Custom Merchandise (Australia)

Best for photo-realistic, full colour results for 1 t-shirt or 100.

What can you make?

Apparel across mens, ladies, youth and baby, plus bags, headwear, workwear and hi-vis, hospitality, corporate, active and sport, and a homewares range covering aprons, tea towels, flags and banners, towels, stubby coolers, drinkware, mugs and cushion covers. If you already have garments, the Bring Your Own option lets us decorate those instead. Everything is printed here in Newstead, Brisbane and shipped Australia-wide.

Which printing method is right for my order?

Direct to film is our default for orders placed through the site — full colour, no minimum, works on cotton, polyester, blends and even leather, and will not crack or peel. Direct to garment suits photo-realistic artwork on cotton, also with no minimum. Screen printing takes over on larger runs from 20 units, matching brand colours exactly with up to six colours. Embroidery, from 20 units, is the longest-lasting option and the standard for uniforms, polos and caps.

Digital printing process

Step 1 - Design Preparation

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing begins with design preparation, where the design is created or finalized using graphic design software. The file should be high-resolution (300 DPI) and in a compatible format like PNG with a transparent background. Colors are optimized for print, and the design is resized to fit the garment specifications.

Step 2 - Garment Preparation

The garment is prepared by applying a pre-treatment solution, which enhances ink absorption and durability, especially for cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. The fabric is then dried using a heat press to set the pre-treatment and create a smooth, flat surface for printing.

Step 3 - Printing

The prepared garment is loaded onto the printer’s platen, carefully aligned to avoid wrinkles. A DTG printer applies the design directly to the fabric using water-based inks for vibrant, accurate results. For darker garments, a white ink base layer is printed first before adding colors.

Step 4 - Curing the Ink 

The printed garment is cured using a heat press or conveyor dryer. This step ensures the ink bonds with the fabric, improving durability and washability, resulting in a high-quality finished product.

Get started

Digital printing examples

Digital printing tips and tricks

Correct file types for digital printing:

Image

.jpg

Image

.png

Image

.gif

Image

.tiff

Image

.eps

You want to make sure your file is at least 300dpi with transparency at the desired print size for the best possible print result. 

How to save a specific file type:

Photoshop & Paint

FILE > SAVE AS > PNG

Illustrator & Draw

FILE > EXPORT > PNG

Perks of digital printing  ✔️

  • No minimums, we can print one at a time
  • Zero set up fees
  • Full colour photographic quality
  • Minimal upfront investment
  • Faster turnaround
  • Print multiple designs at a time

Downers of digital printing  ❌

  • Not cost effective for larger orders
  • Limited design placement
  • Limited garment selection
  • Print finish not as vibrant as screen printing
  • Unable to colour match
  • Shorter print life than other methods

Did you find your image on Google? Here is a tip to ensure the image is large enough for printing.  

  1.  Search for your desired image in Google 
  2.  Click on the ‘Images’ tab 
  3.  Underneath the Google search bar, click the ‘Tools’ button 
  4.  Click on the Size dropdown > Larger Than > 1024 x 768


This filter will only show images large enough for us to print.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum order?

Not for direct to film, direct to garment or print on demand — you can order a single item. Screen printing and embroidery both require 20 units per design.

How long does an order take?

Standard Production is 10 to 14 business days. Rush options are available at checkout. Orders placed after 10am are picked up by the team the following business day.

What does shipping cost?

Regular post is $12.50 for the first item and 25c per item after, arriving in 3 to 5 or more business days. Express is $14.95 for the first item and $1 per item after. Pickup from 11 Maud Street, Newstead is free.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, though allow up to five weeks. Some parcels land within a week, but we would rather set the expectation at the far end.

Do you check my artwork before printing?

No. We do not proof customer artwork, which keeps costs down. You are responsible for spelling, grammar and sizing. Email sales@thetshirtmill.com.au for an artwork quote if you need changes made first.

What if something is wrong with my order?

There is a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, and returns are accepted within 14 days for items that are faulty, damaged or incorrectly printed. Change of mind, approved artwork errors and incorrect size selection are not covered.

Can I sell merch without paying for stock upfront?

Yes. The print on demand and fundraising campaign programs let you launch an online store, set your own prices and have us print and ship each order as it comes in. Commissions are paid to your PayPal account at the start of each month.

More questions? Call 07 3846 1008

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