Special effects in screen printing – or, prints that have power!

Special inks in screen printing allow you to create unique designs that are unattainable with other printing technologies. Many of these techniques can be successfully combined to create unique effects. Discover our arsenal of WOW effects in screen printing.

Special inks in screen printing will allow you to make a real difference in the world of advertising and fashion. The unique textures, colours and shine offer enormous possibilities for creative projects. With the ability to combine different techniques, you will create impressive three-dimensional designs that have depth. And power, of course!:) 

Meet our tools for special tasks – inks that would make a show, even at Hogwarts. Here are 13 special techniques in screen printing. All of them together and each individually will make (and leave) your promotional garments brilliantly impressive. Each technique can be used alone or combined with others – they are all yours!

Screen printing – Sugar technique

The Sugar screen printing technique involves the use of a special ink enriched with particles that resemble sugar crystals. Sugar inks are available in a variety of colours, making it possible to create diverse patterns and motifs. Once cured, the print takes on a delicate effect reminiscent of shimmering sugar powder. With this technique, a subtle shimmering effect is achieved. 

Sugar inks create a glitter effect reminiscent of a sugar crystal. This technique is ideal for highlighting details such as company logos, elements of nature (flowers, leaves), symbols, abstract patterns and backgrounds across the fabric. Sugar prints are ideal for T-shirts, caps, bags and other promotional products. They are perfect for the fashion industry, creating unique patterns and textures. Sugar prints are not only striking but also durable, making them ideal for everyday clothing and sportswear.

Screen printing – colour separation

This technique, by separating the graphics into separate colours, allows you to create photographic quality prints. Screen printing separation ensures colour accuracy and reproduction of even very complex patterns, shades, tonal transitions and gradients. The separation technique is particularly suitable for photorealistic prints, where maintaining colour accuracy is of paramount importance. Thanks to separation, exact shades and tonal transitions are achieved. The separation technique can be combined with other screen printing effects such as puff, HD, Glow In The Dark or Crystalline to create three-dimensional, striking images.

Screen printing – water-based inks

Ideal for creating muted, delicate effects and colour transitions on fine fabrics. The print is slightly transparent, soft and fits perfectly evenly on thin fabrics. The effect is reminiscent of a gentle brush stroke, except that the colours last a long time. A very long time.

Screen printing – reflective inks

These inks contain micro-fine particles that reflect light perfectly and are also visible in the dark. They are ideal for printing on workwear and sportswear, where ensuring safety and visibility is particularly important. The light-reflective particles in the ink generate an effect called ‘Blocker’, which blocks the colour of the material from penetrating through the logo. This ensures that the logo or marking will be perfectly exposed, both during the day and at night.

Screen printing – Puff / 3D technique

Puff screen printing, also known as embossed or 3D printing, uses unique inks with the addition of a foaming agent. When it reacts to heat, the ink expands, creating a 3D effect. Puff printing can be used both on the entire design and to highlight details (but no smaller than 1 mm). By adjusting the size of the puff effect, it is possible to create a print with a complex structure. 3D printing can be combined with other effects to create creative, intriguing prints.

Screen printing – metallic printing

This technique uses special inks containing microscopic metal particles or pigments with a metallic shine. The result is a shine that looks like metal, silver or gold. Metallic printing can create both a shiny and a matt effect. Metallic screen printing can be used on a variety of materials such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, bags and promotional bags. It is also ideal for marking sportswear, workwear and promotional clothing. The metallic shine will also be great for highlighting original merchandise and unique collections of fashion brands.

Screen printing – HD / High Density

High-density (HD) screen printing is characterised by a matt, three-dimensional finish and excellent durability and reproduction of details. It works best on cotton fabrics. During printing, the ink raises from the fabric, creating a three-dimensional effect. HD printing uses thick inks with a strong pigment. 

In this technique, each layer of ink must be cured before the next layer is applied. The result is a durable, multi-layered print that is resistant to crumbling, washing and fading. HD inks can be applied over traditional inks, creating a unique texture. Due to the high density of the ink, this technique is not recommended for projects with halftones or shading. HD screen printing will be best for projects with distinct shapes.

Screen printing – Crystalline ink

In this technique, we use ink with the addition of an iridescent Mylar film. Crystalline is sometimes referred to as ‘Yellow Sparkle’ because of its three-dimensional appearance, which gives the colours a shimmering effect full of deep tones. The Crystalline technique is great for marking bags, T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and other garments. The microscopic particles contained in the ink vary in diameter, creating a shimmering crystal effect. Depending on the method of applying the ink, we can achieve subtle, delicate reflections or a more intense shine. 

By varying the diameter of the particles and using different primer colours, we can achieve a variety of effects such as shimmer, glitter or shimmering shades. It can be applied to garments in its natural form or overlaid with other colours to emphasise selected design elements. The Crystalline technique can be combined with other screen printing techniques such as separation, metallic or HD printing to create complex and intriguing designs.

Screen printing – fluo / glow in the dark inks

These inks will be ideal if you want your print to be noticed. The neon, thick fluo inks are perfectly exposed in both daylight and artificial light. The glow in the dark inks show off their potential most effectively when exposed to sunlight or a UV lamp. 

After absorbing the rays, the print will give off light for some time, producing a unique glow in the dark effect. The strong pigments of these inks will ensure that the prints are difficult to pass by indifferently. This type of screen printing looks great on headbands, bags, as well as promotional and sports T-shirts. They will be ideal for summer festivals, club events, concerts and tournaments.

Screen printing – removing

Removing is an interesting technique that involves removing the dye contained in the fabric. It is best suited to dark, cotton fabrics. The removing method, also known as reduction screen printing, involves the gradual application of layers of ink until the final graphic effect is achieved.

Reduction produces delicate yet precise patterns and water effects. Although this method has some colour limitations, it is considered one of the most durable in the field of material marking. Prints made using the removing method are resistant to abrasion, washing, outdoor conditions and UV radiation.

Gel screen printing

With gel printing, a ‘high density’ gel layer is applied to the fabric, creating a decorative coating with a three-dimensional effect. This technique makes it possible to achieve precise prints, with full colour accuracy. A unique feature of gel printing is its ability to create three-dimensional effects. 

The translucent ink layer generates an impression of depth, making it possible to create unusual patterns such as water droplets or other types of surface effects. The inks are highly durable and resistant to abrasion and crumbling. The gel screen printing technique will work well as a decorative element, but can also function as protection for the graphic designs, preventing them from being damaged.

Screen printing – Glitter

Glitter inks consist of microscopic pieces of metallised film that are deposited on the material during printing. They are great for marking sweatshirts, bags, T-shirts and caps. Glitter inks are available in many colours to create a variety of designs.

The glitter effect can take on different shapes and sizes. You can choose fine glitter to give a subtle, shimmering effect, or larger pieces to create a more intense and shiny effect. Glitter inks are perfect for the fashion, music, entertainment and event industries. The glitter effect is perfect for highlighting a logo, claim or any design or detail. The ability to combine glitter printing with other screen printing techniques, such as separation, metallic printing or HD printing, gives you the opportunity to create special designs.

Craft screen printing

Coming in for dessert – all in craft – is our latest hand screen printing technology. Craft screen printing combines a traditional, timeless effect with a modern eco-style design. No words can describe the achieved effect, it is best to see and feel it under your fingers. We can only say that we love it and if you love traditional screen printing and classic craft effects – you will love craft screen.

Are you here? We’re glad you’ve made it to the point where we’re dropping the curtain and asking, how can we help you bring your ideas to life? Our arsenal of machines includes many techniques for marking garments and promotional gadgets. We look forward to seeing your projects.