Screen Printing Guide

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing (also called silk screen printing) is one of the oldest and most versatile printing methods. It involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto the product surface, with a stencil blocking areas that shouldn't receive ink.

For promotional products, screen printing delivers bold, vibrant colours and excellent durability. It's the go-to method for branded t-shirts, tote bags, and high-volume orders.

How It Works

1. Screen preparation: A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion
2. Stencil creation: Your artwork is transferred to the screen using UV light
3. Ink application: Ink is pushed through the screen with a squeegee
4. Curing: Heat is applied to set the ink permanently

Each colour requires a separate screen, so simpler designs (1-3 colours) are most cost-effective.

Best For

• Large quantities: Unit costs decrease significantly with volume
• Bold, simple designs: Logos with solid colours and clean lines
• T-shirts and apparel: Soft-hand inks that breathe
• Tote bags: Cotton and canvas materials
• High-visibility: Bright, opaque colours even on dark fabrics

Ideal Products

• T-Shirts - The classic screen print application
• Hoodies & Sweatshirts - Front, back, and sleeve printing
• Tote Bags - Cotton and canvas bags
• Hi-Vis Workwear - Durable branding for tough conditions
• Sports & Performance Wear - Breathable inks

Minimum Quantities

Due to the setup involved, screen printing typically has minimum order quantities:

• Simple 1-colour designs: 25-50 units minimum
• Multi-colour designs: 50-100 units minimum
• Best value: 250+ units for lowest unit costs

Durability & Care

Screen printed items are incredibly durable when properly cured. The ink becomes part of the fabric and will last through hundreds of washes. For best results:

• Wash inside out on cool/warm settings
• Avoid high-heat tumble drying
• Don't iron directly on the print