Screen printing tips - Dentu Zona studio
Screen printing is a manual printing technique that produces long-lasting, high-quality prints on T-shirts, tote bags, posters, paper, fabric and other materials.
Unlike digital printing, where the image is reproduced directly by a machine, in screen printing each color is printed manually using a separate screen. Although this process requires more preparation, it results in a distinctive finish, vibrant colors, and a quality that is difficult to achieve with other printing methods.
As this is a manual process, slight variations in print placement, ink coverage or finish may occur. These are a natural part of screen printing and contribute to the unique character of each piece.
Dentu Zona is a sustainability-focused screen printing studio. We use safe, vegan, and sustainable inks and work with organic and Fair Trade products.
How does pricing work?
The cost of a screen printing job at Dentu Zona depends on several factors:
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The size of the print.
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The number of colors in the design (up to 4 colors).
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The quantity of items to be printed.
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Whether you provide the items to be printed or not.
You’re welcome to bring your own T-shirts, tote bags, fabrics, or other items for printing. Alternatively, Dentu Zona can provide the materials needed for your project.
I work with a wide range of garments and textiles, including Fair Trade options and items made from organic or recycled materials.
If you already have an idea for your project, send me your design along with the quantities you need. I’ll be happy to help you find the best solution.
How to prepare your file for screen printing
The print is produced from the artwork provided by the client. To ensure the best print quality and to avoid production delays, please follow the guidelines below when preparing your file. If you have any questions, feel free to send a message or call.
At Dentu Zona, we do not offer graphic design services, but please get in touch with me if you need this type of support.
File Format
I only accept files in PDF format. The file must be submitted at full print scale (100%), matching exactly the final intended dimensions. I do not resize files without prior confirmation.
Color Separation
In screen printing, each color is printed individually through its own screen. For this reason:
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Each color must be properly separated.
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If the design includes multiple colors, they must be clearly identified.
If you have any questions about preparing the color separations, please get in touch before sending the file.
Lines and minimum details
Manual screen printing has some limitations when reproducing very small elements.
I recommend:
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Minimum line thickness: 0.5 mm.
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Minimum negative spacing between elements: 0.5 mm.
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Avoid very small text or excessively fine details.
Gradients and transparencies
Gradients, shadows, and transparencies cannot always be accurately reproduced in manual screen printing.
If your design includes these types of elements, I recommend getting in touch so I can assess the feasibility.
Review before sending
Before sending me the file, please make sure that:
✓ The file is in PDF format.
✓ The design is at full print scale.
✓ Each color is in its own file in black.
✓ All elements have sufficient thickness for printing.
✓ The file corresponds to the final approved version.
Questions?
If you’re not sure whether your file is correctly prepared, just send a message or give us a call!
Contacts:
Vítor Sanches
968 857 400 (telefone & whatsapp)