Screen Printing and Heat Transfer in Christchurch: What to Choose for Workwear and Hi-Vis
For workwear and uniforms, screen printing suits larger designs and bigger runs, while heat transfer suits detailed, full-colour designs and garments that aren’t washed often. We offer both, plus embroidery, at Tradestaff Workwear in Christchurch. Orders start at six garments, and the usual turnaround is 3 to 15 working days.
Screen Printing
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric, one colour at a time.
- It suits larger images and designs.
- It’s especially cost-effective for bulk orders, because the more you print, the cheaper each garment gets.
- It works best on permeable fabrics that let the ink absorb into the weave.
- It handles complex designs and gives a wide, vibrant colour range.
- It needs a separate screen for each colour, so a design with many colours costs more than a one-colour logo.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer applies a printed design to the garment using heat and pressure.
- It delivers exceptional detail and vibrant full-colour results, with a smooth finish.
- It’s a versatile method that suits a wide range of fabrics and materials.
- It’s an affordable choice for bulk orders, especially for garments that aren’t washed frequently, such as event vests and promotional apparel.
- Heat-press logos don’t need a set-up fee, but they carry a per-logo charge.
You may see a digital heat-transfer method called DTF (direct-to-film) offered elsewhere. If that’s what you’re after, ask us which transfer process we’d use for your order.
Which Method Should You Choose?
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Screen printing
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Large designs, bold colour and bulk orders | A separate screen for each colour, so more colours cost more. It works best on permeable fabrics. |
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Heat transfer
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Detailed, full-colour designs, event vests and promotional wear | Best on garments that aren’t washed often. |
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Embroidery
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Small logos and a premium finish on thicker fabrics such as hoodies and hats | It’s best for smaller designs. See our [embroidery guide](https://www.tradestaffworkwear.co.nz/embroidery-christchurch-workwear-uniforms/). |
Our guide to screen printing vs embroidery goes into more detail, and the branding types and guidelines page summarises all three.
Branding Hi-Vis and PPE
Most items can be branded, but some PPE products have restrictions to keep safety standards and compliance intact. We apply branding in a way that doesn’t interfere with the safety or performance of compliant PPE garments. Hi-vis garments carry reflective tape and fluorescent panels, so ask us where a logo can sit on your garment before you commit. Read our hi-vis compliance guide for the safety side.
Artwork and Colours
- For screen printing and heat transfer, we need a vector file in AI, EPS or PDF format to keep edges sharp and the resolution high.
- If your logo isn’t print-ready, we can tidy it up or recreate it, and we’ll tell you about any extra cost first.
- Know your brand colours, ideally as Pantone or CMYK values, so we can match them as closely as possible.
- Our guide to briefing a workwear supplier covers artwork and proofs in detail.
Timing, Minimums and Proofs
- Our standard production turnaround is 3 to 15 working days, depending on order volume and decoration method.
- All branded workwear orders have a minimum of six garments.
- A one-off set-up fee may apply, and it isn’t charged again on repeat orders once your artwork is approved.
- For screen printing, we sometimes waive the set-up fee for one colour on a standard chest logo. Check the current branding terms.
- You’ll get a digital proof to approve before production, and changes may not be possible once it’s in production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get screen printing in Christchurch?
Tradestaff Workwear offers screen printing, heat transfer and embroidery on most of its workwear and uniform range. Visit 596 Colombo Street, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, or send an enquiry through the branded workwear page.
What’s the difference between screen printing, heat transfer and embroidery?
Screen printing suits large designs and bulk orders, heat transfer suits detailed full-colour designs, and embroidery suits small logos and a premium finish on thicker fabrics. Your garment, logo size and quantity decide which is best.
What file do I need for screen printing?
A vector file in AI, EPS or PDF format, which keeps edges sharp and the resolution high. Heat transfer needs the same. If your logo isn’t print-ready, we can tidy it up or recreate it, and we’ll tell you about extra costs first.
Is DTF the same as heat transfer?
DTF (direct-to-film) is a type of digital heat transfer, where a design is printed on film and pressed onto the garment. If you want DTF, ask us which transfer process we’d use for your order.
Can hi-vis workwear be screen printed?
Most items can be branded, but some PPE products have restrictions to keep safety standards intact. Branding is applied so it doesn’t interfere with compliant PPE, so ask us where a logo can go on your hi-vis garment.
How many garments do I need to order for branding?
All branded workwear orders have a minimum of six garments. Standard production takes 3 to 15 working days, depending on order volume and the decoration method.
Ready to print your team’s gear? Send an enquiry, call 03 266 1595, or call in to 596 Colombo Street.