6 merch screen printing ideas that go beyond the basic tee

There are tons of ways to get your logo or design onto merch – heat transfer, sublimation, embroidery, DTG – but one of the most popular methods is screen printing. 

​​You may have squeegeed ink through a mesh frame in art class way back in the day, but merch screen printing is far more sophisticated. Your design is burned onto a finely woven mesh screen, creating a stencil for specialized inks to be pushed through with precision onto the surface.

Because it produces crisp, vibrant designs on a variety of surfaces like canvas, stainless steel, wood, and polyester, screen printing is incredibly versatile. Whether you're building brand swag, stocking a merch table, or outfitting your team, read on to discover unique screen printing ideas that stretch across every category. 

1. Water bottles

Screen printing on bottles, especially those made of stainless steel or aluminum, offers a clean, slightly tactile finish that wraps your design directly onto the surface. It’s durable, cost-effective, and gives your merch a sleek and professional feel. 

That said, because bottles and tumblers are curved and sometimes tapered, the printable area is usually smaller and limited to one side. That means simple, bold designs like a logo or short phrase tend to work best. 

A lot of Wayo’s drinkware can be screen printed, including favorites like our:

• 11 oz. stainless steel wine tumbler that keeps your favorite drinks at the right temp.
• 17 oz. classic stainless steel water bottle, a go-to for everyday use.
• 16 oz. aluminum color-changing cup that shifts shades when cold.

Explore our full collection of drinkware.

2. Umbrellas

Umbrellas might not be the first thing that comes to mind when brainstorming screen printing ideas, but they should be. After all, they’re one of those things everyone owns but never buys for themselves, making them perfect for merch. 

Screen printing works especially well on polyester umbrella panels, delivering crisp lines and bold color on a surface that’s meant to be seen. Unlike all-over dye sublimation (which isn’t typically an option on curved, water-resistant fabric), screen printing gives your design a sharp, clean look that stands out in a sea of black nylon. And since umbrellas are usually carried around in public, they’re basically a walking billboard for your brand.

Wayo’s umbrella lineup includes smart, elevated options. Check out some of our favorites:

• The classic auto-folding designs for easy portability,
• UPF 50+ canopies for added sun protection.
• Models with built-in LED flashlight handles for extra visibility. 

All of them are screen print-ready, with smooth panels that give your branding the visibility it deserves. Check out our umbrellas and other lifestyle products.

3. Wine openers

While laser engraving is usually the go-to for metal tools, screen printing adds something engraving can’t: color. That makes it the perfect print method for simple logos, cheeky one-liners, or small illustrations on wine openers, especially when you want your branding to feel a little more fun and a little less corporate.

Check out two of our screen-print-friendly options – lightweight, functional, and easy to toss into gift bags or event kits:

• The 3-in-1 wine key, which includes a corkscrew, foil cutter, and bottle opener (aka everything needed for wine night)
• The wood bottle opener keychain, which pairs a natural finish with a bold printed design. 

4. Portable chargers

Screen printing on tech gadgets works surprisingly well, even on glossy or metallic surfaces. While most people assume merch like chargers are limited to laser engraving, screen printing can add color and contrast, making your branding stand out instead of blending in.

Because tech items like charging cables and power banks are small and handled often, simple, high-contrast designs tend to perform best. And thanks to screen printing’s durability, your design stays crisp even after being tossed in a backpack or used daily.

Wayo’s portable charger lineup for screen printing includes: 

• The 6-in-1 bamboo charging adapter cable kit, which is a compact, travel-friendly option that looks just as good on a desk as it does in a go-bag. 
• The metallic portable charger with built-in cables and plug, which offers 10,000 mAh of charge and a clean surface that’s perfect for screen printing. 
• The 3-in-1 foldable wireless Apple charging station that supports phones, AirPods, and Apple Watches.

5. Portable fans

Branded portable fans are one of those merch items people don’t expect but instantly love. Whether clipped to a tote at an outdoor event or pulled from a backpack during a summer commute, they’re the kind of unexpectedly useful item that earns its spot in someone’s daily rotation. And unlike stickers or decals, screen printing won’t rub off with repeated use, so your branding stays front and center, no matter how hot things get.

Screen printing on fans might sound tricky, but it works surprisingly well. You can choose from:

• A handheld mini fan with an LED display, which has a smooth, print-friendly surface that can handle bold logos or short taglines. 
• A portable 5-speed neck fan that’s hands-free, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful.
• The handheld mini fan that double as a phone holder, which makes it doubly practical for both desk work and on-the-go activities.

6. Backpacks

When people think of screen printing bags, they usually picture flat canvas totes, but that’s just scratching the surface. Screen-printed backpacks hit that sweet spot between useful and affordable, perfect for event giveaways and welcome kits.

Some of our current screen-print-friendly favorites include:

• A durable foldable backpack made from durable, water-resistant fabric. 
• A lightweight foldable backpack that packs down for easy storage but opens up to full-size carry capacity. 
• A textured drawstring backpack with zippered pocket that adds a bit more structure and storage while still offering a smooth surface for screen-printed logos or slogans.

These bags are made from materials that hold ink well, like poly blends and ripstop, and since they’re not overloaded with zippers or texture, your screenprint has space to shine. If you’re looking for branded bags that are more unexpected (and more practical) than a basic tote, this is the move.

Ready to start screen printing? 

Feeling inspired by these screen printing ideas? From wine openers to portable chargers to pocket fans, this print method is a flexible and affordable way to bring bold designs to unexpected places beyond the standard tee or tote.

That said, if apparel is more your style, we’ve got plenty of that too. With low minimums, expert guidance, and a catalog full of trending items, Wayo makes it easy to bring your design to life, whether you’re looking to go bold with a graphic hoodie or keep it minimal on a canvas pouch. 

Get started today.