Understanding Print Methods: Screen vs Digital on Tea Towels
When you're looking to personalise tea towels, the printing method you choose can make all the difference. Whether it's for gifting, branding, or just adding a personal touch to your home, understanding how screen and digital printing work will help you pick the perfect option for your needs.
Let’s break down these two popular methods and find out which one suits your design, budget, and purpose best.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil (or screen) onto the tea towel. Each colour in the design gets its own stencil, making it ideal for simple, bold artwork with 1-3 colours.
Why Choose Screen Printing?
- Vibrancy: The ink sits on top of the fabric, delivering rich, saturated colours.
- Durability: Screen printed designs are long-lasting.
- Cost-Effective in Bulk: Perfect for large orders like retail merchandise or corporate events.
Best For:
- Cotton Tea Towels in white or natural shades
- One colour designs with PMS colour matching or choose from our standard colour range
- Band, logos and hospitality merch with minimal colours
What Is Digital Printing?
Digital printing uses eco-friendly, water-based inks printed directly onto the fabric via computer-controlled printers. It allows for unlimited colours and photo-realistic designs.
Why Choose Digital Printing?
- Detail: Great for intricate illustrations or photographs
- No Minimums: Ideal for small runs or one-off personalised gifts.
- Colour Range: Full CMYK colour range
Best For:
- Multi-colour artwork
- Gifts or limited-edition home decor lines
- Photos and family recipes
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Screen Printing | Digital Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Colour Limitations | Best for 1-3 colours | Unlimited colour range |
| Detail Level | Bold, graphic elements | Fine detail, gradients, photographic quality |
| Eco Credentials | Water-based inks, GOTS approved | Water-based, Oeko-Tex 100 certified |
| Minimum Orders | Minimum 50 per design | No minimums |
| Turnaround Time | 7 working days (can extend in peak) plus shipping | 7 working days extends to 3 weeks in peak periods (Oct-Nov) plus shipping |
| Cost Efficiency | Cheaper in large quantities | Better for short runs |
What About Fabric Compatibility?
All Expressions Tea Towels are crafted using high-quality 100% organic cotton or 50/50 cotton-linen blends. Both screen and digital printing are available on:
- White & Natural Organic Cotton
- Linen-Cotton Blends (ideal for premium designs)
Bonus: Our inks are solvent-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free—suitable for any kitchen essential, from tea towels to aprons.
Popular Uses Based on Print Method
Screen Print Tea Towels
- Charity fundraisers
- Hospitality branding (e.g. cafes, wineries)
- Bulk merchandise
Digital Print Tea Towels
- Wedding keepsakes
- Artist series
- Limited-edition kitchen essentials
Caring for Your Printed Tea Towels
- Machine wash cold with like colours
- Line dry
- Avoid bleach or harsh detergents
Get Started
FAQs
Can I mix both printing methods in one order?
Yes, but each print style needs to be quoted and processed separately.
Which method is more eco-friendly?
Both are eco-friendly. We use water-based, GOTS or Oeko-Tex certified inks for all our prints.
How long will my order take?
Standard turnaround is 7 working days. During peak seasons (Oct–Nov), please allow up to 3 weeks. Digital printing is typically faster for small runs. Need it sooner? Get in touch—we’re happy to help with urgent requests if we can.
Can I print photos on tea towels?
Absolutely! Choose digital printing for full-colour photo reproduction.
Do you offer folded and packaged options?
Yes—add folding, custom wraps or eco sleeves to your order for that extra polish.