--- title: Screen Printed Metal Nameplates description: Screen printing is a versatile process used in the decoration of metal nameplates, emblems, labels and tags. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29892061-jpg/images/screened-aluminum-nameplates-group.jpg --- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29892061-jpg/images/screened-aluminum-nameplates-group.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/25713/Screen-Printed-Metal-Nameplates#main-nav) [![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/) - [Nameplate Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog) - Screen Printed Metal Nameplates # Screen Printed Metal Nameplates [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/facebook_footer.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F25713%2FScreen-Printed-Metal-Nameplates) 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Kruser](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/deidre-kruser) **Mon, Mar 8, 2010 ** #### Screen Printing on Aluminum and Stainless Steel  ![screened aluminum nameplates](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29892061-jpg/images/screened-aluminum-nameplates-group.jpg) The screen printing process is a standard process in the decoration of metal and plastic nameplates, labels and emblems.  It is typically used for graphics or background color application.  The [colors are custom matched](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/23213/Color-Matching-for-Nameplates) in opaque, transparent or metallic effects.  Screen printing is also used to add selective gloss levels or textures to nameplates.  This article focuses on the screen printing process on metal substrates. **Definition:** Screen printing, also known as screening or serigraphy, is a print making technique that traditionally creates a sharp-edged, single-color image.  A stencil is created by use of a photosensitive emulsion and a mesh fabric.  Ink is forced through the screen with a squeegee. **Alternative names:** screening, screen printing, printing ![screen mesh](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29892047-jpg/images/screen-mesh.jpg)  close up of a screen showing the mesh fabric and stencil image ![screening machine](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29892079-jpg/images/screening-machine.jpg) screening machine showing image being printed #### Screen Print Advantages •colors more opaque *(typically only one hit or application of color is required) *•top coat isn't always required *(part performance specifications determine whether a topcoat is needed) *•colors can be combined with textures •color and gloss can be combined into one operation #### Screen Printing on Metal Options •color    opaque or transparent    metallics •textures    clear or colored    high or low gloss    soft-touch •processes which can be combined with silk screening    [mechanical finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/22644/Mechanical-Finish-Options-in-Nameplates)    [lensing](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/19926/Options-in-Domed-Nameplates-and-Labels)    [diamond cutting](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/17699/Four-Diamond-Cut-Nameplate-Options) #### Considerations •part geometry and performance specifications help to determine which decorative process is appropriate for each application •typically screen printing does not require multiple impressions to achieve a color •a base color may need to be applied underneath a color *(required for light or bright colors) *•each hit must be cured before applying next color or process •there is a one time artwork preparation charge for each color #### Alternative Processes to Screen Printing •solid colors: coating, lithography •spot color: [lithography](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/25374/Nameplate-Litho-Printing-FAQ)**                      ** **Technical Information** •resists for mechanical finishes and chemical etching are screened •cannot obtain the ultra fine detail available in lithography *(minimum screening stroke width: .007" pos. print, .007" neg. print)* ![positive / negative printing](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29890538-jpg/images/posite-negative-screening.jpg) •chokes and flares are required when applying multiple colors next to each other ![choke & flare printing](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26217273-jpg/images/choke-flare-screening.jpg) •graphics are generally choked or flared .010" for screening •chemical etch requires an additional resist on the back of sheets •lithography is a preferred process for critical registration of graphics Additional questions and answers focusing on nameplate, label and badge design and manufacturing can be found on our [Nameplate FAQ](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-faq/) page. 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