When you order printed labels, the artwork can be applied two main ways: screen printing or digital printing. Both put ink on a label base, but they suit different designs and quantities. Here’s how to choose.
Screen-printed labels
Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil (screen), one color at a time. It produces bold, vibrant, opaque solid colors and is very durable — great for simple logos with a few flat colors, especially at higher quantities where the per-unit cost drops.
Digital-printed labels
Digital printing applies the artwork directly from a file, like a high-resolution printer. It reproduces fine detail, gradients, photos, and unlimited colors with no per-color setup — ideal for complex artwork and smaller runs.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Screen-printed | Digital-printed |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Best with a few solid colors | Unlimited, incl. gradients |
| Fine detail / photos | Limited | Excellent |
| Color vibrancy / opacity | Very strong, opaque | Very good |
| Setup cost | Per color (better at volume) | Low (good for small runs) |
| Best for | Bold simple logos, big runs | Detailed/colorful art, small runs |
Which should you choose?
- Screen printing — simple, bold logos in a few solid colors, larger quantities, maximum durability.
- Digital printing — detailed, multi-color, or photographic artwork, and smaller runs.
- Want a premium woven feel instead of print? See woven vs. printed labels. For full-color detail, also consider sublimation labels.
Frequently asked questions
Is screen printing or digital printing better for labels?
Neither is universally better. Screen printing excels at bold solid colors and big runs; digital handles detail, gradients, and small quantities. The right choice depends on your artwork and volume.
Which is cheaper?
Digital is usually more economical for small or highly detailed runs; screen printing wins on price at higher quantities with few colors.
Which lasts longer?
Both are durable. Screen-printed ink is very opaque and hard-wearing; quality digital prints also hold up well through washing.
Get the right printed label
Send us your artwork and quantity and we’ll recommend the best print method. Request a free quote today.
