Thanksgiving isn’t just a time to feast; it’s the perfect opportunity to wow your customers and grow your screen printing business. Custom-printed napkins aren’t just table accessories—they’re a creative way to upsell, stand out, and build your brand. Today, we’ll show you how to print on linen napkins using water-based ink, a soft, skin-friendly option that delivers professional results your clients will love.
WHY CUSTOM NAPKINS BOOST YOUR BUSINESS
Custom napkins make a big impact at gatherings like Thanksgiving dinners, weddings, and corporate events. Customers love them because they’re practical and stylish, while businesses like yours benefit from their versatility. You can use custom napkins to:
Add an upsell to existing orders, like matching them with t-shirts, aprons, or tote bags. Tap into seasonal trends with holiday-themed designs. Include them as freebies with your logo in customer orders to reinforce your brand.
For this project, we used 18x18 linen napkins. These napkins strike a balance between elegance and practicality, making them perfect for home dining or casual restaurants.
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SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SMOOTH WORKFLOW
We kicked things off with a simple, corner-placed design. This positioning let us fold the napkin neatly for a clean, polished look on the table. For the ink, we mixed a warm brown—a perfect fall color—by starting with orange and adjusting the tone with black, yellow, or red until it matched our vision.
Next, we prepped the platen. Adhesive held each napkin in place while we marked a V-guide for quick and consistent alignment. A consistent setup ensured every print landed exactly where it needed to be, even during bulk orders.
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The 230 mesh screen captured the fine details in the design. However, we knew the textured linen surface might add some challenges. By testing the first few prints and tweaking our pressure, we quickly found the sweet spot for clean results.
CONQUER TEXTURE WITH TECHNIQUE
Textured fabrics like linen bring character to the print, but they also create hurdles. At first, some parts of the design didn’t print perfectly. Increasing the pressure on the squeegee and using a second pass helped. The texture also added subtle imperfections, which we embraced as part of the napkins’ handcrafted charm.
Water-based ink kept the prints soft and smooth, but it demanded attention. This ink dries quickly, so we used a spray bottle to mist the screen and keep the ink hydrated. By maintaining a steady rhythm, we avoided clogs and kept the workflow smooth.
After the first couple of prints, the saturation improved, and the details became sharper. The more we printed, the more consistent the results. With textured fabrics, it’s all about fine-tuning your technique and sticking to a steady pace.
WHY WATER-BASED INK WORKS BEST
When printing napkins, comfort and usability matter. Customers will use these to wipe their faces, so the ink needs to feel soft. Water-based ink not only delivers this softness but also makes the print look professional and smooth on fabric. It’s the best choice for items like napkins, bandanas, or anything meant for direct skin contact.
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MAKE NAPKINS WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Napkins offer a fresh way to boost your product lineup. They’re affordable to produce and open the door to new opportunities, like seasonal promotions or add-ons for larger orders. You could market custom napkins for events, sell them in themed bundles, or use them as a memorable branding tool by including them in customer packages.
When pricing napkins, factor in fabric costs, ink, and your time. While they may not carry the same profit margin as t-shirts, their uniqueness can bring in new clients, generate repeat business, and increase your order value.
WRAP IT UP
Custom napkins are a simple but powerful way to showcase your screen printing skills and connect with your clients. They let you embrace seasonal trends, test your creativity on textured fabrics, and offer a product that feels both personal and professional.
So, don’t wait—start experimenting with napkins today. Play around with placements, test different textures, and fine-tune your technique. Whether you’re upselling to existing clients, tapping into new markets, or just creating a special touch for your own brand, napkins are a small detail that makes a big impact.