Frequently Asked Questions:
Have a look over our Frequently Asked Questions to help you with any initial queries or considerations you may have before placing an order.
You can always speak with us directly if you have questions or requests about anything from process to pricing. The general contact form is linked HERE, or email us at: sansdesignuk@gmail.com.
We aim to respond to any queries within 24hours.
Can you help if I don’t know much about printing?
Absolutely. Many clients are new to screen printing. We will guide you through artwork, colours, garment choices, and quantities to make sure you get the best possible result. Send over any questions, queries or requests, and if you’re local to Chester, you can book a studio visit (advance appointment only).
How do I get in touch with you?
Fill out our contact form HERE, send over an email to sansdesignuk@gmail.com, or call us on 07521721141.
What do you print on? How do I choose the right products for my order?
We print on t-shirts, tote bags, hoodies, sweatshirts, tea towels, paper and more – it it’s flat, usually we can work with it! We source most items to order you have the freedom and flexibility to choose specific products or styles – it is not just an ‘off the shelf’ process. We offer a great selection of recommended products that we use on a regular basis based on their quality and price point.
We are always happy to give our professional opinion and use our industry experience to advise on the best garments and brands to suit your needs and budget, whether that’s hard-wearing workwear for staff behind a bar, or organic retail-quality styles perfect for higher end merch.
Is screen printing the right printing method for what I need?
If you want a durable, professional finish that holds up to repeated wear and washing, screen printing is usually the best choice. It’s ideal for graphics, logos, bold designs, workwear, brand or company merchandise, and anything being printed in medium to high quantities to a high-end standard. We will happily advise which printing method best suits your project, we know that screen printing can have its limitations – we will always be honest.
How much does it cost?
Every job is different, so we quote on an individual basis. To get the most accurate quote you need to provide an example of your artwork (even just a screenshot or draft to see what set up will be involved) and let us know which garments and the quantity you need. You can also request a price pack with a full overview of all the garments we offer and cost breakdowns for different quantities. You can also browse our current deals and offers – get inspired, explore options for your budget.
We provide a personal service while offering competitive pricing. Every can be tailored individually depending on your needs and budget, so feel comfortable asking questions or putting forward any custom requests.
Are you running any deals or offers?
Yes! Check out our current deals and mech packages HERE! Grab a bargain, explore our most popular options, or be inspired to try something new!
How long does it take?
Once artwork and garments are approved, (FREE) Standard Turnaround is within 14 working days (approx. 3 weeks) from your payment date. We also offer Fast and Priority Express options. If you have a specific deadline or require faster completion, let us know and we will always aim to meet it if we can.
(FREE) Standard Turnaround: Order Fulfilled Within 14 Working Days (approx. 3weeks)
Fast Turnaround: Order Fulfilled Within 12 Days (1-2 weeks) - Additional fee of 10% of the Order Value for this service.
Priority Express Turnaround: Order Fulfilled Within 7 Days (1 week) - Additional fee of 15% of the Order Value for this service.
How much is delivery?
Delivery costs start from £12 for UK Delivery – we aim to keep this a flat rate, but for large orders requiring multiple boxes or if you want to add insurance, then costs may increase on an individual basis. You can also collect your order for FREE from the studio in Chester.
What kind of artwork files do you need?
Vector files (such as PDF, EPS and Illustrator - .ai) are ideal, but high-quality images can also work. If you’re unsure, send what you have – we will let you know if anything needs adjusting before printing. Nothing goes to press without approval, so there are no surprises. For large files, we recommend sending via WeTransfer or Google Drive. All artwork is treated in confidence, whether you proceed with an order or not.
Basic design services are included in your set up costs, which covers digital mock ups, finalising artwork specifications and guidance in converting files to vector format. Get in touch for more information or advice with your artwork or design – we are happy to help!
For more advanced design work, vectorising or alterations, we recommend using fiverr.com for a quick and affordable solution. In house design work is charged at £30 per hour.
How many colours can I print?
Screen printing works best with a more limited colour palette (it also keeps your costs down), but multiple colours are absolutely possible. Each additional colour requires an extra screen, which affects setup and cost – we’ll always explain this clearly before proceeding.
What’s the minimum order?
The minimum order quantity is 15–25 units depending on the garment and number of colours/print locations (see below), this is due to the time taken to set up the printing press and preparation. Screen printing is made for high volume orders, where costs drop significantly - there is no maximum limit, the more you order the cheaper your unit costs become!
Single Colour Print: Minimum 15 Units (for Hoodies & Sweats this can be reduced to 10 units)
Two Colour/Print Locations (eg. Front & Back Print): Minimum 20 Units
Three Colour/Print Locations: Minimum 25 Units
How do I place an order:
-
Forward on your artwork, choice of garment and the quantity you want
-
Receive a custom quote and digital mock ups
-
Finalise and confirm your order specifications
-
Fulfil your invoice
-
Receive your order within 14 working days (or Express within 7days)
How do I pay for my order?
You will receive a custom quote to amend/approve, then a follow up invoice with final costs emailed to you. Payments should be made via online bank transfer (bacs payment) within 7 days of the date on your final invoice.
What is screen printing & set up?
Screen printing is a traditional form of print making which requires skill and precision to achieve, and as a result you can be assured of a high-quality print finish with excellent detail.
The method works by splitting a design into separate colours and printing each colour individually, like a stencil. Every design needs its own initial set up, separating the colour layers (if needed) and making a printing ‘screen’ per colour. Once this screen is made it is used for all future orders with the same design, making re-ordering super easy to process with reduced set up costs just for the price of inks.
What is the set up cost?
Every order needs to cover the initial printing set up cost, then you pay for the garments and printing (combined) on top. The set up price covers: preparing the digital artwork and printing screens, setting up the printing press, inks, and materials costs. Because the setup costs are spread across the print run, larger orders have significantly lower costs per garment, and cheaper for repeat ordering.
One Colour / Print Location: £24
Two Colours / Print Locations (e.g. Front & Back Print): £42
Three Colours / Print Locations: £54
Four Colours / Print Locations: £62
Pricing on request for 5+ colours/print locations
+£15 per colour per 100 units for additional inks/material costs
For repeat orders with the same design, set up costs are carried over indefinitely & only a fee of £8.50 per colour, per side, is required for new set-up.
What about the technical process of screen printing – how does it work?
Screen printing uses custom-made mesh ‘screens’ to print with. Your digital design is first separated into individual colours, with each colour requiring its own screen. The screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion then the design is exposed onto it using a photographic-style process, hardening the emulsion everywhere except where ink needs to pass through. Once washed out, the ‘screen’ becomes a precise stencil which is then used for printing.
During printing, the garment is positioned by hand and ink is pushed through the open areas of the screen using a squeegee, transferring the design directly into the fabric. Each colour is printed and aligned separately, then cured to fully bond the ink with the garment.
What happens if I don’t understand colours or print size/placement?
That’s completely normal. We will help you choose ink colours, print size and placement based on what works best for your specific garment and design. Before any printing, you will received digital mock ups to amend/approve until you’re happy with a final proof. You don’t need to know the technical side – this is what we do!
Will the print last, or will it look cheap after washing?
Screen prints are made to last. When properly cured, screen prints are extremely durable - the ink bonds with the fabric, meaning it won’t peel off. The print wears in over time, rather than wearing out. These garments are designed to withstand regular washing and everyday wear. The vintage graphic tees you see from all those years ago…the majority of these will have been screen printed – made to be kept and last over time.
Why choose screen printing over digital, ‘Print On Demand’ or transfer based print services?
Screen printing (especially by hand) offers consistency, durability, and quality control that mass online services or inexperienced companies can’t match. Here you’re working directly with the printmaker, not an automated system - which means fewer mistakes, better results, and garments made to be worn and kept.
At SANS Studio, screens are custom made in-house specifically for your design, ink is mixed by hand, and each garment is printed and checked individually. The result is better consistency, stronger prints, and far fewer compromises. Most transfer-based printers will outsource their transfers and simply heat press them onto your garments in house - we go beyond this, and the proof is in the final product.
Returns & Amendments:
Due to the nature of custom printing, there are no returns once garments are printed. Any queries or discrepancies must be made within 7 days of receiving your order.
In the event of an order being confirmed and blank stock ordered but then amended or reduced, a future order will need to be placed using this stock within the following 30days.
Can you help if I don’t know much about printing? Absolutely. Many clients are new to screen printing. We will guide you through artwork, colours, garment choices, and quantities to make sure you get the best possible result. Send over any questions, queries or requests, and if you’re local to Chester, you can book a studio visit (advance appointment only)
Placing your order: How it works
Step 1:
Decide on Garment & Quantity
Browse T-shirts, Tote Bags, Hoodies, Sweats, and Art Prints for what we can offer you.
We provide a tailored and personal service to all our clients, so get in touch if you have any questions, special requests, or project ideas.
There is also the option to order blank or printed samples to help you decide on what products are right for you.
Step 2:
Get A Custom Quote
Fill out our contact form or send us an email directly with your enquiry.
When we receive your enquiry and order spec, we will send a (no obligation) custom quote based on the garment type, your individual artwork, and quantity of pieces.
For the most accurate quote, we will need to see a visual example of your artwork (even just a screenshot or draft).
Once you are happy with the price and our services, then we will email an invoice payable via BACS Online transfer, or PayPal.
Step 3:
Confirm your Artwork & Proofs
Once you're happy with your quote and have fulfilled your invoice, we will create digital proofs (mock ups) of your garments and print placement for you to approve/amend.
You will have to send us your final artwork files - preferably in Vector format (Illustrator ai. file), pdf, png, photoshop or high resolution jpegs.
The sooner we have your artwork and proofs are approved, the faster you will get your merch.
Any questions, just ask!
Step 4:
Printing & Delivery
Once your invoice is fulfilled and your artwork confirmed, our Standard Turnaround is within 14 working days (approx 3 weeks), with the option to Express the delivery to within 7days (1 week) if requested.
We offer UK Delivery starting from £12 (for large volume orders or additional insurance coverage, this may increase), or FREE Local Collection from our studio in Chester.
