Screen Printing
Screen printing uses a stencil-based technique that dates back to the Egyptians. It’s one of the oldest and most trusted because it works across so many substrates and delivers bold, long-lasting color.
At Chile Media, we use screen printing to create vivid graphics on tote bags, t-shirts, paper, ceramic, fabric, wood, and other materials. Our design crew creates original layouts that draw attention to your message or brand, ensuring your apparel works as both clothing and advertising. We can handle up to 12 colors per design with speed and precision. T-shirts are sold incrementally in quantities of 12, 24, 48, 72, 144, and over 250 pcs.
Difference Between Screen Printing, Digital Printing & Dye Sublimation
Screen printing
Screen printing is the traditional method where you prep screens for each color. Best for large runs and solid colors.
Digital printing
(also known as DTG – Direct To Garment) works like a giant inkjet printer and is great for full-color artwork with a lot of detail, especially for small quantities.
Dye sublimation
Dye sublimation is used for polyester garments like jerseys or performance wear. It uses heat to transfer dye into the fabric itself, resulting in a smooth, vibrant finish that won't crack or peel. Each method has its best use case depending on your project.
A Glimpse of Our Work
Hundreds of clients have trusted us to bring their business communications to life in print, digital, large format, branding and beyond.
How Screen Printing Works
People are surprised at how hands-on this process is. Here’s a look at the steps:
When you’re promoting something, large prints still make a big impact. A storefront banner, a window graphic, or a wrapped vehicle puts your message in front of people without them having to look for you.
If your idea is already mapped out, we can take it from there. If you only have a loose concept, we can help develop it so it works at the size you need.
Businesses across San Antonio trust large format printing for:
Create the design (often vector files preferred).
Print the design on transparent acetate film (separate film for each color).
Coat mesh screens with emulsion, apply film, and prepare each color layer.
Expose screens to bright light to harden the emulsion.
Wash out the screen to leave a stencil.
Place the screen on the press and align the garment.
Push ink through the screen with a squeegee.
Flash-dry between layers and cure the final print with heat.
This process may include between 6 and 40 colors per image. Because the inks are layered, prints gain a tactile texture giving each piece a professional and durable finish that digital printing cannot replicate. With the right garment choice, this method not only carries your brand but also makes the apparel comfortable and stylish enough for repeat wear.
For certain items like bandanas or scrub caps, we’ll print before the fabric is sewn together. That gets you better placement and sharper detail.
Discover all our products in our online store
Facts About Screen Printing
- Works best for large runs due to setup costs
- Provides vivid, long-lasting color
Great even on dark fabrics - Known as screen printing, silkscreen printing, or serigraphy
- Different mesh counts produce different looks and levels of detail
Why Screen Printing Works
Screen printing is popular because it delivers bold, durable graphics that hold up after countless washes. The finish is clean and professional, and colors remain vibrant even on dark fabrics. The method works best for large orders where setup costs balance out with volume, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for apparel branding.
Screen-printed t-shirts create thousands of impressions. On average, a shirt can generate 100–300 views in traffic or busy areas each day. Multiply that by repeated wears, and your $7–$10 shirt could generate thousands of brand impressions — all while being worn proudly by your audience.
Here’s what our customers love about screen printing:
The prints hold up after tons of washes
You get strong, vibrant color that’s great for branding
It’s cost-friendly for large orders (especially over 100 pieces)
The finish looks sharp, clean, and professional, it works for both apparel and accessories
Popular Screen Printing Uses
.Screen printing isn’t just for t-shirts. It works across a wide range of apparel and accessories that businesses, schools, and organizations rely on every day. When you want something that will be worn, seen, and remembered, custom screen printing makes your brand stand out again and again
Business uniforms and branded apparel
Promotional giveaways
School spirit wear
Team uniforms
Corporate giveaways and promotional products
Fundraiser shirts and awareness campaigns
Event merchandise
Concerts and events
Tote bags, accessories and fabric displays
Fancy - Finishing Options
Large format prints can be finished in multiple ways to make installation easier and extend durability:
Folding and packaging for retail
Tag removal and relabeling
Custom numbering for sports uniforms
Private label and blind shipping for resellers
Local Printing, Statewide Shipping
Chile Media's main production facility is in San Antonio however we serve the needs of anyone in Texas with one day delivery service via UPS and Fedex shipping logistics. That includes people in Austin, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and beyond.
With our network and reach of distribution, our printing and marketing collateral production capability is nationwide.
Wherever you're located, we'll get them to you fast and they'll arrive looking exactly how they should.
Screen Print Transfers & Wholesale Services
Screen Printed Transfers:
Need flexibility? We’ll print your design onto heat-ready transfers you can apply later. Perfect for shops or event teams with their own heat press.
Wholesale Screen Printing:
We also work with schools, clinics, and resellers. Our wholesale program includes:
- Pantone color matching
- Tiered pricing for bulk orders
- Private label and blind shipping
- Fulfillment-friendly packaging
We handle both local and national accounts. Whether you’re around the corner or across the country, we can print for you.
Screen Printing Styles We Offer
We’ll help you choose the print style that fits your artwork and fabric best. Here’s what we can do:
Spot Color
Simple, bold colors — ideal for logos and branding. Crisp, clear, and hard to mess up.
Halftone
Want gradients or soft shadows? This method uses small dots to fake a fade.
Simulated Process
Need lots of detail on a dark shirt? This one’s the go-to. It looks almost like a photo, but more wearable.
CMYK
Used for full-color prints, like photos. We layer cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to bring your image to life.
Duotone
Only two colors, but with depth. It’s a stylish look for prints that need contrast.
Grayscale
All the detail — just in black and white. Think band tees or minimalist designs.
Materials
Chile Media doesn’t mess around with 4oz and thin shirts, all of our shirts are printed at least with 6oz. to 8oz. 50/50 poly-cotton blends. You don’t want anything else unless requesting a 100% cotton.
We buy only from the most popular brands like:
Gildan 100% cotton
Port Authority
Anvil
Gildan 50/50 blend
OGIO
Decals
Custom die-cut adhesive vinyl.
Industry
NIKE
These extras are great for product launches, upscale services, or anytime you want to show off just a little.
Garment Types
Getting good quality material is important, especially when you are using them to advertise your brand. (Full garment catalog available at SanMar.com)
If it's flat and made of fabric, there's a good chance we can print on it.
6oz–8oz cotton tees (our standard, never thin 4oz)
Hoodies and sweatshirts for cold weather or team gear
Tote bags and fabric accessories
Poly-cotton blends for balance of comfort and durability
Tank tops and polos for casual and business wear
Scrub caps, chef hats, and other workwear uniforms
Features
Screen Printing Features
Prints hold up wash after wash
Cost-friendly for large orders
Pantone color matching available
In-house design support
Strong, vibrant colors, even on dark fabric
Works for apparel, accessories, and fabric displays
Proofs provided before production
Wholesale and fulfillment options
Want Everything to Match?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send you my design?
We prefer vector files like AI, EPS, or high-res PDFs. If you’re not sure, we’ll help prep it.
Can I bring my own shirts?
Yes, depending on the fabric. Call us first to confirm.
What’s your minimum order?
12 pieces per design.
Can I see a sample?
Yes. We send digital proofs before production, and samples are available on large runs.
What is the maximum number of colors you can print?
We can handle up to 12 colors in-house..
Turn up the heat with Chile Media. Let’s get started!
Call Now: 210-616-0163