At BIDBI we offer 3 types of printing, Screen, Digital and DST. Here's a quick guide to each technique to help you choose which is the most suitable for your artwork.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is our most popular print technique, and we love it! It's the eco-friendliest way of printing logos and illustrations on cotton, with a solid, bright finish that’s long lasting, whilst maintaining the soft feel of the cotton.
How does it work?
Screen printing (also known as silk screen) is the technique of pushing ink through a fine mesh that has a stencil exposed onto it. Each colour is printed individually so therefore has limitations with the number of colours that can be printed at once. However, this technique is the most cost effective way to reproduce a limited number of colours.
Is it right for me?
If your artwork has 5 or less block colours and doesn't contain varying transparencies/gradients, then yes, screen printing is for you. Remember that we have loads of specialist inks available, so if your designs require a little extra presence, ask us about our specialist inks.
Digital Printing
Digital printing, otherwise known as heat transfer is a great way of reproducing full colour artwork and fine details on light coloured fabrics whilst maintaining the original appearance of the artwork. It is recommended for any artwork that cannot be screen printed.
How does it work?
The technique is simple; your artwork is printed onto a piece of transfer paper, which is then applied to the bag using a heat press, which using high heat and pressure transfers the ink onto the cotton.
Is it right for me?
If your artwork contains lots of colour and/or very fine details then digital printing is for you. It is also the best method for printing photographs onto light fabrics.
DST Printing
DST (digital screen technologies) combines both of the above techniques into one! We use DST to print full colour images onto coloured or darker fabrics. It has unmatched colour accuracy and a durable finish.
How does it work?
The process of applying the transfer to the bags is the same as digital printing, but this time the transfer has a screen-printed backing, so the transfer sits on top of the fabric when applied.
Is it right for me?
If you have an artwork file with full colour or photographic detail, and wish for it to be printed onto a non-light fabric, then DST is for you.
Still not sure?
No worries, take a look at our new Print Method Guide
