Screen Printing

Screen printing is a time-honored and versatile printing method that has become a staple in the custom apparel industry. At T-Shirt Printing South Africa, we specialize in delivering high-quality screen printing services that cater to a wide range of needs, from corporate branding to personal designs. This process is ideal for producing vibrant, durable prints on t-shirts, hoodies, and other garments, making it a popular choice for bulk orders.

Why Choose Screen Printing?

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is renowned for its ability to produce bold colors and intricate designs. This technique is particularly effective for orders exceeding 50 pieces, offering excellent value for large runs. The process begins with creating a stencil for each color in the design, ensuring that the final product is both precise and visually striking.

How Screen Printing Works

The screen printing process involves several key steps:Step 1: Artwork & Film Positives
The journey begins with your artwork. High-quality designs yield the best prints. If your design features multiple colors, separate positive films are printed for each color in black. These films are then adhered to individual screens coated with emulsion.Step 2: Screen Exposing
Each color screen is exposed to UV light, which “burns” the image into the emulsion. After exposure, the screens are rinsed with water to wash away the unexposed emulsion, leaving behind your design.Step 3: Printing
Once the screens are prepared, they are locked into place on a print carousel. The appropriate ink is applied to each screen, and using a squeegee, ink is pushed through the mesh onto the garment. Each color is printed one at a time, layering them to create the final image.Step 4: Curing
The printed garments undergo a curing process using heat or UV light to dry and permanently affix the ink to the fabric. This step ensures durability and vibrant colors that withstand wear and washing.

Color Considerations

While our screen printing process can achieve stunning results, it’s essential to note that colors may appear differently on fabric compared to how they look on your computer monitor. Factors such as fabric type and garment color can affect color accuracy. To ensure your expectations are met, we recommend ordering pre-made color swatches before finalizing your design.

Corporate Responsibility

At T-Shirt Printing South Africa, we are committed to ethical practices and sustainability:

• Ethically Sourced Garments: We partner with manufacturers who adhere to ethical labor practices—no child labor involved.
• Eco-Friendly Inks: We use plant-based, home-compostable packaging and eco-friendly water-based inks for our digital printing processes.
• Sustainable Practices: Our goal is to transition all screen printing inks to water-based options by 2021.

Conclusion

Screen printing at T-Shirt Printing South Africa combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re looking for custom t-shirts for an event or promotional apparel for your business, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality products that meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our screen printing services and how we can help bring your designs to life!