Advanced fabric printing services
for rich colour, fine detail and exceptional consistency, metre after metre.
FABRIC PRINTING
ArtLab combines decades of digital printing expertise with specialist textile technology to produce beautifully detailed, colour-accurate digital textile printing across an extensive range of natural and synthetic fabrics.
From cotton, linen and canvas to velvet, satin, polyknit and specialist polyester textiles, we match the textile printing process to the fabric and its intended use. Our in-house capabilities include high-quality pigment printing on natural fabrics and dye-sublimation printing on synthetics, with production widths extending to 3 metres on selected textiles.
Whether we’re producing interior décor, upholstery, fashion, soft signage, retail installations, exhibition graphics or completely bespoke textile projects you’re dealing directly with people who understand colour management, artwork preparation, repeat patterns, fabric behaviour and production. Bring us finished artwork or bring us the beginnings of an idea. We’ll help turn it into extraordinary printed fabric.
PRINT ON NATURAL FABRICS
High-resolution pigment printing on cotton, linen, canvas, twill, poplin and other natural textiles. Rich colour, excellent detail and a soft fabric feel — ideal for décor, interiors, fashion, cushions, blinds and bespoke textile projects.
3m wide SYNTHETIC PRINTING
For polyester and performance fabrics, our dye-sublimation printing produces exceptionally vibrant, durable colour. We print selected synthetic textiles up to 3 metres wide, making it ideal for large-format décor, displays, upholstery, clothing, and branded environments.
YOUR DESIGN. YOUR FABRIC.
Print your own artwork, patterns or photography onto fabric, or work with our team to prepare files for the best possible result. Choose from our textile range or speak to us about printing onto your own suitable fabric for a completely custom solution.
PIGMENT PRINTING (NATURAL FABRICS)
Our eco-friendly choice for Cape Town. We use water-based inks heat-fixed directly onto fabric for a soft, breathable finish. No steaming or washing required.
Best for:
Décor, fashion, and upholstery.
Benefit:
Natural feel, fast turnaround, and sustainable.
DYE SUBLIMATION (SYNTHETIC FABRICS)
Ink is fused into the fibre using heat and pressure for ultra-vibrant colours and deep blacks. The result is durable and abrasion-resistant.
Best for:
Soft signage, sportswear, and hospitality textiles.
PRINTING ON YOUR OWN FABRIC
Synthetics:
1m minimum order.
Naturals:
25m minimum order (requires specialised pre-coating at R35/m).
Digitally Printing on Fabric is new and exciting, but is not yet an exact science.
For this reason it is important to read and accept our terms and conditions before commissioning any fabric printing.
WHY ARTLAB?
Textile printing demands more than a good printer. It takes the right technology, colour expertise and a deep understanding of fabric. ArtLab combines all three, with specialised in-house systems for both natural and synthetic textiles and decades of experience behind every metre we produce.
fabric Instant Quote Calculator
Get a quick no obligation estimate for your project. Simply choose your fabric and enter the length you need and our tool will calculate the rest.
Pigment printing. Price includes fabric.
R285 setup applies on runs < 5 m.
frequently asked questions
Everything You Need to Know
Why is ArtLab the best choice for fabric printing in Cape Town?
45+ years’ experience, in-house design & production, calibrated colour, fast turnarounds, and on-demand printing (no stock holding). We handle pigment (naturals) and dye-sub (polyester) with pro finishing and nationwide delivery.
Which fabrics can you print on, and which is right for my project?
Full-colour (process) with expanded gamut profiles so up to 17 million colours.
How much does fabric printing cost, and is the fabric included?
ArtLab-supplied fabrics start from 1 meter. Client-supplied naturals require coating and stentering (25 m minimum + R35/m coating). Client-supplied synthetics: 1 m minimum.
How many colours can digital fabric printing produce?
Yes. Pigment on naturals: cool/gentle care for décor use. Dye-sub on synthetics: excellent wash/wear/abrasion resistance.
Are digitally printed fabrics wash-fast?
For ArtLab-supplied fabrics, yes (per m²). Client-supplied naturals add coating at R35/m; setup fee of R285 applies on runs under 5 m.
Does your pricing include fabric and printing?
We run ICC-profiled workflows and device-link conversions. For brand-critical colours, we recommend a proof or strike-off before production.
How long does printing take, and do you deliver across South Africa?
Pricing depends on the fabric, width and quantity. For ArtLab-supplied fabrics, the price includes the fabric and printing. Send us your required length and intended use for a quote showing applicable preparation, setup, VAT and delivery charges.
How accurate is colour matching?
We can work with almost all common file types. Tiff/JPEG/PNG/PDF all fine ideally at 150 ppi at the final print size. For repeat patterns, include a seamless tile and its intended dimensions. We can help check files, adjust scale and prepare repeats before printing.
What is the minimum order for custom fabric printing?
Screens and printed fabrics reproduce colour differently, and the chosen cloth affects the result. For colour-critical work, discuss your reference with us and approve a physical sample. Exact colour matches and identical results across separate batches cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see a sample of my design before ordering a full run?
We can consider suitable customer-supplied fabrics, subject to assessment and preparation requirements. Natural fabrics need pre-coating. Contact us before buying or delivering your cloth, and allow for testing, shrinkage and material used when loading the machines.
How should I prepare my artwork or repeat pattern?
Selected synthetic textiles can be printed up to 3 metres wide. Most natural fabrics are supplied at approximately 1.5 metres wide. Confirm the usable printed width of your chosen fabric before planning curtain drops, upholstery panels or pattern placement.
Will the colours match my screen, brand colour or existing fabric?
Our standard production target is seven working days after artwork approval and receipt of the required payment. Confirm your deadline when ordering, as preparation and production requirements can affect timing. Nationwide delivery is available; courier transit is additional to production time.
Can you print on fabric that I supply?
Performance depends on the fabric, printing process and use. For pigment-printed naturals, we recommend gentle cold handwashing with mild detergent. Avoid bleach, aggressive washing and excessive rubbing.
Dye-sublimation on synthetics give excellent wash an abrasion resistance. Shrinkage can occur, so test care and performance before bulk production.
How wide can you print fabric?
Is printed fabric washable, and will it shrink or fade?
Visit Us
15 Durham Avenue, Salt River,
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday – Sunday | Closed
