Screen printing: the technique for sharp, durable prints
We’ve been screen printing textiles in our own workshop in Leidschendam since 1980. From our own workshop we deliver small runs as precisely as orders of thousands. In direct screen printing we print up to 7 Pantone colours per design.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is a process where we expose a fine-mesh screen for each colour in your design. Ink is pressed through the open areas of the screen onto the textile — colour by colour, layer by layer. The result is a sharp, opaque print that lasts for years, even after hundreds of wash cycles.
For textiles, screen printing has been the standard for decades, and for good reason: from 25 pieces upward, it’s the sharpest, most durable and — at higher quantities — by far the most cost-effective technique.
When is screen printing the right choice?
Screen printing is the right choice when:
- You want 25 pieces or more
- Your design has up to 7 Pantone colours (photorealistic work → choose DTF or sublimation)
- You need maximum wash resistance — workwear, sports shirts, hospitality
- You want opaque prints on dark textiles
- You want specials like puff, glitter, reflective or discharge
Not sure? Our DTF transfers are a strong alternative for smaller runs or full-colour designs.
Our screen printing techniques
Plastisol screen printing
The most widely used. Plastisol inks deliver opaque, vivid colours with excellent wash resistance. Suitable for almost all cotton and blend fabrics.
Water-based screen printing
Water-based, with a soft “in-the-fabric” feel. Ideal for lightweight, supple shirts where the print is barely noticeable — popular for fashion and premium merchandise.
Discharge printing
A chemical process where we remove the textile dye from the cotton and replace it with the print colour. Delivers an exceptionally soft hand feel and vivid colours on dark cotton. Only works on 100% cotton.
Specialties
Puff — expanding ink for a 3D effect · Glitter — fine or coarse, in many colours · Reflective — our own formulation with glass beads (35–55 µm) · High Density — extra thick, for raised logo effects
What you need to order
The design:
Preferably supplied as vector (.AI.EPS.PDF or .SVG) with text converted to outlines and at actual print size. High-quality PNG (300 dpi at actual size) is also fine. Each colour in your design becomes one screen.
The textile:
You choose the textile from our brand guide or supply your own. We work with brands including Stedman, B&C, Sol’s, Russell, Stanley/Stella and Mantis.
Quantities:
From 25 pieces per design. The larger the run, the lower the unit price. For repeat orders we offer faster turnaround and better pricing.
No print-ready file? We help prepare your artwork for a small fee.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- Best price-quality ratio from 25 pieces upward
- Excellent wash resistance (50+ washes with no visible loss)
- Sharp, opaque colours — even on dark textiles
- Many specialty options (puff, glitter, reflective, discharge)
- Suitable for almost all textile types
Considerations
- Less suitable for full-colour designs or photos (choose DTF or sublimation)
- Each additional colour adds a setup cost (per screen)
- For runs under 25 pieces, often more expensive than DTF transfers
Frequently asked questions
With proper care (inside out, max. 40°C, no tumble drying), a plastisol screen print lasts at least 50 washes without visible loss. In practice, much longer.
Yes, as long as it’s clean, unworn, and suitable for screen printing. We always recommend a test print first for unfamiliar fabrics.
25 pieces per design is our screen printing minimum. For smaller numbers, DTF transfer is often a better choice.
For full-colour or photo designs we recommend DTF or sublimation. Screen printing works best with graphic designs up to about 6 colours.
Printing on certified workwear (e.g. EN ISO 20471 high-vis) requires certified inks and transfers. We use the right materials so the certification remains valid. Mention this specifically when requesting a quote.
Yes. Our water-based and discharge prints are PVC- and phthalate-free. We also stock organic cotton and recycled textiles in our sustainable ranges.
Examples & cases
varied examples — corporate apparel, events, sports clubs, fashion
Why Visualprint
Honest advice
Advice on materials and techniques or processes — without preference for one specific technique.
Everything in-house
Screen printing, embroidery, DTF, discharge, sublimation and our specialties. From Pantone colours in direct screen printing to up to 15 colours in embroidery.
Our own R&D
We actively develop our own specials and explore new formulations. Got a special wish? Just ask.
45+ years of experience
Family business with short lines and a wealth of in-house knowledge. Since 1980 in Leidschendam-Voorburg.
Other techniques we offer
Transfers
DTF, plastisol or silicone transfers. From 1 piece.
Embroidery
Premium look, durable.
Sublimation
All-over print on polyester sportswear.
Specialties
Foil, multichrome, glitter, high density, glow in the dark, thermochromic, photochromic.
Graphic screen printing
Posters and art prints up to 70x100 cm.
Lead time & price indication
Standard lead time: 7–10 working days after proof approval and textile receipt. Rush orders: possible by arrangement, even within 3 working days.
Price: depends on textile, number of colours and quantity. Request a quote for a tailored price — usually in your inbox within one working day.