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Are you looking for high-quality, durable, and cost-effective custom apparel? Silk screen printing remains the gold standard for t-shirt printing in Singapore, especially for bulk orders, corporate events, and class tees.
At ChromaPrint, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver vibrant prints that last. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the silk screen process, its benefits, and how it compares to modern alternatives.
Silk screen printing (also known as serigraphy) is a technique that uses a woven mesh screen to support an ink-blocking stencil. The stencil forms open areas of mesh that allow ink to be pressed through onto the fabric.
At ChromaPrint, each color in your design requires a separate, custom-burnt screen. When these colors are layered together, they create a high-quality, professional finish that is famous for its "thick" feel and incredible durability.
Unmatched Durability: Unlike some digital methods, our silk screen ink bonds deeply with the fabric fibers. ChromaPrint garments are tested to withstand hundreds of washes without fading or cracking.
Vibrant Color Matching: We use high-quality inks that produce "true" colors (Pantone matching), ensuring your corporate branding looks exactly as intended every single time.
Bulk Cost-Efficiency: At ChromaPrint, we pass the savings on to you. Because the initial setup is the most intensive part, your cost per shirt drops significantly as your order quantity increases.
Versatile Substrates: Our expertise isn't limited to T-shirts. We apply silk screen techniques to polo shirts, canvas bags, hoodies, and even high-performance jerseys.
Many of our clients ask whether they should go with traditional screening or the newer DTF (Direct-to-Film) method. Here is how we break it down:
Feature | Silk Screen Printing | DTF Heat Transfer |
Best For | 1 or 2 color prints that do not contain too much intricate details | Colorful prints, prints with gradients, or intricate details |
Cost | Cost increases with every additional color, regardless of print size | Cost increases with print size, regardless of number of colors |
Feel (Hand-feel) | Slightly raised, premium texture | Thin, smooth matte film |
Durability | Lasts for years. Color may fade but fades evenly. | May show wear or fine cracks after frequent washes |
We pride ourselves on a meticulous workflow to ensure zero defects:
Artwork Optimization: Our design team reviews your files to ensure lines are sharp and colors are prepared for separation.
Screen Preparation: We use high-tension mesh screens to ensure the crispness of your logo.
Custom Ink Mixing: We mix inks manually to match your specific brand identity (Pantone Matching System).
The Precision Stroke: Using professional-grade squeegees, our printers press the ink through the mesh with consistent pressure.
Industrial Heat Curing: Every garment passes through our conveyor dryer to "cure" the ink, making it a permanent part of the fabric.
✅ Pros
• Extremely durable – stands up to 50+ washes with no fading or cracking
• Cost-effective for bulk orders – the more you print, the lower the cost per piece
• Vibrant and solid colours – ink sits on top of the fabric and pops, even on dark colours
• Professional-grade finish – used by retail brands for high-quality products
• Works on various fabrics – including cotton, polyester blends, canvas, and performance wear
❌Cons
• Higher setup cost for low quantities – not ideal for small print runs
• Limited to spot colours – complex gradients or photo prints are not feasible • Time-consuming setup – each colour requires a custom screen
Silkscreen is the best choice for bulk printing of uniforms, merchandise, and branded t-shirts where high print quality and durability are essential.
ChromaPrint offers a wide range of quality garments that pair perfectly with silkscreen printing. Choose from our best-selling apparel:
• Round Neck T-Shirts – 100% cotton or blended tees for everyday use
• Polo Shirts – perfect for corporate or semi-formal wear
• Long Sleeve Tees – great for cooler climates or outdoor use
• Dri-Fit Shirts – moisture-wicking material for sports teams and marathons
Each item is hand-picked for compatibility with silkscreen printing to ensure vibrant results and durability.
A common question from clients is how to differentiate between 1-colour, 2-colour, and multi-colour silkscreen printing.
1-Colour Silkscreen means the design uses a single ink colour. For example, a white logo printed on a black t-shirt.
2-Colour Silkscreen means the design includes two distinct ink colours. Each colour requires its own screen and printing pass. Example: A red and white logo on a navy blue shirt.
Adding more colours increases the setup time and cost, which is why we recommend 1- or 2-colour designs for maximum efficiency and clarity.
Here is an example of how you may choose to convert your logo into a single colour and save on silkscreen printing costs.
Q: How long does silkscreen printing last on a t-shirt?
A: When properly cared for, silkscreen prints can last 50+ washes without fading or cracking, making it ideal for uniforms and regular wear items.
Q: What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our MOQ for silkscreen printing is 30 pieces per design. This ensures we can cover the setup costs while keeping your unit price affordable.
Q: Can I print on dark coloured fabric?
A: Absolutely. We use opaque plastisol inks that provide excellent coverage on black or coloured fabrics. For even bolder results, we can use a white underbase layer.
Q: What type of fabric works best for silkscreen printing?
A: Silkscreen works best on 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends, but we can also print on canvas, polyester, and moisture-wicking athletic fabrics.
Q: Can I print multiple colours in one design?
A: Yes. Silkscreen printing supports up to 5 spot colours per design. Complex multi-colour designs may incur extra setup costs.
Q: How does silkscreen compare to digital printing?
A: Silkscreen offers more vibrant colours, better durability, and is more cost-efficient at scale. However, digital printing is better for low quantities or photo-like detail.
Q: Can I request a sample before placing a bulk order?
A: Yes, sample printing is available for a small fee that will be offset against your full order.
We produce the same level of print quality used by global fashion and lifestyle brands.
• Nike – Logo tees, sportswear
• Adidas – Performance shirts and promotional merchandise
• Uniqlo – Graphic tees and artist collaborations
• Carhartt – Workwear and streetwear
These brands use silkscreen because it offers long-lasting, bold visuals that can stand up to heavy use and frequent washes.
• Retail-grade quality printing with precision screens and inks
• Experienced team with thousands of shirts printed every month
• Fast production turnaround (7–10 days for most orders)
• In-house design support for file setup and print optimisation
• Trusted by SMEs, schools, non-profits, and MNCs across Singapore
When you choose ChromaPrint, you’re working with a dedicated print partner that understands the importance of delivering excellence in every piece.
Looking for other printing methods? Explore our full range of services:
Silk Screen Printing
DTF Heat Transfer Printing
Embroidery Services (2D / 3D)
3D Silicone Printing - Puff Printing
Sublimation Printing
Gold and Silver Foil Printing