A quick stroll through our Salazar Packaging gallery will show the number of great looking boxes we have helped create for e-commerce and subscription programs. What is not quite as obvious is how many of them wisely used screen printing to help minimize cost and maximize the graphic design impact.
What is Screen Printing on Corrugated?
Essentially the print plate is designed to deliver less ink in select areas to create a lighter (less dense) shade of the same color. For example, it cannot turn navy blue into robin’s egg blue, but you can create two or more shades of the same dark blue without the cost of additional ink colors or print plates. This is most commonly done with black ink to create gray or grayscale copy, but we can do it with any color.
What is the Benefit of Designing with Screens?
As stated above, it opens up the door and imagination in terms of graphic design. Distinct multicolor “looks” are created at minimal expense. By comparison, a second ink color can add as much as 5% and requires another print plate typically costing between $400 and $600. By properly using a screen, the design can be enhanced, creating a two color look, without increasing the cost per box.
How Much of My Copy and Color Can I Screen?
Generally, if you find yourself screening more than 50% of the copy of any one color, you are probably better off utilizing a second color. Think of screen colors as accent color, in many cases used to create a 3-D type look. It should not be the primary shade being shown or used.
Most screened designs reduce the ink flow and density 50 to 75%, but more or less is possible depending on the color or graphic design. Even though we are not graphic designers, we can refer you to one or will work with yours to make sure you get the design you want at the cost you need.
The Unique, Beautiful Results of Screened Printing
Check out the close up of the SCRA box we did where a screen was used inside the box to give the globe in their logo some depth. On the Rockets of Awesome box screens were used to create the gradually fading sky background that would otherwise only be possible with a much more expense print process. One of our old favorites is the Uncommon Goods box where we were able to create a 3-D look drawing of a wine glass, avoiding an expensive photo label. Last but not least. On the Applied Underwriters bobble head tote, screens were used to give their mascot a 3-D look.
Our well trained branded packaging advisors will help you in every facet of your box project including box sizing, internal packaging requirements (foam, pulp, die cut corrugated inserts, etc.) and providing money saving graphic guidance based on the hundreds of boxes we have helped our customers create.
Please contact us via email at Salazar Packaging or call us at 630-551-1700. We look forward to adding you to our long list of customers who are thrilled with their packaging.
Related posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/twelve-new-photos-added-salazar-packaging-gallery/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/e-commerce-boxes-that-sparkle-and-shine/
