Screen printing
Screen printing is one of the most traditional and widely used printing methods for garments, producing vibrant and durable prints that last wash after wash. It is especially suited to bold designs with strong colours and is ideal for bulk orders.
Pros
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Any garment quantities: Perfect for print jobs small and large (50 - 2000).
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Durability: Prints are long-lasting and resist fading.
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Vibrant Colours: Produces bold, solid colour blocks that stand out.
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Cost-Effective for Large Runs: Best suited for bulk orders due to efficiency once screens are set up.
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Versatility: Works on a wide range of fabrics and surfaces.
Cons
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Limited Detail: Fine gradients and photo-like images are harder to reproduce.
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Colour Limits: Each colour requires a separate screen, so multi-colour designs add complexity and cost.
The process
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The process begins with preparing the artwork. Each colour in a design is separated and printed onto transparent acetate.
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The acetate is laid onto a fine mesh screen that has been coated with a light-sensitive emulsion.
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The screen is exposed to UV light, hardening the emulsion except where the design blocks it. After washing, this creates a stencil for the ink to pass through.
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For printing, ink is pushed through the screen using a squeegee directly onto the garment underneath.
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Each colour requires its own screen and pass of ink, which means multi-coloured designs involve precise registration so that layers align correctly.
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Once printed, garments are cured under heat, ensuring the water-based ink bonds permanently to the fabric.
Get a quote
Fill out the Request a Quote form here. Please include as much information as possible and we will aim to get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your artwork.