Screen Printing for Custom Apparel
Screen printing is a tried-and-true method for producing vibrant, long-lasting prints on custom apparel, clothing and branded merch. At The Colour Cartel, we help you turn your designs into high-quality apparel and merch using this versatile technique, ideal for t-shirts, hoodies, workwear, accessories and more.
Known for bold, opaque colours and durable results, screen printing has been around for centuries and for good reason. It is perfect for designs with solid areas of colour, sharp details and multi-colour layering.
How Screen Printing Works
Screen printing is a hands-on process that delivers consistent, high-quality results on a wide range of garments. It’s probably the most well known print method, largely because it’s been around for a really, really long time. We’re talking since the year 960 AD. Here is how it works:
Preparing the Screens
Each colour in your design requires its own mesh stencil or ‘screen’. This means if your design has three colours, we’ll create three screens.
Applying the Ink
The screens are placed on the garment, and ink is pulled evenly across the mesh using a squeegee. This transfers the design onto the fabric, layer by layer for multi-colour artwork.
Curing the Print
Once each colour is applied, the garment is dried and cured with heat. This bonds the ink to the fabric for a durable, long-lasting print.
Finished Garment
The result is a bold, high-quality print that withstands repeated wear and washing, keeping your apparel or merch looking fresh.
Screen Printing for Apparel, Clothing & Branded Merch
Screen printing works on a wide variety of garments and products, including:
- T-shirts, long sleeves and hoodies
- Crew necks, jumpers and workwear
- Tote bags and fabric accessories
- Promotional clothing and branded merchandise
It is the go-to option for businesses, brands, events and creators who want bold, eye-catching designs with excellent longevity.
With our Volume Discounts, Screen printing is especially cost-effective for larger runs, making it ideal for bulk orders, company apparel, event merch and branded giveaways.
Customise Apparel & Accessories
Screen Printing vs DTF Printing
Two different methods, two different strengths. Here’s how to choose the right one for your artwork, garment and quantity.
Screen Printing |
Direct to Film |
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Uniform programs, merchandise runs, event tees, workwear and retail brands ordering 20+ garments. |
Small runs, one-off prints, samples, staff uniforms, full-colour artwork and variable designs. |
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20 garments |
1 garment |
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Best suited to 1-12 spot colours. Ideal for logos, bold graphics and designs with block colours. |
Unlimited colours, gradients, shading and photographic artwork. |
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Lower cost per garment, with efficiency improving as order size increases. |
Higher cost per garment, with improved efficiency as order size increases. |
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Ink is printed directly into the garment, creating a soft, long-lasting finish. |
Produces a slightly raised print as the film is placed on top of the fabric. |
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Works exceptionally well on cotton tees, hoodies, jumpers and most standard apparel. Unsuitable for: hats, polar fleece, puffer jackets and highly textured or uneven surfaces. Unable to print over seams, zips or pockets. |
Suitable for a wider range of garments, including hats and some coated fabrics. Unsuitable for: polar fleece, deep-pile fabrics and heavily textured materials. Unable to print over seams, zips or pockets. |
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10-15 business days |
10-15 business days |
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You want the best value on larger orders, maximum longevity and a premium retail-quality finish. |
You need small quantities, highly detailed artwork or flexibility across multiple garment styles. |
Not Sure Which Is Right For You?
Choose Screen Printing if:
- You're ordering 20+ garments
- Your artwork uses 1-12 colours
- You want the most cost-effective option for larger runs
- You're printing uniforms, merch or retail apparel that will be reordered regularly
Choose DTF if:
- You need fewer than 20 garments
- Your artwork contains gradients, photos or lots of colours
- You're printing across different garment styles and colours
- You need names, numbers or variable artwork on each garment
Thinking about screen printing for your next order?
Reach out and we’ll show you how screen printing can be a cost-effective solution for your custom apparel and branded merchandise.
Already know it’s the right method? Simply choose screen printing when placing your order online!
A returning customer over the years and without a doubt will be for the future as well! Daniel and his team are incredible! Their products are high quality, they deliver quickly on their orders and no job has ever been too difficult for them to do! Thank you TCC for your services! Could not recommend you enough, absolute legends!