Create Standout Merch with Metallic Foil & Discharge Print
Ever looked at a t-shirt and thought, “Wow – that’s striking”?
Chances are, it wasn’t just the artwork. It’s also the way it was printed.
- Discharge ink for a silky soft, breathable base
Gold Foil Application for bold, ultra-reflective accents
The result? A garment that feels high-end, layered and intentional — the kind of merch that calls for a double-take!
Contrast: The Key to Making it Pop!
In a fast-moving, over-saturated world, visual impact matters.
People buy with their eyes — and bold, standout print is the best way to make sure they remember your brand.
That’s why contrast is so powerful. When you design with contrast in mind: light & dark, matte & shine, soft & bold, it tells the eyes where to look.
By combining techniques intentionally, you create prints with texture and visual hierarchy. The difference in finish makes the artwork feel more dynamic and layered — making it pop!
Why This Print Works
When designing the Astrology Tee, we wanted the garment to look and feel luxurious. After experimenting with different styles, we opted to separate the artwork into two layers. Here’s why:
The soft matte layer allowed for in-depth details, while the foil added energy.
One technique alone fell flat, but when combined they complement each other perfectly.
How we did it:
Discharge printing removed the black dye from the cotton and replaced it with a soft golden base. This creates a breathable, silky soft print that feels like part of the fabric.
Then we printed a liquid gold adhesive layer and heat-pressed the metallic foil to accent key areas. The result? A highly reflective golden finish!
Watch the process here!
Top Tips for Combining Print Techniques
If you’re thinking about combining finishes, consider the outcome you want. Use contrast with purpose – pair soft with shiny or flat with raised. Pick one hero effect and let it lead the design.
Here’s what we recommend when combining techniques:
1. Use contrast intentionally
Play with texture, size & colour: Pair opposites to create visual interest.
2. Don’t overdo it
If everything’s bold, nothing stands out. Let one effect be the hero.
3. Think about the garment choice
Not every fabric suits every technique: Discharge print requires 100% cotton whilst foil works best on smooth garments.
Garment colour is also best friend! Here, the Metallic gold effect pops against the black T-shirt base.
4. Plan with your printer
Talk to us early. We’ll help you tweak the artwork so it works perfectly with your chosen finish.
Got a bold idea? Let’s engineer the right finish to bring it to life
At Screenworks, we believe decoration should support design — not limit it. That’s why we love helping brands combine techniques with purpose.
So next time you’re dreaming up a bold design, don’t stop at choosing what to print.
Think about how it should look, feel, and wear.
Got a concept that deserves a little something extra? 👉 Get in touch today!
