Artlab combines state-of-the-art technology with archival-quality inks to deliver consistent, vibrant prints, meter after meter.
WHY ARTLAB?
Since 1983, ArtLab has kept South Africa at the leading edge of print technology. We don’t just follow trends; we provide the tools for you to set them.
Total Creative Freedom
Don’t settle for off-the-shelf rolls. Bring us your ideas, photography, or patterns, and we’ll collaborate to realise your specific vision.
advanced digital printing
ArtLab offers South Africa’s most advanced digital fabric printing, spanning pigment printing on natural textiles and dye-sublimation on polyester.
Guaranteed Quality
We print everything in-house on world-class machines. We never outsource, ensuring your project remains under our strict quality control from start to finish.
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).
fabric & textile 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.
Note: A call-out fee starting from R650 applies per installation – this varies based on your specific location.
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 (poly) with pro finishing and nationwide delivery.
What fabrics can you print on?
Natural fabrics (cotton, linen, blends) via pigment; synthetic/polyester and FR bases via dye-sublimation. We’ll advise the right base cloth for décor, apparel, hospitality, or soft signage.
How many colours can digital fabric printing produce?
Full-colour (process) with expanded gamut profiles. We colour-manage to Pantone/brand palettes for consistent, repeatable runs.
What is the minimum order length?
ArtLab-supplied fabrics: start from 1 m. Client-supplied naturals require coating and stentering (25 m minimum + R35/m coating). Client-supplied synthetics: 1 m minimum.
What are typical lead times?
Standard lead time. 7 working days from approved artwork/payment. Rush options available, ask when booking.
Are digitally printed fabrics wash-fast?
Yes. Pigment on naturals: cool/gentle care for décor use. Dye-sub on synthetics: excellent wash/wear/abrasion resistance.
What is the best artwork format?
PDF/X-4 or high-res TIFF/PNG, 300 ppi at print size. Embed/outline fonts, include 10 mm bleed if required. We offer prepress checks and strike-offs on request.
Does your pricing include fabric and printing?
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.
How do repeat patterns work?
Supply seamless repeats with clear dimensions (e.g., 500×500 mm). We can assist with tiling, scaling, and test swatches before full runs.
How accurate is colour matching?
We run ICC-profiled workflows and device-link conversions. For brand-critical colours, we recommend a proof or strike-off before production.