Print techniques in detail
Silk Screen
The traditional screen-printing method, using plastisol ink pushed through a fine mesh — layer by layer, color by color. Bold, opaque, vibrant. The standard for branded merch and event runs.
Silk screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh stencil onto fabric, one color at a time. It's the most-ordered print method on our factory floor — sharp edges, deep saturated color, and the kind of durability that survives 50+ wash cycles without cracking. Best for runs of designs with 1-6 distinct colors, especially on cotton fabrics. The base plastisol ink can be swapped for any of eleven specialty variants — water-based, discharge, puff, flock, glitter, metallic, reflective, glow, high-density, or crack-effect — using the same screen and process.
Why pick this
Silk Screen
01
Extremely vibrant, solid colors
02
High durability — resists fading and cracking
03
Cost-efficient for bulk production
04
Ideal for logos and brand designs
Inside Silk Screen
Eleven Silk Screen variations.
Same screen, different ink chemistry — eleven distinct finishes you can specify on a Silk Screen print job.
01
Plastisol
The classic — PVC-based opaque ink that sits on top of the fabric. Vivid colors, sharp edges, glossy or matte finishes. The default for high-coverage logos and graphics.
02
Water-Based
Dye-based ink that penetrates into the fabric instead of sitting on top. Soft, breathable, no-print hand feel. Best on light-colored cottons.
03
Discharge
Removes the original dye from dark fabrics and replaces it with the print color. Vintage washed look, completely soft hand feel. Cotton only.
04
Puff (3D Raised Print)
Heat-activated puff additive lifts the print off the fabric — dimensional, tactile, true 3D effect. Popular on streetwear and fashion drops.
05
Flock (Velvet Effect)
Adhesive base + flocked fibers create a velvet-soft, fuzzy texture. Premium hand feel with distinctive depth.
06
Glitter
Plastisol loaded with glitter particles for high reflection and sparkle. Eye-catching — perfect for entertainment and fashion brands.
07
Metallic
Metallic flakes mixed into the ink for shimmering gold, silver, or chrome finishes. Reads premium far above its cost.
08
Reflective
Glass-bead retroreflective ink that lights up under headlights or flash photography. Safety wear and statement streetwear.
09
Glow in the Dark
Phosphorescent pigment charges in light and emits a soft glow in darkness. Event tees, novelty merch, kids apparel.
10
High Density
Multiple layers of plastisol stacked into a thick, raised, three-dimensional emboss. Strong tactile presence, premium feel.
11
Crack Effect
Engineered to crack during cure, creating a vintage distressed look. Adds character and aged texture to any design.
Not sure which technique fits?
Send us your design and run size; we'll come back with the right technique and a quote within 24 hours.