Screen Printing

Method: Screen printing uses fine mesh-covered frames to transfer ink onto garments. The mesh is coated in a photo-sensitive paste. A positive of the design is placed on the frame and it is then developed under bright lights. All parts of the mesh that are exposed harden and block the ink from going through. The part where the positive is placed does not harden and is water-blasted out to allow the ink through.

What you need to know: Screenprinting gives a great quality, long-lasting print. Most garments can be printed but you cannot print over zips or seams. The process can be quite costly for small runs or designs with many colours. We recommend a minimum of 12 garments are needed to make screenprinting worthwhile. Designs can be up to eight colours (up to 4 colours is recommended) and can be up to A3 (297 x 420mm) in size.

Set-up: It is quite a process to make a screen. Every colour for a design requires a seperate screen, hence there is a set-up cost of $25 (plus GST) per colour.

Pricing: Price is dependent on the quantity of garments being printed and number of colours used. If you are printing bright colours onto dark garments you may also need a white undercoat.