Printing Service · Since 1998 · OEKO-TEX Certified Inks
Garment Printing Service for Fashion Brands
Print is how brands make t-shirts, hoodies, and casual wear visually distinctive. Whether you need bold graphic prints, subtle branded logos, or all-over patterns, the printing technique determines how the print looks, feels, and lasts. SDF Clothing's printing service offers screen printing, DTG, sublimation, and specialty effects with OEKO-TEX certified inks.
Types of Garment Printing We Offer
Screen Printing
The most common technique for high-quality garment graphics. Each color requires a separate screen. Best for designs with limited colors and large quantities.
Capabilities:
- • Plastisol inks for vibrant, durable prints
- • Water-based inks for soft handle and eco-conscious brands
- • Discharge printing for soft inside-the-fabric look
- • Specialty effects: foil, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, puff, high-density
- • Maximum print size: typically 14" x 16" front, 11" x 14" sleeves
Screen printing is best when: Print has limited colors (1-8 colors), production quantity is 100+ pieces per design, cost-per-piece must be low, wash durability is critical.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing
Inkjet printing directly onto fabric. Like a giant inkjet printer for t-shirts. Best for photographic prints and complex multi-color designs in low quantities.
Capabilities:
- • Full-color CMYK printing including white ink for dark garments
- • Photographic and gradient prints
- • Unlimited colors per design
- • No setup cost — same price for 1 piece or 100 pieces
DTG is best when: Print is multi-color or photographic, quantities are low (1-100 pieces), print-on-demand fulfillment models, frequent design changes.
Sublimation Printing
Heat transfer process that bonds dye into polyester fabric. Print becomes part of the fabric — no surface texture, completely soft handle, will not crack or peel.
Capabilities:
- • Full-color photographic quality
- • All-over prints (entire garment surface)
- • Cut-and-sew sublimation for seamless designs
- • Permanent dye-bonding never washes out
Sublimation is best when: Garment is polyester or polyester blend, print covers large areas (all-over prints), maximum durability required, photographic or complex designs.
Heat Transfer Printing
Pre-printed transfers applied to garments with heat press. Faster setup than screen printing for low quantities.
- • Vinyl transfers for solid color graphics
- • Sublimation transfers for photographic prints on polyester
- • Plastisol transfers for cotton garments
- • Custom name/number transfers for personalized garments
Specialty Print Techniques
- • Foil printing for metallic effects
- • Discharge printing for soft inside-fabric look
- • Pigment printing for vintage washed-out feel
- • Reflective printing for visibility wear
- • Glow-in-the-dark printing for novelty
- • High-density printing for raised 3D effect
Inks and Certifications
We use only certified inks safe for skin contact and environmental compliance:
- • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified inks (chemical safety)
- • GOTS-approved inks for organic-certified garments
- • Phthalate-free plastisol options
- • Water-based inks for sustainable brands
- • AZO-free dyes meeting EU REACH requirements
- • ZDHC-compliant chemistry for hazardous chemical control
Print MOQ and Pricing
Screen Printing MOQ
100 pieces minimum per design and color combination. Lower quantities possible at higher per-piece cost due to setup fees.
Screen Printing Pricing (per piece)
- • 1-color front print, 100 pieces: $0.50-1.00
- • 1-color front print, 500 pieces: $0.30-0.60
- • 3-color front print, 100 pieces: $1.20-2.00
- • 3-color front print, 500 pieces: $0.80-1.40
- • Add back print: 60-80% of front print cost
- • Add sleeve print: 30-40% of front print cost
- • Plus screen setup fee: $15-30 per color (one-time per design)
DTG Printing Pricing
- • Single color front, 1-100 pieces: $2.00-4.00 per piece
- • Full-color front, 1-100 pieces: $4.00-8.00 per piece
Add back: 60-80% of front cost
Sublimation Printing Pricing
- • All-over front print: $2.50-5.00 per piece
- • Cut-and-sew sublimation: $4.00-8.00 per piece
Setup and design preparation: $20-50 per design
Our Printing Process
Step 1
Design file submission
You send print-ready artwork. We accept Adobe Illustrator (AI), high-resolution PDF, or PNG files at 300 DPI minimum. Design dimensions confirmed.
Step 2
Color separation and screen prep
For screen printing, we separate your design into individual color screens. Setup screens are produced for each color.
Step 3
Test prints
Before bulk production, we produce test prints to verify color accuracy, registration, and overall appearance. You approve test prints before bulk.
Step 4
Bulk printing
Approved prints applied to garments in production. Quality monitored at every printed garment.
Step 5
Curing and quality check
Plastisol prints heat-cured for permanent bonding. Water-based prints dried under controlled conditions. Each printed garment quality-checked before moving to next stage.
Step 6
Wash testing
Sample finished prints wash-tested per industry standards (typically 5-10 home wash cycles equivalent) to verify durability before delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for screen printing?
100 pieces per design and color combination. For example, 100 black t-shirts with the same 3-color print. If you want 50 black and 50 navy of the same design, that is 2 production setups requiring 50 pieces minimum each.
How long does printing take?
Setup and screen prep: 3-5 days. Bulk printing: 1-3 days for 500-1000 pieces. Total time including curing and quality check: 5-10 days from design approval.
Can you print on garments I supply?
Yes. We accept blank garments from any source for printing only. Alternatively, we can supply blank garments through our network as part of a full printing package.
Are your inks safe for kids' clothing?
Yes. We use OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certified inks safe for direct skin contact including children under 3 years. AZO-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free formulations available.
Can you match a specific Pantone color?
Yes. Our color lab matches Pantone references with computerized color systems. Standard tolerance is Delta E < 1.5 for printed colors. Specialty Pantone colors may require custom ink mixing at additional cost.
What is the difference between water-based and plastisol printing?
Plastisol creates a slightly raised, more vibrant print on top of the fabric. Water-based dyes the fabric directly for a soft inside-the-fabric handle. Water-based is preferred for premium feel and sustainability. Plastisol is preferred for maximum vibrancy and durability.
Need professional printing for your apparel collection? Contact SDF Clothing here with your design files and quantity. We will recommend the best printing technique and quote pricing within 48 hours. From 100 pieces minimum.
For complete production strategy, read our complete clothing manufacturers guide.