Service
Durable, vibrant screen prints with plastisol, water-based, discharge and specialty inks for bulk apparel.
Screen printing is the most trusted method for printing apparel in volume. Ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen onto the garment, one color at a time, creating bold, opaque, and extremely durable prints that last for years of washing. For brands printing the same design on dozens or thousands of pieces, custom screen printing services deliver the best combination of quality, vibrancy, and cost per piece.
MAKEWELL APPAREL screen prints t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags, and more for clothing brands, merch companies, events, and businesses. We prepare your artwork, match ink colors, and test prints on your fabric before bulk production. To compare methods, see our printing methods guide.
Each color in your design is separated into its own layer, and a screen is made for each layer by exposing light-sensitive emulsion through the artwork. Ink is then pressed through the open areas of the screen onto the garment with a squeegee. Multi-color designs are printed color by color in perfect registration, and prints are heat-cured so the ink bonds permanently with the fabric.
Because screens are prepared once, setup costs are spread across the order, which is why screen printing becomes more economical as quantities increase.
Plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric, producing bright, opaque colors that pop on both light and dark garments. It is versatile and durable, and suits bold graphics and streetwear. Water-based ink soaks into the fibers for a soft hand that you can barely feel, ideal for premium tees and vintage looks, and it is often preferred for eco-conscious collections.
Discharge ink removes the garment’s dye and replaces it with color, creating soft, vibrant prints on dark cotton. Our team recommends the right ink for your fabric, design, and the feel you want.
Specialty inks add texture and personality. Puff ink rises when cured to create a raised, 3D effect popular in streetwear. High-density ink builds sharp, thick layers with a premium feel. Metallic, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, reflective, and suede-feel inks create statement details, while simulated process and halftone printing reproduce photographic artwork.
We test specialty effects during sampling to confirm look, feel, and wash durability.
For the best results, send vector artwork such as AI, EPS, or PDF, or high-resolution files at print size. Each ink color requires a screen, so designs with fewer colors cost less to set up. We match ink colors to your Pantone references and send a digital mock-up showing placement and size on each garment.
Common placements include full front, full back, left chest, sleeve, neck, and hem prints, and we scale artwork proportionally across sizes where needed.
Screen printing is ideal for designs with a limited number of solid colors, larger quantities, and products that need maximum durability. For highly detailed full-color designs in small runs, DTG printing or DTF printing may be more cost-effective. For all-over polyester prints, sublimation is the better option. We recommend the method that suits each design.
Clothing brands use screen printing for core graphic tees and hoodies that sell season after season. Merch companies and bands use it for tour and fan merchandise. Businesses use it for staff shirts, events, and promotions, and schools and teams use it for spirit wear. Pair screen-printed garments with embroidered accents for a premium mixed-media look.
We check ink coverage, color accuracy, registration, placement, and curing on every order. Samples are wash-tested to confirm durability and hand feel. Approved artwork, ink formulas, and placements are saved so reorders match the original prints.
Water-based and discharge inks, PVC-free plastisol alternatives, and careful screen reclaiming reduce environmental impact. We combine eco inks with organic and recycled garments for more sustainable collections.
Screen printing on our garments starts from 50 pieces per design, with lower cost per piece at higher quantities. Samples usually take 7 to 10 business days, and bulk production typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after approval. Explore all apparel manufacturing services.
A few design choices make a big difference to screen-printed results. Limiting your design to the colors it truly needs keeps setup costs down and often makes graphics bolder. Clean vector artwork prints with sharp edges, and very fine lines or tiny text should be thick enough to print reliably on the chosen fabric. For dark garments, a white underbase keeps colors bright, while water-based or discharge inks keep the print soft.
Garment choice matters too. Smooth cotton and cotton-poly blends print beautifully, while very textured or synthetic fabrics may need special inks to prevent dye migration. Our team reviews your artwork and garment, suggests improvements, and prints a sample so you can approve colors, size, and feel before bulk production.
As a clothing brand grows, screen printing becomes the most economical way to produce bestsellers. Once screens are made for a design, reorders can be printed efficiently, and the cost per piece falls as quantities increase. Many brands start new designs with DTG or DTF in small runs, then move proven graphics to screen printing for larger, more profitable production.
We store approved artwork, ink formulas, and placements so every reorder matches the original, which is essential for core products that customers buy again and again.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Tell us about your product and quantity. Our team will recommend the best approach and send an itemized quote within 24 hours.
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, one color at a time, creating bold, durable prints.
Screen printing on our garments starts from 50 pieces per design.
Screen printing is more durable and cost-effective for larger runs and solid colors. DTG suits detailed full-color designs in small runs.
Plastisol sits on top of the fabric for bright, opaque colors. Water-based ink soaks into fibers for a softer feel.
Discharge ink removes the garment dye and replaces it with color, creating soft, vibrant prints on dark cotton.
Yes. Puff ink rises when cured to create a raised, 3D effect.
Each color requires its own screen and setup, so more colors increase setup cost.
Vector files such as AI, EPS, or PDF are best, or high-resolution files at print size.
Properly cured screen prints last for many years of washing and wear.
Yes. We mix inks to match your Pantone references.
Yes. We use underbases and opaque or discharge inks for vibrant prints on dark fabrics.
Yes. We offer water-based and discharge inks and PVC-free alternatives.
Yes. Many designs combine a printed back graphic with an embroidered chest logo.
Samples take about 7 to 10 business days, and bulk production usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after approval.
Most screen prints use one to six spot colors, and simulated process printing can reproduce more complex artwork. Fewer colors mean lower setup costs, so we often help simplify designs without losing their impact.
Water-based and discharge inks soak into the fabric and give the softest feel. They are ideal for premium tees and vintage looks, while plastisol is better for bold, opaque prints on mixed fabrics.
Yes. We use low-bleed inks designed for polyester and blends so dyes do not migrate into the print and change its color.
Yes. Sleeve, neck, hem, and pocket prints are all available, and they can be combined with front and back prints on the same garment.
We keep approved artwork and ink formulas on file, so reorders match the original. Screens are prepared again when needed, which keeps results consistent.
FREE QUOTE · NO OBLIGATION
Tell us what you are making and our team will reply within 24 hours with recommendations and an itemized quote.
Prefer email? sales@makewellapparel.com
Your details are only used to prepare your quote. We never share them.
BEFORE YOU GO
Send us your idea, even if it is only a sketch. Within 24 hours you get fabric suggestions, a realistic timeline and an estimate, with no commitment.
Prefer email? sales@makewellapparel.com
Your details are only used to prepare your quote. We never share them.
