Skateboard screen printing

Types of skateboard screen printing

There are two main types of skateboard screen printing that businesses should know about:

• Manual screen printing

  Manual screen printing involves the use of human labor to create screens for printing. First, a stencil is made from a photochemical emulsion that has to be cured with light. Once cured, the emulsion is sensitive to light and can be used to create the desired stencils. The screens are put on the board, and ink is pushed through them using a squeegee. The placement of the screens has to be precise so the print can come out how the designer intended. Once printed, the skate deck is put through a curing process that involves heat to dry and set the ink. This process also makes the print more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

• Automatic screen printing

  In contrast to manual screen printing, automatic screen printing uses machinery to create prints. The machines do most of the work, from creating the screens to pushing the ink through them. However, an artist still needs to be present to set the parameters of the machine and ensure the print comes out correctly. The machinery uses computerized systems to create delicate and intricate designs that may be difficult to achieve through manual printing. Automatic screen printing is more efficient and produces fewer errors than manual printing. This method is more economical if businesses want to print in bulk.

Scenarios of skateboard screen printing

Skateboard deck printing is a well-known technique used to print graphics on skateboards. This printing methodology has found many applications and usage scenarios, which include the following:

• Retail skateboards – Screen printing is widely used in the retail industry to produce graphics on skateboards that are sold to customers. Retail skateboards utilize screen printing because it is an efficient method for producing quality prints in large quantities. The technique also produces vibrant and long-lasting graphics that appeal to customers. Additionally, screen printing on skateboards creates an abrasion-resistant surface that does not easily wear off, thus making the retail skateboards more attractive and durable.
• Custom and special orders – Another application of skateboard screen printing is on custom and special orders. These include limited edition series, collaborations, or specific client requests. Screen printing allows for unique and intricate designs that cater to specific customer preferences. Although producing custom graphics may require more time and effort, the results are still worth it.
• Promotional items - Another area where skateboard screen printing can be applied is in creating promotional items. Businesses, brands, or even bands may use printed skateboards as marketing tools or giveaways. Screen printing helps in creating eye-catching and memorable designs that effectively convey promotional messages. Moreover, the printed skateboards are functional art pieces that stand out and attract more attention.
• Art and collector pieces - Art and collector pieces are other areas where skateboard screen printing finds application. This technique is used to create art pieces that are intended for display rather than for riding. Artists use screen printing to make intricate and detailed designs on skateboards. The method also allows for the addition of mixed media elements, such as painting or collage. Moreover, printed skateboards have become popular among collectors, and they seek unique and artistic designs.
• Sponsorship and team boards – Skateboarders and teams often use screen printing to create branded boards with logos and sponsorship information. Team boards are used for professional riders and their sponsors. The printed boards feature the rider's name, logo, and sponsor branding. Screen printing provides a way to incorporate these elements into the board design effectively.

How to Choose skateboard screen printing

When choosing a skateboard screen printing setup, buyers should consider the following:

• Number of Colors

  Skateboards printed with a single color are easier to print than those with multiple colors. Consequently, a multi-color design requires an advanced printing setup and equipment. Businesses should get printing kits for single-color designs if their budget is low. Those with sufficient funds can invest in kits suitable for printing multi-color designs. Such kits come with multiple screens and stencils.

• Material Compatibility

  Printing kits use different inks for various materials. For instance, water-based inks are suitable for wood and fabric, while plastic and metal require solvent-based inks. Therefore, businesses must consider the materials of their skateboard decks when selecting printing kits to ensure compatibility.

• Print Quality and Durability

  Some printing kits produce vivid colors and more durable prints than others. Buyers should consider their end customers' demands and the intended use of the skateboards. If customers prefer vibrant and long-lasting prints, buyers should invest in high-quality kits. High-quality kits also provide better coverage and can withstand multiple washes.

• Cost and Budget

  Various screen printing kits for skateboards cost differently. While single-color kits are inexpensive, complex multi-color kits are costly. Therefore, businesses must assess their budgets and the projected costs of the printing setup. They can do this by calculating the cost of the kit, screens, stencils, and inks.

• Skill Level

  Buyers should consider their or their workers' skill levels when getting printing kits. Some kits require advanced printing techniques and skills, while others are suitable for beginners. Therefore, users should get kits that match their skill levels to achieve quality prints.

Function, Feature, and Design of Skateboard Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most common and popular methods for printing graphics onto skateboard decks. During the process, a stencil is made on a mesh screen, and ink is pushed through the screen onto the deck using a squeegee.

Here are some functions, features, and designs of skateboard screen printing:

• Durability

  The printed graphics have excellent resistance to abrasion and also against the solvents present in skateboard deck adhesives. This durability ensures that the graphics remain visible for an extended period, which is crucial for the decks' aesthetic appeal and the skaters' performance. Additionally, the durability of screen-printed graphics contributes to their lifespan and reduces the need for replacements, thereby saving costs in the long run.

• Vibrant Colors and High Detail

  One significant advantage of screen printing on skateboards is the vibrant colors it produces. The process involves layering thick, opaque inks, resulting in striking, visually appealing designs that stand out. This feature is particularly important for creating eye-catching graphics that can attract customers' attention and influence their purchasing decisions.

• Customizability

  Another important aspect of screen printing is the degree of customizability it offers. Deck manufacturers can create unique designs tailored to specific market segments or individual customer preferences. This flexibility allows for the production of limited-edition decks, personalized skateboards, or variations in design that can meet different aesthetic demands. Customizability through screen printing also enables manufacturers to respond quickly to changing market trends or customer requests, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and profitability.

• Separation of Colors

  Color separation is an essential feature of the screen-printing process. Each color in a design requires a separate screen, which makes the printing process labor-intensive and time-consuming. This feature, however, allows for greater control over the final appearance of the graphics and ensures that even complex designs with multiple colors can be accurately reproduced. The precision of color separation in screen printing contributes to the overall quality and appeal of the decks, making them more marketable.

Q&A

Q: What is the main objective of skateboard screen printing?

A: The primary goal of skateboard screen printing is to create visually appealing and durable graphics that enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of the skateboard. Whether it's for retail sale, personal use, or professional skateboarding, the printed designs should be attractive, unique, and able to withstand the wear and tear of skating.

Q: What is the difference between a printed skateboard deck and a blank skateboard deck?

A: The primary difference between a printed and blank skateboard deck is the presence of graphics. Printed decks feature visual artwork, which can range from simple logos to intricate illustrations or photographs. These graphics are often used to convey personal style, support a brand, or display the work of specific artists.

Q: How long does screen printing take?

A: The duration of the screen printing process can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of colors used, the level of detail required, and the scale of the printing project. In general, for a single screen-printed item, the actual printing time is relatively short, often ranging from minutes to around an hour.

Q: Is it possible to print on the underside of a skateboard?

A: Yes, it is indeed possible to print on the underside of a skateboard. While the top side of a skateboard usually features graphic art and the bottom side often has grip tape for traction, both surfaces can be screen printed with the right techniques and materials. Printing on the underside is less common but can result in unique and visually striking designs.