The Screen Printing Process in the UK

Contents

• What Brands Need to Know
• What Is Screen Printing?
• How Screen Printing Works: Step-by-Step
• Why Choose Screen Printing?
• The Importance of Working with a UK-Based Screen Printing Supplier
• Screen Printing in Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, and Beyond
• What to Look For in a Screen Printing Partner
• Get Started with Screen Printing in the UK

What Brands Need to Know

For high-quality, long-lasting garment decoration, screen printing remains one of the most trusted and versatile methods. For independent clothing brands, merchandise managers for music brands and business owners (to name a few), understanding how screen printing works matters. Not only this, but also why working with a UK-based supplier can help you make better decisions for your business.

This guide covers the screen printing process, its advantages, and what to look for in a supplier with insights relevant whether you’re sourcing from Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, or anywhere else in the UK.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printers use a traditional yet refined method to transfer ink onto textiles using mesh screens and stencils. It’s widely used for custom clothing, from branded t-shirts to tote bags and hoodies. The process produces bold, vibrant designs and works particularly well for larger quantities. Some suppliers and individuals use manual printing processes, whilst others use automated machinery designed to print volume and consistency hand-in-hand.

Compared to digital print methods, screen printing provides superior colour opacity and durability, making it ideal for wholesale production, retail collections, and business uniforms.

How Screen Printing Works: Step-by-Step

1. Artwork Preparation

The process begins with preparing your artwork. Each colour in your design is separated and turned into a solid black stencil (called a film positive). The printer uses these stencils to block light during screen exposure.

2. Screen Making

Next, the printer coats a mesh screen with light-sensitive emulsion. The film positive is placed on top of the screen, and it’s exposed to light. Wherever the film blocks the light, the emulsion stays soft and the printer washes it away, creating a stencil for that specific colour.
Each colour in your design needs its own screen. So, for 9 colours, you’ve got 9 screens that need to be individually made.

3. Set-Up on the Printing Press

The printer mounts the screens on a printing press. The garments are aligned carefully to ensure perfect registration (positioning of each colour layer). Whether you’re printing on t-shirts, sweatshirts or bags, accuracy at this stage is key. If you’ve not got prints lined up correctly, especially in high colour counts, you’re at risk of printing a design that looks out of line or blurry.

4. Printing

Ink – colour matched by pantone reference and mixed in-house – is pulled across the screen using a squeegee. The mesh allows ink to pass through the open stencil areas onto the fabric below. For multi-colour designs, each screen is printed in sequence, with layers building up the full image. This is where manual vs automated printing comes in. Manually, someone will need to move the rotary board and pull their squeegee down across the screen. On automated presses, the perfect pressure is set. Timed and accurate machinery pulls the squeegees.

5. Curing

Once printed, a tunnel dryer cures the ink as the garment passes through. This process ensures the print bonds to the fabric properly and lasts through repeated washing.

6. Quality Control

The production team checks each item for alignment, ink consistency and finish. Reputable suppliers take this step seriously… not limited to, but especially when producing for brands or retail. If ink marks appear, the team can often clean them, and tester t-shirts are often printed on using recycled scrap materials and misprints.

Why Choose Screen Printing?

Durability

Screen printed garments hold up to washing and wear better than most digital methods. This is why many businesses and clothing labels choose it for large print runs.

Vibrancy

Because the ink is applied in thick layers, colours are vivid and bold, even on dark or coloured fabrics.

Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders

Once the team creates the screens, printing becomes fast and consistent. For larger runs, it’s a more economical choice than digital methods.

Customisation

With a skilled team, you can print almost anything: logos, graphics, slogans to name a few. In spot colour, half-tone gradients, or layered effects can be achieved. There are also specialist printing techniques such as puff printing and metallic effects.

The Importance of Working with a UK-Based Screen Printing Supplier

Faster Turnarounds

UK printers, like those based in Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Sheffield and beyond can fulfil orders quickly, without the delays that come with overseas shipping and customs.

Whether you’re working on a product launch, tour merchandise, or staff uniforms, timing is often tight, so proximity matters.

Better Communication

Working in the same time zone with account managers and production staff makes everything easier, from sampling to final approval.

When changes or updates are needed, nothing beats speaking directly to the people handling your job. Choose an independent supplier, and you’re speaking directly to the experts.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Sourcing screen printing in the UK reduces international freight and supports shorter supply chains. If sustainability is part of your brand mission, this is an important point.

Consistent Quality

Many UK printers, including those based in major cities, offer complete control over the production process, from garment sourcing to final packing. You’re not just outsourcing print, you’re partnering with a business that knows what British customers expect in terms of quality.

Screen Printing in Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, and Beyond

You’ll find high-quality screen printing services across the UK, but here are a few hotspots worth noting:

Leicester

Known for its history in textiles, Leicester is now home to modern, full-service print shops catering to brands and businesses. It’s also a central location ideal for serving customers nationwide.

Manchester

Screen printing in Manchester is thriving, particularly in the creative and streetwear scenes. Many independent labels and event organisers rely on printers for consistent, high-quality work.

Glasgow

Glasgow has a growing demand for custom screen printing, especially from the arts, education, and performance sectors. Local businesses often choose Glasgow-based printers to support the regional economy and keep production close to home.

What to Look For in a Screen Printing Partner

• Do they handle garment sourcing in-house?
  This can save time and ensure compatibility with your design.
• What inks do they use?
  Water-based and plastisol inks both have their place. A good supplier will advise based on your design and garment.
• Can they assist with design setup?
  Converting a digital image to a print-ready file involves more than a click. It requires pre-press knowledge and experience.
• Are sampling options available?
  Test prints give you peace of mind and let you spot any changes before full production.
• Do they offer extras like re-labelling, folding, or packing?
  For brands selling direct to customers or retail, professional finishing adds serious value.

Get Started with Screen Printing in the UK

If you’re a brand, business, or creative team looking for reliable screen printing in the UK, now is a great time to work with a local supplier. Wherever you’re based, a good screen printer will offer quality, flexibility, and support throughout your order.

At Teesh, we work with independent labels, organisations, and established brands to deliver standout screen printed garments from custom t-shirts to full uniform runs. All of our printing is done in Britain, and we manage every part of the process from sourcing to final delivery.

Want to discuss your next screen printing project?
Get in touch with Teesh to explore your options, request a quote, or learn more about our process.