Plastisol Screen Printing
Vibrant, high-opacity prints that stand out on any fabric. Ideal for logos, large-scale designs and brand visuals that need long-lasting impact, this technique combines strong colour performance with a soft feel. Discover why it remains the industry standard for custom apparel, merchandise collections and professional branded clothing. Fast Quote Response Free Expert Advice Get a Fast Quote Now Contact Sales
What is Plastisol Screen Printing?
Plastisol screen printing involves using a PVC-based ink that sits on top of the fabric rather than soaking into it. The result? A bold, vibrant design with excellent colour opacity - even on dark garments. Unlike water-based inks, plastisol doesn’t dry unless cured at high temperatures (usually around 160–180°C), giving printers flexibility during production and sharper detail in the final result.
This method is perfect for detailed logos, large-scale graphics, and multi-colour prints, making it a go-to choice for everything from branded uniforms and sports kits to streetwear and promotional tees. The ink creates a slightly raised, smooth, and rubbery texture that can last through countless washes without fading or cracking. For added flexibility, we can also supply plastisol screen print transfers - great for heat-press application on demand.
Screen printing is one of the most popular printing techniques and features a number of excellent benefits such as Pantone colour matching and price breaks for larger orders.
The most common type of ink used for screen printing is Plastisol rather that water-based inks. Plastisol inks are composed of PVC particles and are particularly popular amongst screen printers as they won’t dry in the screens if left for long periods of time. Plastisol inks tend to sit on top of the threads of the material instead of soaking into them, giving the print a raised look. They work particularly well when printing onto coloured garments and offer bright, vivid colours as well as Pantone colour matching. We help specify the best plastisol ink for screen printing your exact garment, colour and artwork so you get consistent results.
This technique is an ideal option if you are looking to maintain brand colours and is perfect when doing large print runs as we can offer highly economic price breaks.
Why Choose Plastisol Screen Printing?
If you’re looking to make a bold, lasting impression with your branded clothing, Plastisol Screen Printing is one of the most reliable and visually striking choices out there. Why? Because this technique offers vibrant colours that pop, exceptional opacity (even on dark fabrics), and incredible durability - wash after wash. For companies, creatives, and marketing agencies who want their logos, slogans, or graphic designs to stand out in high definition and stay that way, plastisol is the powerhouse of screen printing.
Whether you're launching limited-edition merch, gearing up your team with custom uniforms, or printing thousands of promotional T-shirts, plastisol delivers consistent, crisp results that hold their shape and colour. It also allows for unique finishes like high density, puff, or gloss effects, adding an extra dimension to your brand presence. The ink doesn’t soak into the fabric but rather sits on top, giving your design a clean, slightly textured feel that screams quality - the hallmark of a great plastisol screen print.
There are a range of techniques and inks available within Screen Printing onto clothing! To create the screen, artwork needs to be supplied in vector format (.ai, .eps or vector PDF) as each colour in the artwork is separated and a different screen is created for each colour that is to be printed. This is why screen printing incurs a higher set-up cost than other digital T-shirt printing techniques. If you're still deciding on inks, we can compare screen printing plastisol inks with alternatives and walk you through plastisol screen prints.
Please Note:
Printed garments are more sensitive and need extra attention when it comes to washing. To preserve the print and the garment, it is recommended that you wash it inside out on a cold wash. Do not use a tumble-dryer and do not iron over the print.
Advantages of Plastisol Screen Printing
1. Bold, Vivid Colours
Screen printing delivers strong, vibrant colours thanks to thick layers of ink that sit on top of the fabric. Pantone colour matching to keep true to brand colours & guidelines. Giving a professional finish.
2. High Long Lasting durability & Quality
The inks used are long-lasting and resistant to repeated washing, making screen printing ideal for garments that will see heavy use, such as uniforms, workwear, or promotional apparel.
3. Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders
Very competitively priced – the more you order the cheaper the price. The cost per unit decreases significantly with volume, making it ideal for big runs.
4. Fastest printing technique for printing in large volumes
Screen printing is the fastest technique for producing high volumes of printed clothing quickly, without compromising on quality.
5. Produces designs with multiple colours
Screen printing allows for vibrant, multi-colour designs with sharp detail and long-lasting results.
6. Special Ink Effects Possible
You can incorporate metallic inks, fluorescent inks, puff inks, and other speciality finishes that aren’t typically available with digital methods, allowing for unique creative designs.
Disadvantages of Plastisol Screen Printing
1. High Setup Costs for Small Runs
Each colour requires a separate screen, which takes time and money to produce. More screen printing equipment means higher costs. For short runs or one-off designs, the setup costs are not cost-effective.
2. Limited Colour Usage per Design
The process becomes more complex and expensive with each additional colour. It’s best suited for designs with fewer colours and less intricate detail.
3. Not Ideal for Photographic or Gradient Designs
Fine details, gradients, or photo-realistic images are difficult to reproduce accurately. Screen printing works best for bold lines and graphic elements. In some cases, choosing between screen printing water based ink vs plastisol can also impact the achievable finish.
4. Environmental Considerations
Traditional screen printing can generate chemical waste and requires water for cleaning screens. Unless eco-friendly inks and practices are used, it can be less sustainable. Ask for our eco screen printing options.
Your Order, Made Easy in 4 Steps
1. Tell us about your project needs
Share your requirements, quantities and deadlines with our team so we can recommend the best solution.
2. Expert advice & visual mock-ups
We recommend the best products and printing methods, then provide mock-ups for approval before production.
3. Production & Quality control
Your order is produced using professional printing and checked at every stage to ensure quality.
4. On-time delivery, every time
We deliver your order on time to offices, events and venues across the UK and worldwide.
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Check Out Prices & Artwork Guidelines
Explore printing prices and artwork guidelines — everything you need to get started with confidence, with expert support whenever you need it.
Printing Prices Artwork GuidelinesAdvanced Screen Printing Effects & Finishes - Screen Printing Techniques
Our advanced screen printing effects and finishes create a wide range of visual and tactile results — from ultra-soft prints and subtle tonal designs to bold textures and eye-catching finishes.
Our team recommends the best approach based on your artwork, garment choice and brand goals, considering colour count, durability, feel and budget to achieve the best result for your project.
More Garment Printing Techniques Explained
Looking for the best printing method for your design and garment choice? At Garment Printing, we offer a wide range of professional printing techniques to suit every style, budget and project requirement. Whether you need vibrant full-colour detail, fast turnaround or eco-friendly options, our team has the expertise to deliver. Explore the techniques below and find the right solution for your next project — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Plastisol Screen Printing Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastisol Screen Printing
Find quick answers to our most common questions about ordering personalised clothing and branded merchandise.
Plastisol screen printing is a printing method that uses plastisol ink to create vibrant, durable designs that sit on top of the fabric, making it ideal for logos and bold graphics.
Plastisol printing is best for bulk clothing orders, corporate uniforms, promotional T-shirts and event merchandise where strong colours and durability are required.
Yes, plastisol prints are highly durable and resistant to washing and everyday wear, making them ideal for workwear and team clothing.
Yes, plastisol ink provides strong opacity, allowing designs to stand out clearly on both light and dark garments.
Screen printing is most cost-effective for medium to large orders. For very small quantities, other printing techniques may be more suitable.
Plastisol works well for bold graphics and logos. Very fine photographic detail may be better suited to digital printing methods.
Yes, our team advises on the best printing technique based on your garment type, design, quantities and budget.
With proper care, plastisol prints can last for many years without significant fading or cracking.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Project
At Garment Printing, we support you from product selection to production and delivery. Share your requirements and timelines, and our team will guide your project from start to finish.
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