Living and working in the vibrant Midland-Odessa area, we have an active and robust local business scene. In an age where everything is just a click away, it’s essential to remember that supporting local businesses isn’t only about transactions; it’s about fostering relationships and enhancing our community’s unique character. At Creative Marketing Nerds, we make it a point to collaborate with local businesses, and today we want to introduce you to three screen printing companies that we are proud to consider our partners.
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Stone Tower Grafix
Nestled in Odessa, Stone Tower Grafix is more than a screen printing shop; it’s a hub of creativity and service. We trust them for all our screen printing needs. As echoed in our experience and their reputation, customer service is second-to-none. But what truly sets them apart is their consistent delivery of quality work. Should you wish to visit them, Stone Tower Grafix is located at 7519 Andrews Highway in Odessa. Their business hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. You can reach them at (432) 653-4516 to discuss your specific needs. However, remember that their doors are closed on weekends, so plan your visit on a weekday.
Print A Vision
If you’re in Midland, Print A Vision is your reliable local choice for screen printing needs. Located at 3604 S County Rd 1200, they’re known for their high-quality work, reasonable pricing, and exceptional customer service. Need banners, shirts, or decals? Print A Vision will deliver on time and always with a smile. Their doors are open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Saturday. You can contact them at (432) 438-1193 to explore their offerings. Remember, they’re closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Kay’s Emblems
Stepping into Kay’s Emblems, a woman-owned business in Odessa, feels like coming home. They’ve turned their screen printing and embroidery business into a local hotspot at 621 Dale St. They cater to various products, including caps and t-shirts, and excel at creating team pieces. Their acceptance of credit card payments makes transactions convenient and easy. To get a feel for their craftsmanship, ring them at (432) 333-6412.
These three businesses, Kay’s Emblems, Stone Tower Grafix, and Print A Vision, have been instrumental in Midland-Odessa’s thriving custom screen printing market. They each offer unique services and are highly regarded by their customers for their high-quality work and excellent customer service.
In supporting local businesses, we’re keeping money in our community, promoting relationships, contributing to the local economy, and enhancing our area’s character. We at Creative Marketing Nerds are honored to have worked with Stone Tower Grafix, Print A Vision, and Kay’s Emblems and wholeheartedly recommend them for your t-shirt screen printing and embroidery needs.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing, or silkscreen or serigraphy, is a popular technique for transferring designs onto various materials, most commonly fabrics like t-shirts, paper, wood, and metal. It originated in China around 1000 AD and has been refined and adapted throughout the centuries, becoming an industry-standard in the 20th century.
The process involves creating a stencil, or screen, for each color in the design. The screens are a finely woven fabric, originally silk, but now typically polyester stretched over a frame. The areas of the screen that are not part of the design are blocked out, and ink is pushed through the open mesh onto the material beneath.
Here’s a general breakdown of the process:
1. A design is broken down into individual colors.
2. Screens are created for each color.
3. Each screen is set up on the press.
4. The item to be printed is placed onto the press.
5. One color at a time, ink is pushed through the screen onto the item.
6. The ink is cured, usually with heat, to ensure it doesn’t wash off.
Screen printing is favored for its ability to produce vibrant colors, even on darker materials, and its durability. It’s the method of choice for large order quantities due to the high quality and longevity of the print.
Types of Screen Printing
A few different methods are used in screen printing, which can impact the finished product’s texture, appearance, and durability.
Spot Color Screen Printing: This is the most common method and involves splitting the design into individual colors. Each color is then printed separately and layered on top of each other. It works best for designs with a limited number of colors.
Four Color Processes (CMYK): This method uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) to create a full spectrum of colors. It’s best for complex designs with many colors or gradients but requires a white or light-colored base.
Simulated Process: This method also allows for a full-color spectrum, but unlike CMYK, it can be used on dark fabrics. It works by separating colors into halftones that are then printed on top of one another to achieve the desired color and effect.
Discharge: This method involves using water-based ink that bleaches the fabric and replaces it with a new color. It’s great for achieving a soft, professional look on dark fabrics.
Each type of screen printing has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice will depend on the specifics of the project, such as the complexity of the design, the type and color of the material, and the number of items to be printed.
