Custom Screen Printing for Sportswear

How does screen printing work?

1. Your artwork is separated into one layer per colour.
2. A mesh screen is prepared for each colour.
3. Ink is pushed through each screen onto the garment, colour by colour, lined up on a registration board.
4. The print is heat-cured so the ink bonds to the fabric and survives washing.

Because each colour needs its own screen and set-up, the cost depends mainly on the number of colours, not the size of the design.

When should you choose screen printing?

• Logos, names and numbers with one to four solid colours.
• Dark garments that need bright, opaque colours (white or yellow on black or navy).
• Cotton and cotton-rich fabrics, which cannot be sublimated.
• Training tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and fan merchandise.

For full-colour designs, gradients or all-over patterns on polyester, sublimation printing is usually the better choice.

Screen printing vs sublimation vs DTF

See the full comparison in sublimation vs screen printing vs tackle twill.

Which inks and effects are available?

Plastisol inks give bright, opaque colours and suit most sportswear. Water-based inks give a softer feel on cotton. Special effects such as puff, high-density or reflective inks can be discussed for specific designs. Tell us the look you want and the fabric, and we will suggest the right ink.

How should you prepare artwork?

• Send vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) where possible.
• List the colours, ideally with Pantone references.
• Keep fine lines and small text thick enough to print; very thin details may fill in.
• Give the print size and position for each garment size.

Read our artwork guidelines; we send a free mockup within 24 hours.

Care for screen-printed garments

A properly cured screen print lasts for many washes. Wash inside out in cold or warm water, avoid bleach, tumble dry low or hang dry, and never iron directly on the print.

Products we screen print

Performance T-shirts · Sweatshirts · Hoodies · Joggers · Gym shorts · solid-colour team jerseys

Frequently asked questions

What is screen printing on clothing?

A printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto fabric, one colour at a time, then heat-cured to bond with the garment.

Is screen printing good for sportswear?

Yes, for logos, names and numbers with a few solid colours, especially on cotton, blends and dark fabrics. For full-colour polyester jerseys, sublimation is usually better.

Can you screen print on polyester?

Yes. Polyester can be screen printed with suitable inks and curing to prevent colour bleeding.

How many colours can be screen printed?

Several, but each colour needs its own screen, so screen printing is most cost-effective for one to four colours.

Does screen printing crack?

A correctly cured print is durable. Washing inside out and avoiding high heat and ironing helps it last longer.

What is the minimum order for screen-printed sportswear at Rockhint?

20 pieces per order, with sizes mixed freely.