Best Custom Screen Printing in Bakersfield!

Plastisol Printing in Bakersfield

This is the most common method used in custom screen printing in Bakersfield. It's reliable, cost-effective, and produces strong prints that last.

• Ink sits on top of the fabric: Plastisol ink is thick and doesn’t soak into the shirt. Instead, it bonds to the surface of the fabric when cured under high heat. That means the print is slightly raised and gives a bold, crisp edge to your design. This makes fine lines, sharp shapes, and solid blocks of color stand out clearly.
• Vibrant colors, even on dark garments: Because the ink is opaque, you can print white or bright colors on black and other dark shirts without needing special adjustments. The print remains bold and consistent whether it’s a single-color logo or a multi-color design.
• Compatible with almost all fabrics: Plastisol works well on cotton, poly-cotton blends, 100% polyester, and even performance or moisture-wicking shirts. That makes it a good all-around choice when you’re ordering different styles.
• Extremely durable with long-term washability: The ink bonds tightly with heat and holds up through repeated washes. The color doesn’t fade easily, and the print doesn’t crack or peel unless washed under extreme heat or pressure.
• Thicker feel on large designs: On big print areas (like full front or back), the ink will feel like a layer on the fabric. It won’t be stiff, but the texture will be noticeable. This isn’t a problem for most customers, but for lightweight shirts or comfort-focused projects, a softer method may be better.
• Ideal for: T-shirts for staff, construction crews, schools, or any job where durability and color pop matter more than softness.

Water-Based Printing in Bakersfield

Water-based printing is perfect when comfort and softness are top priorities. This is one of the softest methods we offer for custom screen printing in Bakersfield.

• Ink soaks into the shirt: Instead of forming a layer on top like plastisol, water-based ink seeps into the fabric. After curing, it feels like there’s nothing printed at all, even on large designs. This creates a “worn-in” or vintage look that’s smooth and breathable.
• Works best on light-colored, 100% cotton shirts: Since the ink is transparent and soft, it shows up better on white, cream, or light pastel shirts. It works especially well on ringspun or combed cotton, where the fabric is smooth and tightly woven.
• No plasticky feel or shine: Shirts printed with this method stay soft, flexible, and lightweight. If you rub your hand across the design, you won’t feel a thing. That makes it great for fashion or clothing items meant to be worn close to the skin.
• Eco-friendlier than plastisol: Water-based ink contains fewer chemicals and has less environmental impact during cleanup. For brands that prioritize sustainability or eco values, this is a strong option.
• May fade slightly over time: Since it bonds into the shirt rather than sitting on top, the print may fade a little after dozens of washes, giving it a true vintage feel. This is usually intentional for retail-style clothing.
• Ideal for: Fashion brands, summer tees, boutique collections, or customers who care more about softness and comfort than color intensity.

Discharge Printing in Bakersfield

Discharge printing gives you soft prints with bright color on dark cotton shirts - a rare combination. It’s a premium process we offer for advanced custom screen printing in Bakersfield.

• Removes the original dye from the shirt: Discharge ink has a chemical that strips the color from the garment and replaces it with pigment. That means instead of layering ink on top of a black shirt, you’re re-coloring the fibers in just the areas you want.
• Results in a soft feel - no ink texture at all: Like water-based ink, this method leaves no raised surface. Even with large prints, the shirt stays flexible and breathable because the design becomes part of the fabric itself.
• Only works on certain dark shirts: It’s not compatible with polyester or blends. It works best on black or navy shirts made from 100% cotton with reactive dyes. We always test a sample if you're unsure whether your chosen shirt is suitable.
• Gives high-end results on dark garments: Most dark shirts require thick plastisol to get bright prints, but discharge gives you bold color without the heavy ink layer. That makes it perfect for streetwear, premium tees, or music merch.
• Slight color variation between shirts is possible: Because every shirt's dye interacts slightly differently, the exact shade of a printed color might shift from piece to piece. For brands that want a hand-done or vintage effect, this is a plus.
• Ideal for: Retail brands, premium shirt lines, or any dark cotton shirt that needs both strong color and soft feel.

Specialty Ink Printing in Bakersfield

We offer special-effect inks that give your prints a unique look or texture. These aren’t for every job, but when used right, they elevate your custom screen printing in Bakersfield.

• Metallic ink adds reflective shine: This ink uses tiny metal flakes to reflect light. It’s commonly used for logos, metallic lettering, or designs that need a polished, upscale look. It stands out best on dark colors like black or navy.
• Puff ink creates a raised 3D effect: When heated, the ink expands and lifts off the fabric. This creates a noticeable, soft bump that can make letters or graphics pop visually and physically. Common on hoodies or sweatshirts.
• Glow-in-the-dark ink stores light: This ink absorbs light during the day and glows green or white in the dark. Used for themed events, kids' shirts, Halloween designs, or nightlife merch.
• A special setup is required: These inks take extra time and care to print. We may need to use different screens, lower mesh counts, or slower drying times to make sure the effects come out clean.
• Ideal for: Limited edition merch, fashion drops, children’s apparel, or creative event shirts that need to stand out.

Every project for custom screen printing in Bakersfield starts with understanding your priorities. Some customers need soft, lightweight prints, while others want bold, high-contrast designs that last through daily wear. The garment type, fabric color, and design complexity all play a role in selecting the right method.

Once we have those details, we recommend the most suitable approach and explain exactly how it works before anything goes to print. That’s how we deliver clean, consistent, high-quality results on every order.

• Custom Tank Tops: Ideal for warm-weather events, fitness apparel, or summer promos. We print on tanks with tight collars and flat seams to prevent shifting during press. Our setups reduce ink flooding on lightweight fabric, keeping designs crisp and readable even on thin blanks.
• Custom T-shirts: The most requested product for custom screen printing in Bakersfield. We run everything from soft, lightweight retail tees to heavier 6.5 oz styles for giveaways or workwear. These shirts take color well, hold fine detail, and print cleanly across all sizes and fits.
• Custom Long-Sleeve T-shirts: Long sleeves need specific platen setups to keep sleeves tight and prevent ink from breaking at seams. We use low-stretch blanks that run smoothly under the press, making them great for oversized graphics, cold-season gear, and branded team apparel.
• Custom Tie-Dye Shirts: Tie-dye fabric varies, but we use pre-washed, print-stable blanks that hold ink without distortion. Designs are sized and placed carefully to land cleanly across uneven patterns. A popular choice for streetwear lines, festival merch, and retro-styled drops.
• Custom Hoodies: We adjust platen height and dryer speed to control ink flow on hoodies. Using low-bleed inks prevents color shifting, especially on darker fleece. Whether you’re printing left-chest, center chest, or oversized back graphics, we lock in placement before production.
• Custom Sweatshirts: Most sweatshirts are thick and textured, so we adjust screen mesh and pressure to flood ink evenly without overfilling. These are ideal for schools, sports programs, staff uniforms, and anyone needing warm, long-lasting prints that don’t crack or fade.
• Custom Zip-Up Sweatshirts: Zippers can ruin artwork if not handled properly. We use split graphics, custom placements, and ghost-blocking techniques to print cleanly around seams. A go-to for companies ordering work gear or brands offering full outerwear sets.
• Custom Crewneck Sweatshirts: Crewnecks offer a flatter, smoother surface than hoodies, making them perfect for full-front or back prints. We adjust ink flow to account for heavy fleece and keep colors bold without creating stiff prints. Popular with high schools, teams, and lifestyle labels.
• Custom Polo Shirts: Polos require tighter fabric and stable collars to print cleanly. We only run styles with smooth surfaces that can handle plastisol without peeling. Perfect for business uniforms, conferences, golf teams, or anyone needing branded polos without embroidery.
• Custom Tote Bags: Canvas shifts on press if not locked in - we run low-pressure setups to avoid handle interference and make sure ink doesn’t bleed through. Totes are widely used for art merch, store promos, pop-ups, and packaging add-ons that need clean branding.

Every garment we offer for custom screen printing in Bakersfield is tested in production, not just picked from a catalog. We understand how each fabric holds ink, how it reacts under heat, and how it performs after repeated use. From the first shirt to the final box, we make sure every piece is printed clean, finished right, and delivered ready to wear or sell.