The technology of screenprinting is characterized by high quality and swiftness. It is also very precise and able to print even tiniest details. It exceeds in colour consistency and its durability is the best among all other printing techniques. We recommend screenprinting in case of printing a higher volume of textile. It demands quite lengthy process of preparation, which is mirrored in overall production costs. When printing a higher volume (30 pieces and more), it is the most cost effective method of textile printing.
Screen printing offers many common printing options as well as a variety of special effects. Every design is unique and we are happy to advise you on choosing the most appropriate printing technology.
Plastisol inks are used for most standard prints. Printing on white textile without using underbase is standard. However, without the use of underbase on black or other textile colour, the inks do not have 100% coverage. The colour of the fabric we are printing on is partially visible through the printed design.
At Print Union, we exclusively use eco-friendly inks that do not contain heavy metals or phthalates.
Our's tip
This is a great way of printing to achieve a "vintage" effect.
By using underbase on black or other textile colour, the inks have 100% coverage. The print feels tougher to the touch. When using plastisol inks on white textile, the underbase is not needed and the print is softer to the touch.
At Print Union, we exclusively use eco-friendly inks that do not contain heavy metals or phthalates.
Our's tip
Underbase can cause a "rubber" effect that is usually not desirable. We recommend going for screen printed discharge underbase for such designs.
The water-based inks are more eco-friendly as, obviously, they are water-based but they’re also a lot harder to manipulate and work with due to the quicker drying time. This way of printing can be a great option if you are thinking about starting a line of clothing and want to go down the route of “caring for the environment” and “Social Responsibility”.This printing option is an ideal combination with our Fairwear and Sustainable Clothing products from Continental Clothing.
Our's tip
Prints made with these paints are almost imperceptible to the touch.
Discharge printing is a screen printing process where instead of normal ink, discharge water based inks are used, which remove the t-shirt's dye and leave the t-shirt with original natural fabric colour. The specific shade depends on the colour of the discharged fabric. For example, when discharge printing red textile, the resulting natural color has a subtle red tint.
After the first wash, the film that remains after printing disappears and the desired softness effect of the discharged fabric comes into effect.
Printer's tip
Discharge screen printing is best on dark coloured 100% cotton fabrics We do not recommend using other garment types.
Using discharge sceen printing as an underbase layer ensures your printed t-shirt will maintain its original lightweight and soft feel even when printing larger areas.
Discharge screen printing base removes the dye in the shirt. Once the dye has been removed, we will re-print the design area with your chosen ink color. Thus, discharge replaces the underbase layer when printing on coloured textile.
The print is thicker to the touch than after discharge printing only, but softer than when use plastisol underbase layer.
Technology specifics
The exact Pantone colour shade cannot be achieved (due to the natural colour of the textile fiber we print on).
After the first wash, the printed ink colour fades a little due to the technology used.
The final colour shades depends on the textile used and may vary on different garments.
Our's tip
Discharge screen printing is best on dark coloured 100% cotton fabrics We do not recommend using other garment types.
Using discharge sceen printing ensures your printed t-shirt will maintain its original lightweight and soft feel even when printing larger areas.
Sometimes basic screen printing is not enough. The mark of originality or luxury is achieved by using a well chosen special effect.
Metallic foil
UV printing
Metallic ink
Cracking base
Glitter ink
Suede
Suede base
Puff
Flex carbon-effect foil