SCREEN PRINTING
WHAT IT IS: Screen printing is a process by which an image is imposed onto a specialized mesh creating a stencil. Inks or coatings are pushed through the apertures in the mesh by way of a squeegee under pressure and transferred onto a substrate. Also know as “silk screen” printing, this process can be used on a variety of surfaces with an array of ink types to create unique effects unavailable via other processes.
BEST USES: Overprinting; Large, solid areas floated with opaque colors or translucent coatings; Bringing a hand crafted, human element to printed pieces.
EXAMPLES:
FOIL STAMPING
WHAT IT IS: Using immense pressure and high heat, a design is transferred onto a substrate via a thin metallic, translucent or opaque film. The image to be foil stamped is etched in relief onto the plate so the design is raised, rather than recessed. This process yields a unique tactile effect that is sought after for its bold, three dimensional quality.
BEST USES: Matte pigment, gloss pigment, metallic, holographic, tint and special effects; Great for tone-on-tone looks – black-on-black, pearl-on-anything, etc.
FOIL STAMPING EXAMPLES:
Why use screen printing vs foil stamping?
Ultimately, the choice may come down to cost or the demands of the particular substrate you wish to print on. Either way, the debate over whether to use screen printing vs foil stamping is largely an aesthetic one and, either way, you really can’t go wrong.