Plastisol Screen Printing

Vibrant, high-opacity prints that pop on any fabric. Perfect for logos, large-scale designs, and brand visuals that demand staying power, this technique offers a soft touch with long-lasting impact. Explore why it’s the industry standard for custom apparel, merch drops, and professional branding.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Jumbo Screen Printing

Discharge Screen Printing

Foil Screen Printing

Screen Printed Transfer

ECO- Water-based Screen Printing

Glow in the Dark Screen Printing

Metallic Ink Screen Printing

Puff Screen Printing

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.

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.

More Printing Techniques

Looking for a printing method that perfectly suits your design and garment choice? At Garment Printing, we offer a wide selection of professional printing techniques to match every style, budget, and need. Whether you're after vibrant full-colour detail, a fast-turnaround option, or something eco-friendly, we've got the tools and expertise to deliver. Explore the techniques below to discover the best fit for your next project - our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.