Silk Screen Printing
Precision Graphics for Industrial and Commercial Applications
Silk screen printing is a tried and true method for applying graphics, labels, and identification markings to various surfaces, including metal, plastic, and glass. Associated Finishing specializes in high-quality silk screen printing for industries that require durable, detailed prints that withstand demanding environments. Our precisely tooled fixtures ensure close tolerance applications, delivering consistent results across high-volume production.
Whether you need brand logos, safety instructions, control panel graphics, or product labels, our silk screen printing process provides sharp, long-lasting results that adhere well to both coated and uncoated surfaces.
What Is Silk Screen Printing?
Silk screen printing uses a mesh stencil and specialized inks to transfer a design onto the desired surface. This method provides bold, high-contrast graphics that remain resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure.
Unlike digital printing or stickers, silk screen printing directly bonds the ink to the substrate, offering greater durability for industrial, commercial, and manufacturing applications.
Benefits of Silk Screen Printing
Long-Lasting Performance
Silk screen printing uses high-quality, solvent-resistant inks that withstand:
- Abrasion and wear from daily use
- Harsh industrial chemicals and solvents
- UV exposure, preventing fading over time
- High temperatures and environmental conditions
This makes it a preferred printing method for equipment panels, aerospace components, medical devices, and automotive parts.
High Precision and Versatility
Associated Finishing’s in-house tooling and fixture development create consistent print quality on flat and slightly contoured surfaces. Our silk screen printing capabilities include:
- Fine-line graphics and sharp text for control panels and warning labels
- High-opacity inks for excellent visibility on dark or coated surfaces
- Multi-color designs for enhanced branding
Cost-Effective for High-Volume Production
Silk screen printing is an efficient and repeatable process, making it ideal for medium to large production runs. Once created, the screen can be reused for consistent, high-quality prints across multiple batches, reducing per-unit costs.
Industries That Rely on Silk Screen Printing
Associated Finishing provides custom silk screen printing for a variety of industries, including:
Industrial & Manufacturing
Control panels, identification labels, and machine markings
Automotive & Transportation
Dashboards, warning labels, and branding components
Medical Devices
Instrument labeling, surgical tool markings, and durable identification graphics
Aerospace & Defense
Mission-critical labeling for high-performance components
Consumer Products
Branded product graphics, decorative accents, and appliance markings
Our precise registration and durable ink formulations make silk screen printing essential for functional and aesthetic applications.
Silk Screen Printing vs. Pad Printing
Associated Finishing offers pad printing as an alternative to silk screen printing for small, curved, or irregular surfaces. For control panels, flat product branding, and industrial labeling, silk screen printing is preferred, while pad printing is ideal for precision markings on small or complex parts.
| Feature | Silk Screen Printing | Pad Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large, flat, or slightly curved surfaces | Small, highly detailed, irregular surfaces |
| Durability | High resistance to wear, chemicals, and UV | Strong adhesion for fine details |
| Production Volume | Ideal for mid-to-large runs | Suitable for both small and large runs |
Artwork Requirements for Silk Screen Printing
For new silk screen printing projects, artwork must be submitted in the correct format to ensure sharp, high-quality prints. Our graphic design partners can assist in preparing files, but we prefer vector-based formats for optimal results.
Preferred File Formats
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai) – Best option for precision printing
- CorelDraw (.cdr), QuarkXPress, and InDesign – Acceptable alternatives
- PDF files – Can work but may require adjustments
The artwork should be sized precisely for the final print and have clear vector lines to prevent pixelation. Files can be emailed to quotes@associatedfinishing.com for processing.
Complete Finishing Solutions from Associated Finishing
In addition to silk screen printing, we provide comprehensive finishing services, including:
Powder Coating
Durable, high-performance coatings for metal substrates
Liquid Coating
Military-spec CARC coatings and specialty finishes
Abrasive Blasting
Surface preparation for optimal coating adhesion
Chemical Stripping
Safe, effective coating removal for part restoration
With five facilities and decades of expertise, we deliver turnkey solutions for industrial and commercial manufacturers.
Request a Quote for Silk Screen Printing
If you need precision graphics, labeling, or branding on metal, plastic, or glass surfaces, Associated Finishing has the expertise to deliver high-quality, long-lasting results.
Contact us today to discuss your project or request a quote.