Screen Printing
The workhorse for bold, hard-wearing prints in bulk.
- Runs of 25 pieces or more
- Logos and bold graphics (1 to 4 colours)
How it works and what it costs
Print methods
Five ways to decorate your garment
Screen printing, DTG, DTF, embroidery and specialty finishes each suit a different job. Compare them below, or answer three quick questions and we'll recommend one.
All print methods
DTG Printing
Full-colour detail, printed straight into the fabric.
- Full-colour and photographic artwork
- Small runs and one-offs
How it works and what it costs
DTF Printing
Vivid full-colour transfers that stick to almost any fabric.
- Full-colour designs on cotton, polyester and blends
- Mixed-fabric orders (tees plus sports tops plus jackets)
How it works and what it costs
Sublimation Printing
Full-colour prints that become part of compatible polyester items.
- Full-colour artwork, gradients and photographs
- Compatible polyester sportswear and performance apparel
How it works and what it costs
Embroidery
Stitched logos that look premium and last for years.
- Left-chest logos on polos and workwear
- Caps and beanies
How it works and what it costs
Specialty Finishes
Puff, foil and metallic effects that make a design stand out.
- Streetwear and merch drops
- Hero pieces and limited runs
How it works and what it costs
Compare
How the methods stack up
Every method rated on detail, durability, softness, small-run suitability and bulk value.
| Feature | Screen Printing | DTG Printing | DTF Printing | Sublimation Printing | Embroidery | Specialty Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detail and colour rangeFine lines, gradients and lots of colours | 3 out of 5 Good | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 2 out of 5 Fair | 3 out of 5 Good |
| DurabilityHow well it holds up to washing and wear | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 3 out of 5 Good | 4 out of 5 Very good | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 4 out of 5 Very good |
| Soft feelHow light and comfortable it feels to wear | 3 out of 5 Good | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 3 out of 5 Good | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 2 out of 5 Fair | 1 out of 5 Basic |
| Suits small runsGood value for a handful of pieces | 2 out of 5 Fair | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 4 out of 5 Very good | 4 out of 5 Very good | 3 out of 5 Good | 3 out of 5 Good |
| Value in bulkHow much cheaper it gets on big orders | 5 out of 5 Excellent | 2 out of 5 Fair | 3 out of 5 Good | 3 out of 5 Good | 3 out of 5 Good | 2 out of 5 Fair |
| Best for | Runs of 25 pieces or more | Full-colour and photographic artwork | Full-colour designs on cotton, polyester and blends | Full-colour artwork, gradients and photographs | Left-chest logos on polos and workwear | Streetwear and merch drops |
| Minimum order | 20 units | 5 units | 5 units | 10 units | 5 units | 50 units |
| Colours | Priced per colour; most jobs use 1 to 4 colours | No colour limit; gradients and photos are fine | No colour limit; gradients and photos are fine | No colour limit; gradients and photographs are suitable | Thread colours matched from a chart; priced by stitch count | Depends on the finish; ask us for the current range |
| How it feels | Ink sits on the surface, so heavier coverage feels slightly raised | Very soft: the ink soaks into the fibres instead of sitting on top | Smooth and flexible; a thin layer sits on top of the fabric | No raised ink layer on compatible polyester fabric; the colour is part of the surface | Textured and slightly raised, with a stiffer feel under the logo | Textured: raised (puff) or smooth and reflective (foil, metallic) |
| Durability | Excellent: the toughest option for repeat washing | Good, though not as tough as screen printing over many washes | Very good on most fabrics | Excellent on compatible substrates; the design will not crack or peel | Outstanding: stitching outlasts most garments | Good with careful washing; avoid high heat |
| Setup | $63 setup per colour (screens), reusable for repeat orders at half price with the same artwork | $63 one-off file-prep fee, half price on repeat orders with the same artwork | $63 one-off file-prep fee, half price on repeat orders with the same artwork | $118 one-off file-prep fee, half price on repeat orders with the same artwork | $73 one-off digitising fee, half price on repeat orders with the same artwork | Extra setup for the effect layer, on top of the base print's setup |
| Price guide | From $1.50 per print at volume (ex GST); depends on garment, colours and quantity | From $7.90 per print (ex GST); no per-colour setup, depends on garment and quantity | From $2.90 per print (ex GST); no per-colour setup, depends on garment and quantity | From $27.90 per item (ex GST); depends on product, print area and quantity | From $3.90 per item (ex GST); depends on stitch count and quantity | From $3 per layer (ex GST), added on top of the base print's price |
Not sure?
Which method is right for me?
Answer three quick questions and we'll suggest the best match for your artwork, quantity and priorities.
Your recommendation appears here
Answer the questions and we'll suggest a print method. It only takes a few seconds, and you can change your answers any time.
Ready to print? Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
Upload your artwork, tell us what you need, and we'll send a free digital proof and a firm price.