Why You Should Restretch Your Screens Instead of Buying New Ones in 2025
If you're in the screen printing business, you already know that every dollar counts—especially in today's market. And if you’ve been buying new screens regularly, you’ve probably noticed something: they’re getting a lot more expensive.
Thanks to a major hike in tariffs on imported aluminum frames, the cost of new screens is going up fast. What used to be a predictable supply line has turned into a pricey headache for many print shops. But there’s a better way to keep your screen inventory in top shape without breaking the bank: restretch your screens.
New Tariffs = Higher Screen Costs
Let’s talk numbers. In recent years, many screen printers have relied on imported aluminum frames to keep costs low. Depending on mesh count and size, a new screen would typically cost anywhere from $20 to $40. But with new 35% tariffs on frames imported from countries like China—plus ever-rising shipping costs—those same screens are now $28 to $54 or more.
That’s a massive increase, especially if your shop goes through dozens or hundreds of screens every month.
The Case for Restretching
Instead of constantly buying new screens, restretching gives you a way to keep your existing frames in service. It’s a smart, sustainable alternative that delivers real value in several key areas:
💰 Save 40% or More Per Screen
Restretching a screen generally costs 40% less than buying new. That savings adds up fast. If you're replacing 50 screens a month, restretching could save your shop $400–$800 monthly, or even more depending on your volume. Over the course of a year, that’s thousands of dollars you could reinvest in better inks, equipment upgrades, or simply keeping your profits healthy.
🌎 Do Right by the Environment
Every time you throw away a frame and buy a new one, you're contributing to waste that could have been avoided. Aluminum doesn’t break down easily in landfills—and most frames still have years of life left in them. Restretching helps reduce your shop's environmental impact by giving your frames a second, third, even fourth life. It’s a small change with a big long-term payoff.
🛠️ Preserve Your Best Frames
If you’ve been printing for a while, you probably have some frames that just feel better—whether it's the weight, the welds, or how perfectly they fit your press. Don’t toss them just because the mesh is worn or torn. Restretching allows you to keep using the frames you already know and love, with fresh mesh tailored to the job at hand.
⏱️ Quicker Turnaround Than New Orders
Supply chain delays, backorders, and slow shipping times are making it harder to get new screens when you need them. Restretching is often much faster and more predictable, especially if you're working with a local or regional provider. You can get your frames back in rotation quickly—without paying premium shipping fees or waiting weeks for overseas shipments to clear customs.
Is Restretching Right for You?
If your frames are still structurally sound—no cracks, bends, or broken welds—restretching is a no-brainer. Whether you need high tension for halftone detail or a different mesh count for specialty inks, restretching gives you the flexibility to update your screens as needed, without starting from scratch.
Got a stack of dusty old frames in your shop? Now’s the perfect time to bring them back to life.
In Summary: Don’t Let Tariffs Eat Your Profits
The screen printing industry is changing, and so are the costs. With higher tariffs and rising material prices, restretching offers a smarter, more sustainable way to keep your shop running smoothly.
✅ Save 40% or more
✅ Reduce your environmental footprint
✅ Avoid supply delays
✅ Get the most out of your investment in frames
Victory Screen Factory is here to help. See more here.
We’ve been serving screen printers for over 40 years with fast, reliable, high-quality restretching services. Choose your mesh count, send us your frames, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Let’s stretch your dollar further—one screen at a time.
Get a quote today or call us to learn more.
Victory Screen Factory Re-stretching and Re-meshing service.
