on the colors in the print, screen printed items will typically last a minimum of 24 months and there are several types of laminates or overprint clears that will extend the available life to 5 years or more in an outside environment. These ratios can be applied to indoor use as well.
Another reason to screen print is the available substrates that are available to compliment your product. Whether you are printing signs on corrugated plastic, styrene, foamcore, expanded PVC or polyethylene, or decals on vinyl or polyester, control panels and graphic overlays from polycarbonate or polyester, nameplates on aluminum or stainless steel, the list of materials that can be screen printed and fabricated are almost limitless.
Is digital printing a good alternative to screen printing?
The answer is yes and no. The digital printing revolution has definitely aided in being able to print products without the initial cost for films and screens. If you are just looking to obtain a low price for a small quantity run, then this is a reasonable alternative. Even as good as digital inks have become, they still do not compare in color density (pigment load) to screen print inks. There is also the “process to color” limitation of digital printing that will not allow you to hit a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color exactly where when screen printed the color can be an exact match which is especially important to some customers who want their logos to be perfectly consistent. However for a vast majority of needs at smaller quantities, digital printing is a good alternative to screen printing.
Why do I need artwork in vector format?
Vector format files allow for total manipulation of the artwork. A vector file can be resized without degradation of any images or text. It also allows us to build "traps" between the color breaks which is essential for screen printing.
Can you match PMS colors for screen printing?
Yes and no. PMS colors are designed for paper ink to be placed on white stock. You may indicate what PMS color you would like and we will do our best to match the color, but understand it cannot be guaranteed to be exact on a textile, especially if it is not screen printed on white.
We offer very low minimums, please contact us for more information.
T shirts for youth medium to adult 10XL can be printed together at a 12.5” x 12.5" design size. Youth small, infant and toddler sizes will need to be screen printed with a smaller sized print. We can print both youth and adult t shirts together if the design size is made to fit the smallest shirt being screen printed. Some customers prefer to have two sizes of artwork made, one for adult and one for youth. When printing a small order, one size of art is the most economical choice.
Can I print on various shirt colors?
As long as the same ink color can be used on all tee shirts, there should be no problem. Your design on paper will be placed on all the colors you want to print on… just to be sure the design works for you on all of your color choices.
Can I print on a variety of products?
Tee shirts and sweatshirts can be combined into one screen printing order. The fabric of jackets or design size can require a separate process and treatment as a separate order.
Can you screen print 4 color process artwork?
Yes, we offer four color process. 4 color process designs need to be printed on white garments. In many cases spot color can be more affordable and effective. We are happy to work this through for you to find the best colors for your design.
Are you able to use my logo for embroidery?
Yes. GSP will make your embroidered logo look more beautiful than anyone. Digitizing or converting your logo to thread for an embroidery design, takes expertise and experience. Digitizing fees are based on the complexity of the design.
Can I bleach my embroidered garment?
Our standard embroidery thread is made from rayon, so non-chlorine bleach is best for washing your garments. However, special thread is available at an additional cost if that is what you need.
Greathouse Screen Printing is located at 5644 Kearny Mesa Drive, Suite E, San Diego, CA 92078. Our phone number is 858-279-4939.
