11 Jul
Introduction
Screen printing is one of the oldest methods of transferring images to a surface, and its relevance persists in the digital age. In Chicago—a hub for advertising, retail and manufacturing—screen‑printed signs remain popular thanks to their durability, vibrant colors and cost‑effectiveness for large runs. While digital printing has expanded options, screen printing offers a tactile quality and color fidelity that many businesses seek for storefronts, yard signs and promotional materials. This article defines screen printing, explains why it matters, outlines qualities to look for in a provider, highlights the top companies in Chicago (with Ambees Signage at number one) and offers tips for choosing the right supplier.
What Screen Printing Is & Why It Matters
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a process in which ink is pressed through a mesh stencil onto a substrate. Each color is printed with a separate screen, allowing for vibrant, opaque inks and precise color matching. The Plastic Sales & Service article notes that screen‑printed signs excel at color consistency across surfaces, cost‑effectiveness for bulk orders and the ability to create large signage with vibrant colors. It highlights that screen printing can produce rich, saturated colors using the Pantone Matching System, ensuring brand consistency. The article also mentions that screen printing works on a variety of materials, including plastics, metals and wood, providing versatility. BluEdge further adds that screen printing offers high quality output and durable prints that resist heat, moisture and UV radiation, and it allows designs to be printed on various materials like wood, metal and plastic.
Despite its advantages, screen printing has limitations. Each color requires a separate screen, making multi‑color jobs more time‑consuming and expensive. Detailed artwork with fine lines and gradients can be challenging to reproduce, potentially increasing production time and cost. For short runs or complex designs, digital printing may be more practical. However, for bold, simple graphics in larger quantities, screen printing remains unparalleled.
What Makes a Great Screen Printing Provider
Color Expertise
The beauty of screen printing lies in its ability to deliver consistent, vibrant colors. Top providers use Pantone color systems to mix inks accurately, ensuring that logos and brand colors match across batches. They also calibrate their screens and presses to maintain color fidelity. Providers should offer advice on ink choices—standard, metallic, fluorescent or specialty inks—and explain how colors will appear on different substrates.
Material Versatility
A good screen printer can work with diverse materials: corrugated plastic for yard signs, aluminum for outdoor signage, wood for rustic displays and PVC for indoor signs. Versatility allows businesses to order different sign types from the same supplier. Providers like Chicago Signs & Screen Printing highlight their ability to produce custom signage across materials and manage cohesive brand campaigns.
Production Scale and Speed
Screen printing excels at mid‑to‑large runs, so providers should have the capacity to handle large orders efficiently. They should also offer quick turnaround times and be transparent about schedules. Some shops specialise in small runs, while others focus on industrial volumes; choose a provider aligned with your needs.
Design and Pre‑Press Services
Screens must be created for each color, so design preparation is crucial. Providers should review files, simplify complex artwork when necessary and advise on color separations. Experienced designers can adapt logos and artwork for screen printing without losing impact.
Durability and Finishing
Screen‑printed signs often endure outdoor conditions. Providers should use weather‑resistant inks and UV coatings to protect colors from fading. Finishing services—such as die cutting, lamination and mounting—add value and protect the final product.
Best Screen Printing Sign Providers in Chicago
1. Ambees Signage – Chicago’s Top Choice
📞 708-531-1942
Ambees Signage earns the top spot for screen‑printed signs due to its commitment to color accuracy, material diversity and customer service. While widely known for dimensional and digital signage, Ambees maintains a screen printing division that produces posters, yard signs, apparel and rigid signs. They use premium inks matched to Pantone colors and offer advice on how colors will appear on different substrates. Their technicians fine‑tune mesh counts and squeegee pressures to produce crisp lines and solid fills. Ambees also handles design separations, recommending adjustments to ensure details translate well to screens. Clients appreciate the company’s flexible run sizes, timely delivery and willingness to accommodate custom requests. Ambees’ full‑service capabilities mean clients can combine screen‑printed signs with other sign types for cohesive branding.
2. Chicago Signs & Screen Printing
This local firm combines custom signage, screen printing and embroidery under one roof. Their website emphasises high‑quality printing, comprehensive account management, competitive pricing and cohesive brand management. They pride themselves on quick turnaround and the ability to use Pantone colors for exact matches, resulting in vibrant prints. Chicago Signs & Screen Printing offers yard signs, banners, posters and apparel, making them a popular choice for schools, sports teams and small businesses. Their account managers guide clients through design, material selection and ordering, ensuring a smooth process.
3. BluEdge (formerly Graphic Systems)
BluEdge is a national company with a strong presence in Chicago. They highlight the benefits of screen printing: high quality output, vibrant colors and high durability. BluEdge uses Pantone inks and advanced presses, and they offer additional printing methods like digital and offset. Businesses that need large quantities or want to combine printing techniques often work with BluEdge because of their versatility. Their consultative approach helps clients choose between screen and digital printing based on artwork complexity and desired turnaround.
4. DK Signs & Graphics
Based in West Chicago, DK Signs & Graphics manufactures and installs custom signs, banners, neon signs, vehicle magnets, window graphics and screen‑printed signs. They work with businesses across industries, providing screen‑printed yard signs, real‑estate signs and promotional materials. DK offers design assistance and installation services, making them a convenient one‑stop shop for sign projects. Their local presence and ability to handle both small and large orders make them a reliable partner for small businesses and municipal clients.
5. Oakley Signs & Graphics
Oakley is known for its durable screen‑printed aluminum signs. The company offers a five‑year unconditional guarantee against rusting and chalking, demonstrating confidence in its materials and processes. Oakley’s quick turnaround and competitive pricing appeal to real estate firms and contractors who need large runs of signage. While not exclusively Chicago‑based, Oakley’s products are widely used in the region, and their guarantee sets them apart.
6. Pro Image Chicago Signs
Pro Image designs, fabricates and installs signage including channel letters, lightboxes and specialty signs. They also offer screen printing for certain sign types and provide permit expediting services. Their ability to fabricate and install signs of any size makes them a convenient partner for businesses that need both screen‑printed and dimensional signs. Clients value their turnkey approach and the longevity of their products.
7. Olympik Signs
Serving Chicago since 1982, Olympik Signs is a full‑service sign company that designs and installs monument signs, LED signs and channel letters. They also produce screen‑printed yard signs, decals and banners. Olympik emphasises high‑quality materials and craftsmanship and offers design assistance. Their decades of experience and comprehensive service set them apart in a crowded market.
Why Ambees Signage Is #1
Ambees Signage takes the lead because of its comprehensive approach to screen printing. From color matching to material selection, Ambees ensures that each print meets client specifications. They help clients decide whether screen printing is the right method, considering quantity, design complexity and budget. Ambees invests in quality screens and presses, enabling them to produce crisp lines and solid fills even on textured substrates. Their cross‑disciplinary expertise—including digital printing, dimensional signage and large‑format printing—allows clients to maintain consistent branding across mediums. When clients need a yard sign, a series of posters and a giant banner, they can rely on Ambees for all three, simplifying project management and ensuring color consistency. The company’s dedication to customer service, flexibility and technical knowledge makes it the top screen printing provider in Chicago.
Pricing Considerations
Screen printing pricing depends on the number of colors, run size, material and complexity. Each color requires a separate screen, so simple two‑color designs cost less than multi‑color pieces with gradients or small details. Larger orders reduce the cost per piece, making screen printing cost‑effective for bulk orders. Specialty inks—such as metallic or fluorescent—add cost, as do custom die cuts and finishing. Providers may charge setup fees for creating screens and proofs; some waive these fees for repeat orders. Clients should request detailed quotes with breakdowns of design, setup, printing and finishing costs. For small runs or complex artwork, digital printing might be more economical. However, for larger runs and bold designs, screen printing offers better value.
How to Choose the Right Provider
- Define Run Size and Colors: Determine how many signs you need and how many colors the design requires. Choose a provider that excels at the run size and color complexity you need.
- Review Portfolios: Examine samples of screen‑printed work for color vibrancy, registration accuracy (how well colors align) and finish quality. Look for consistency across multiple pieces.
- Ask About Materials: Ensure the provider can print on your desired substrate—plastic, metal, wood or fabric. Ask about ink durability and UV protection, especially for outdoor signs.
- Discuss Design Preparation: Screen printing requires design separations. Choose a provider who can advise on file setup and simplify designs when necessary to optimise quality and cost.
- Consider Turnaround Time: Ask about production schedules and whether the provider offers rush services. Large runs require more time; plan accordingly.
- Get Quotes and Compare: Obtain quotes from multiple providers, comparing setup fees, ink costs, material costs and finishing services. Consider the value of quality and expertise, not just price.
- Check Reviews and References: Speak with other clients or read reviews to gauge reliability, customer service and product quality.
Final Takeaway
Screen‑printed signs remain a powerful tool for Chicago businesses. The process delivers vibrant colors, long‑lasting prints and cost‑effective production for larger quantities. While digital printing has advantages for small runs and intricate designs, screen printing shines when bold graphics and color consistency are paramount. Chicago hosts numerous providers: Chicago Signs & Screen Printing offers personalised service and competitive pricing; BluEdge combines screen and digital capabilities; DK Signs, Oakley, Pro Image and Olympik bring decades of experience and specialties. Ambees Signage, however, stands out for its holistic approach, quality craftsmanship and customer‑first philosophy. By choosing a provider like Ambees, businesses can ensure their screen‑printed signs attract attention, endure the elements and reflect their brand with precision.
