Many promotional products are customized with screen-printing technology. So what exactly is screen printing, and how do its capabilities compare to digital printing's?

Introduced by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago, screen printing uses a stencil (also known as a screen) to transfer ink to the printing surface. Various screens are used one after the other to create the final image. Since the technology is versatile, fast, durable, and cost efficient, it's become an effective and popular customization tool in the promotional products industry. Particularly for trade show exhibitors, screen printing is often used to customize giveaways. Since it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including those that are flat and uneven, screen printing is used to personalize everything from apparel and bags to "drinkware" and writing instruments.

Screen printing creates a high level of vibrancy and uses a considerable amount of ink. As such, it's the best technique when working with dark surfaces or materials. Plus, this process is completed by hand, as opposed to via computer, so it's useful for uniquely shaped products, such as bottles and mugs. However, given the additional labor required, you usually need to order a large quantity for maximum cost effectiveness.

In comparison, digital printing involves artwork that is processed using a computer and then printed onto the product surface. A much newer technique, digital is great for highly detailed, photo-quality printing. Plus, the ink is applied in much thinner quantities compared to screen printing, and as such, it's best used on lighter-colored materials that allow the design to stand out.