Printed in London

Commercial Screen Printing Services

Reliable, high-quality screen printing for brands that care about the details. Check screen printing is right for your job, compare it with other print methods and see what it costs, all on this page.

Rather talk? Call 0207 231 0866 →

Garment Screen Printing Specifics

Screen printing services from 25 units, with up to 10 colours and Pantone-matched inks.

We offer professional screen printing services in London. Screen printing suits short and large runs alike, delivering durable prints across t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and premium garments with a clean, consistent finish.

For brands and businesses seeking high quality screen printing, it remains the most trusted method for garment decoration because it delivers vibrant colour, sharp detail, and long-lasting durability across a wide range of fabrics. It’s the best choice for larger runs, where consistent quality and cost efficiency matter most.

Is it right for my job?

When to Use Screen Printing

Answer five quick questions to see if screen printing suits your job, or which method would suit it better.

How many garments?
Colours in the design
Garment colour
Fabric
Names or numbers?
Great fit

Screen printing suits this job

    Compare methods

    Screen Printing Compared to Other Print Methods

    ScreenDTGDTFEmbroidery
    Minimum order25101010
    Lowest price per garment at 100+✓✕✕✕
    Exact Pantone colour matching✓✕✕✕
    Bright, solid colour on dark garments✓✓✓✓
    Long-lasting, wash after wash✓✓✓✓
    Special finishes✓✕✓✓
    Fine detail and small text✓✓✓✕
    Gradients and halftones✓✓✓✕
    ✓Yes✕No
    Pros & cons

    What Are the Advantages of Screen Printing?

    Pros
    • ✓Lowest price per garment on larger runs
    • ✓Inks mixed to your exact Pantone colours
    • ✓Very durable, lasts through repeated washing
    • ✓The widest choice of inks and finishes
    • ✓Bright, solid colour on light and dark garments
    Cons
    • ✕Minimum of 25 units
    • ✕Every colour needs its own screen, so colourful designs cost more on small runs
    • ✕Names and numbers are added in vinyl
    • ✕Photo prints only suit larger runs on light garments
    • ✕Not for dark 100% polyester, where the dye bleeds into the ink

    Why brands still choose screen printing

    Screen printing remains the standard bearer for professional garment printing, with Pantone colour matching, consistent coverage on larger print areas and specialist inks such as water-based, plastisol, fluorescent (neon) and metallic. It delivers durable, vibrant results that make it the best choice for medium to large runs.

    Specs

    Colours, Print Sizes and Positions

    Colours
    Up to 10

    Up to 10 colours on light garments, or 8 plus a white base on dark garments.

    Print size
    Up to 37 x 47cm

    Up to 37 x 47cm. Tote bags up to 28 x 40cm. The maximum size depends on the print position, garment size and how the garment loads on the press.

    Minimum order
    25 units

    Per design, across mixed sizes, styles and colours. Sampling is available before a full run.

    Pantone matching
    Exact match

    We mix inks to your Pantone Coated (C) references, so brand colours stay the same on every run and reorder.

    Light garments
    Bright, solid colour

    Printed straight onto the fabric, with no base layer needed.

    Dark garments
    White base

    We print a white base under your colours so they stay bright on black and dark garments.

    Print positions
    Full frontUp to 28 x 40cm, oversized up to 37 x 47cm
    BACK
    Full backUp to 28 x 40cm, oversized up to 37 x 47cm
    Left chestA small logo, usually up to 10cm wide
    Right chestUp to 10cm wide
    SleeveDown the sleeve or a small cuff print
    BACK
    Inside neckYour size and brand label, printed instead of sewn in

    Each position is priced as a separate print. We also print on tote bags and other accessories.

    Price guide

    What Screen Printing Services Cost

    See how quantity, colours and garment colour change the print price.

    Colours in the design
    Garment colour
    Your print price

    Print price per garment, one position

    £–

    A guide only. Garments, extra positions and finishing are priced on your quote.

    Prices are for standard plastisol ink. Speciality inks and effects cost extra.

    Get an exact quote
    What affects the price
    • No hidden set-up costs: screens and set-up are included in the guide prices above
    • Quantity: screens are made once, so the price drops as the run grows
    • Colours: each colour is its own screen and its own pass on the press
    • Print positions: front, back and sleeve are each a separate print
    • Dark garments: the white base counts as an extra colour
    • The garment: from value blanks to premium heavyweight brands
    • Special inks and finishing: puff, foil, relabelling and bagging add a little per garment

    Bulk Printing

    Screen printing is the most efficient method for bulk t-shirt production and large orders, keeping unit costs low with consistent quality on every garment.

    Inks & finishes

    Screen Printing Ink Types

    Standard inks
    Tubs of plastisol ink used in our screen printing services

    Plastisol Ink

    Light and darkBright, solid colour

    Plastisol inks are oil-based and purpose-built for durable, vibrant garment printing. They produce bright, opaque colour that holds up across long runs and multiple washes. Plastisol suits tonal and detailed designs. It feels slightly heavier than water-based ink and breathes a little less on large print areas, but it’s generally the best all-round choice for quality and longevity.

    Water-based inks

    Water Based Ink

    Light garmentsSoftest feel

    Water-based inks soak into the fabric fibres rather than sitting on top, leaving a soft, breathable finish with almost no texture. Best suited to light-coloured garments, they’re also a more environmentally friendly option. Colours may appear slightly muted over time, giving a relaxed, vintage look.

    CMYK printing

    CMYK Inks

    Light garmentsPhotos and gradients

    CMYK screen printing recreates full-colour designs and photographic artwork using four transparent inks: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Fine halftone dots overlap to form smooth gradients and natural tones. We use it for detailed or tonal artwork that spot colours can’t reproduce.

    Speciality inks and effects (extra cost)
    puff printing

    Puff Ink

    Raised 3DBold shapes

    Puff inks expand when cured under heat, creating a raised, 3D surface. The effect works best on bold, solid shapes or as an accent layer within a larger print. Use it for bold logos, or as a raised accent on part of a bigger print.

    Foil printing

    Foil Printing

    Metallic shineGold, silver, holographic

    Foil printing adds a metallic shine to garments using heat and pressure. We first screen print a clear adhesive, cure it, and then apply your chosen foil colour, from gold and silver to bold tones and holographic finishes. The finish is smooth and shiny, and catches the light.

    Metallic ink

    Metallic Ink

    Subtle shimmerWashes well

    Metallic inks combine finely ground metallic pigments with resin binders to produce a subtle, long-lasting shimmer. While not as reflective as foil, they offer a more durable finish suitable for repeated washing and everyday wear. Metallics work especially well for understated branding or layered with other inks for tonal highlights.

    Fluorescent inks

    Fluorescent Ink

    Glows under UVNeon colour

    Fluorescent inks are bright neon colours that glow under UV light. These pigments absorb ultraviolet energy and re-emit it as bright visible colour, producing striking results on dark or neutral fabrics. Because the inks are semi-transparent, we usually print a white base layer to maximise brightness and contrast.

    Glow in the dark ink

    Glow in the Dark Ink

    Glows in the darkEvents

    Glow in the dark inks use phosphorescent pigments that absorb energy and release it slowly as visible light. They charge under daylight or UV exposure and emit a soft glow in the dark. Available in several shades, green typically appears brightest to the human eye and delivers the strongest effect.

    Reflective ink

    Reflective Ink

    Night visibilityActivewear

    Reflective inks are made by suspending microscopic glass beads in a flexible binder. When exposed to direct light, the surface reflects illumination back to the source, increasing visibility at night or in low light. This effect is both functional and decorative, adding safety and standout appeal to activewear and outerwear designs.

    Cracking ink

    Cracking Ink

    Vintage lookDistressed

    Cracking ink gives garments an instant vintage or distressed look. A self-crack base is printed beneath the top layer of ink, which naturally fractures as it cures. The thicker the ink, the bigger the cracks.

    Flock printing

    Flock Printing

    Velvet feelRaised

    Flock printing adds a soft, velour-like texture to printed designs. The process begins with a screen-printed adhesive base, onto which fine fibres are applied before heat pressing. The finish is raised and soft to the touch, and works well on logos and lettering. Flock has a high minimum order, so ask us before planning around it.

    Effects can be combined, for example a puff outline on a plastisol print. Ask us for samples of any finish.

    Get in Touch

    Send us your garment choices, quantities and artwork and we’ll come back with a full quote.

    Before you order

    Sampling and Artwork

    Sampling

    See and feel your print before the full run. Sampling is available on every method.

    • Blank garment samples to check fit and fabric
    • A printed sample of your design before production
    • A digital proof showing the size and position of your print

    Screen print sample prices

    • 1 to 4 colours: £30 per screen, plus £100 for the sample print
    • 5+ colours: £20 per colour, plus £30 per screen for set-up and print (5 colours = £250)
    • Excludes photo prints, a white base and the garment
    • Go ahead at the same size and placement and we take £15 per screen off your first full run
    Ask for a sample
    Artwork

    Send what you have and we will check it before anything is printed.

    • Best: vector files (AI, PDF, EPS or SVG) with fonts outlined
    • Also fine: PNG or PSD at 300dpi at the size you want it printed
    • Colours: give us Pantone references and we will match them
    • Separations: we separate your artwork into one screen per colour for you
    Process

    How Commercial Screen Printing Works

    1. Quote and specGarments, sizes, positions and a digital proof
    2. SeparationsArtwork split into one layer per colour
    3. ScreensEach colour exposed onto its own mesh screen
    4. Ink mixingMixed to your Pantone references
    5. PrintingBy hand or on our automatic press
    6. Curing and checksHeat-cured, then checked and packed

    From artwork to finished print

    Every project begins by creating careful specifications followed by artwork separation and screen preparation. Each colour layer is exposed onto a fine mesh screen, then aligned and tested for precision. We mix inks to your exact Pantone colours before printing each garment either by hand or automatic press. Once printed, pieces are heat-cured to make them wash-fast, then checked for consistency. The result is a sharp, durable print with a slightly raised feel.

    Turnaround: usually 7 to 15 working days from final approval, depending on order size and the time of year. Rush orders may be possible, just ask.

    Garments

    Garments That Print Well

    Cotton and cotton-rich garments give the best screen prints. Most merch ranges start with a tee and a hoodie, so see our custom t-shirts and custom hoodies.

    Case studies

    Recent Screen Printing Work

    White ink ombre print on a black t-shirt for a climbing centre

    Screen printing / T-shirts

    T-Shirts for a Climbing Centre

    Simple one colour screen printed merchandise for a climbing centre clothing range, including natural cotton t-shirts and a blue ombre t-shirt for retail and staff wear.

    Large back print on a custom hoodie for Suara Music

    Screen printing / Merch

    Merch for Record Label Suara Music

    Custom screen printed merchandise for Spanish record label Suara Music, featuring bold artwork printed on premium garments for merch sales and events.

    OneNine5 t-shirt being screen printed by hand

    Hand screen printing / T-shirts

    Hand Screen Printed Tees for OneNine5

    Hand screen printing lets us turn around smaller screen printing jobs with close attention to detail. The two colour whale-inspired tees for OneNine5 are a perfect example.

    More than printing

    Complementary Garment Customisation Services

    We can finish your order where we print it. We relabel, fold, bag and swing tag each piece, so it arrives ready to go on sale. See garment finishing for every option.

    Garment relabelling

    Relabelling

    We can take out the manufacturer’s label and sew in yours, or print your label inside the neck.

    Folding and bagging garments

    Folding and Bagging

    We can fold and polybag every garment for you, add size stickers so each piece is easy to identify, and print SKU stickers to keep your stock organised.

    Swing tag attached to a garment

    Swing Tagging

    The icing on the cake. We can source swing tags for you, or provide your own and we’ll attach them to your garments.

    Why us

    Why Choose 3rd Rail as Your Screen Printers

    We screen print for fashion labels, creative agencies, events and all brands. We run automatic and manual presses, so we can match the press to the size of the job. We also do embroidery, so a printed back and a stitched chest logo can go on one order. All screen printing, finishing, and quality checks take place in London, giving you full control from first proof to final print.

    Trusted by the World’s Biggest Brands

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    Need Commercial Screen Printing Services?

    Get a quote for your project. Tell us about it and we’ll get back to you with pricing and advice.

    Rather talk? Call 0207 231 0866

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    FAQs

    Screen Printing FAQs.

    Yes. We print for clothing brands, events and bulk garment orders. Printing in London lets us keep consistency and control across large production runs.

    Yes. We send screen printing orders by courier across the UK, and we ship abroad too.

    25 units per design, across mixed sizes, styles and colours. For smaller runs, DTG and DTF printing start at 10 units, and sampling is available.

    Usually, yes. It becomes more cost-effective as quantities increase. The prints also last through repeated washing.

    Up to 10 colours on light garments, or 8 plus a white base on dark garments. Gradients print well within reason, and photo prints suit larger runs on light garments.

    Yes. We print a white base under your colours so they stay bright on black and dark garments.

    Yes. We mix inks to your Pantone Coated (C) references, so your colours stay the same across every run and reorder.

    Very. The ink bonds with the fabric, so colour and detail hold up well, even after repeated washing. That’s why it’s commonly used for bulk clothing production.

    Yes. We print puff, metallic, fluorescent, glitter and textured inks. Speciality inks cost extra, so ask us for a price with your quote.

    T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and tote bags. It works best on cotton and cotton-blend garments.

    Not on dark 100% polyester. Dye in polyester can bleed into the ink, so we use DTF transfers for dark polyester instead. Light polyester can be screen printed with a dye-blocking base, up to 4 colours. Nylon is one colour only, with a special nylon ink. For many polyester and nylon garments, DTF transfers are the better option.

    Yes. We screen print the main design and add names and numbers in vinyl.

    Yes. For 1 to 4 colours, samples cost £30 per screen, plus £100 for the sample print. See the sample prices above for 5+ colours.

    Vector files (AI, PDF, EPS or SVG) work best. PNG or PSD files are fine at 300dpi at print size. We separate your artwork into screens for you.

    Most screen printing orders take 7 to 15 working days from final approval. Bigger runs and busy times of year sit at the longer end. If you have a deadline, tell us when you ask for a quote and we’ll see if a rush order is possible.