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Screen Printing (Silk Screen) for Corporate Gifts, Clothing & Displays

Screen printing—also called silk screen printing or serigraphy—is a time-tested method for producing punchy, long-lasting graphics on everything from apparel to signage. It’s especially popular for corporate gifting, branded clothing, and event displays because colours are vibrant, results are durable, and large runs are cost-effective.

The Screen Printing Process (How It Works)

  1. Prepare the screen: A fine mesh is stretched over a frame and coated; a stencil of your artwork leaves “open” areas for ink to pass through.
  2. Align & place: The screen is positioned over the substrate (e.g., T-shirts, posters, tote bags).
  3. Ink application: Ink is poured on the screen and a squeegee pushes it through the open areas onto the material.
  4. Repeat per colour: Each spot colour uses its own screen for accurate, layered results.
  5. Cure & finish: The print is heat-cured to lock in colour and durability.

Why Choose Silk Screen Printing

  • Durability: Prints resist wear and washing—ideal for uniforms and promo apparel like the 145G Regular Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Ladies) or Basic T-Shirt – US Basics.
  • Vibrant spot colours: Inks sit on top of fabric, delivering rich coverage for bold logos on hoodies such as the Boston Hoodie (Mens).
  • Versatility: Works on textiles, paper, some plastics, metal, and glass with the right ink system—think tote bags like the Okiyo Kaimono Cotton Shopper or drawstrings like the Curtis Drawstring Bag.
  • Brand-true colours: Pantone matching keeps your CI consistent across items, including polos like the Proactive 175g Ladies Classic Piqué Knit Polo or the Men’s Verge Golf Shirt.
  • Cost-effective at scale: Once screens are set up, larger quantities drive unit costs down—perfect for events and campaigns.

When Screen Printing Shines (Best Use Cases)

  • Apparel & uniforms: T-shirts, polos, hoodies, and vests with bold logos and slogans. Try the US Basics Tee for volume campaigns or the Boston Hoodie for winter activations.
  • Bags & accessories: Cotton shoppers and drawstrings are screen-printing classics—e.g., Okiyo Kaimono Cotton Shopper and Curtis Drawstring Bag.
  • Event collateral: Fabric backdrops, tablecloths, and banners needing high-impact colour blocks (ask us about suitable fabrics and sizes).
  • Giveaways: Flat or cylindrical items that accept spot-colour prints, like the Memoire A5 Soft Cover notebook or selected drinkware such as the Brew Mate 300ml Mug and the Altitude Elano Stainless Vacuum Bottle.

Things to Consider (Limitations & Workarounds)

  • Setup time: Screen preparation adds lead time; small one-off runs may be pricier than digital.
  • Photographic detail: Complex gradients & photo images suit DTG, DTF, or sublimation. (Halftones are possible—confirm expectations.)
  • Fine text: Very small type can fill in; keep type sizes and line weights screen-friendly.
  • Per-colour costs: Each colour needs its own screen—use fewer, bolder colours for best value.
  • Sustainability: Ask for eco-friendly inks and responsible cleanup processes to reduce waste.

Screen Printing vs. Other Branding Methods

  • Screen Printing: Best for bold spot colours, medium-to-large runs, and long-lasting prints on many substrates.
  • Digital Printing (DTG/DTF/UV): Best for short runs, full-colour/photographic art, or personalisation.
  • Sublimation: Great for all-over prints on polyester fabrics and coated items (e.g., specific mugs & bottles).
  • Embroidery: Premium, textured finish on apparel and caps; ideal for polos, jackets, beanies.
  • Laser Engraving: Permanent, refined branding on metal, glass, or wood (awards, pens, drinkware).

Artwork & File Prep Tips (for Sharp Results)

  • Vector artwork: Supply AI/PDF/SVG where possible; outline fonts and include Pantone references.
  • Keep it bold: Solid shapes and clean lines reproduce best on screens.
  • Mind the fabric: Garment colour can influence perceived ink colour; consider underbases on darks.
  • Proof carefully: Approve digital mockups or pre-production samples when timelines allow.

Popular Items to Screen Print (Ready-to-Brand Picks)

  • 145G Regular Ladies Tee & US Basics T-Shirt — volume-friendly apparel staples.
  • Classic Piqué Polo (Ladies) & Men’s Verge Golf Shirt — smart casual for teams & events.
  • Boston Hoodie — bold winter visibility & great gifting.
  • Okiyo Kaimono Cotton Shopper & Curtis Drawstring Bag — mobile billboards with big print areas.
  • Memoire A5 Soft Cover — flat, screen-friendly notebook cover.
  • Brew Mate Mug & Elano Vacuum Bottle — selected drinkware that suits spot-colour prints.

Lead Times, Quantities & Budgeting

  • Lead time: Allow for screen setup and curing—especially during peak seasons.
  • Order size: Per-unit pricing improves as quantities increase; group items or consolidate events for savings.
  • Colour strategy: Minimising colour count lowers costs without sacrificing impact—think bold one- or two-colour designs.

Your Next Step

Ready to elevate your brand with bold, durable prints? We’ll help you choose the right items and the right method—screen printing when it’s best, and smart alternatives when it isn’t—so your branding looks exceptional and lasts.

Email sales@brandsup.co.za or call +27 64 606 4781 for artwork checks, quotes, and timelines tailored to your campaign.