Packaging finishing in screen printing
Step by step to the perfect print image
Packaging does much more than just protect your product – it acts as a brand ambassador, grabbing people's attention and clearly promising quality. In the highly competitive cosmetics industry, design plays a particularly important role, as a bottle with a direct print conveys a much higher-quality impression than a labelled bottle. If you want to enhance your packaging and print directly onto cosmetic bottles, screen printing is the ideal process. It produces razor-sharp results with high colour coverage and particularly durable print quality. However, several carefully coordinated steps are necessary to ensure the final print appears perfect on your product. Below, we explain in a transparent and understandable way how the process works at our company, from data preparation to the final print.
1. Preparing the print data
High-quality printing results start with the design. To ensure your design can be implemented optimally in screen printing, there are a few technical requirements to consider:
- The print file should be in PDF format and all images in the print area should be embedded at 300 dpi. Please ensure there are no registration marks.
- The file format must match the desired final format. We will provide you with a dimension sheet showing the printable area.
- The correct line thickness is crucial for achieving a clean print result. We recommend a minimum thickness of 0.15 mm for positive printing and 0.3 mm for negative printing.
- All colours must be created as spot colours. Black text should be set to 100% black.
- The fonts used in the file must be fully embedded. Or they must be converted to paths.
Conducting a practical test with round packaging materials, such as cosmetic bottles, is particularly worthwhile: print out your design and place it around a sample bottle. This will enable you to quickly ascertain whether the proportions and legibility are correct on the final surface. We will be happy to send you sample bottles if required.
2. Data verification
As soon as we receive your print data, we will carefully check it to ensure that it is feasible and of good quality. We pay particular attention to the colour scheme, resolution, and compatibility with the screen printing process. After this check, you will receive an approval form showing the print position on the packaging material. The colours used are listed on the form, too. You can also proofread your data again.
If you would like a colour proof, this is available for an additional fee.
We prefer to use the Pantone colour system when selecting colours. If you are unsure of your exact Pantone colour, we will be happy to help you select a suitable alternative.
3. Printing process
Once your data has been approved, we will begin the finishing process for your packaging materials. Screen printing is a direct printing process whereby ink is applied to the packaging material through a fine-mesh fabric, known as a screen. The screen is sealed in the areas where no ink is to be printed, leaving only the desired motif permeable. A separate screen is created for each colour, making screen printing ideal for clear, colour-intensive designs. Depending on the material and the desired effect, we use one of two printing technologies:
- UV screen printing: The colours are cured with UV light immediately after printing, making this process ideal for both plastic and glass packaging.
- Ceramic screen printing: Using this method, the colour is baked at approximately 600°C. This creates a durable printed image. We primarily use this process for printing on our glass products.
We carry out continuous quality checks throughout the entire printing process. This ensures that all of our printed items, whether they are high-quality cosmetic packaging, pharmaceutical bottles or glass containers, meet our high standards.
A perfect print does not happen by chance; it is the result of experience, careful planning and reliable technical implementation. If you want to print on your cosmetic bottles or refine your packaging materials in general, screen printing offers an optimal combination of design freedom, colour brilliance and durability. We will support you throughout the process, from creating the print data to precise coordination and final printing. We prioritise personalised consultations, transparent processes and the highest quality.
Start your printing project for packaging materials with us today.
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