Printed branding fades, scratches, and washes off eventually. For products that need to last — corporate awards, metal name badges, wooden gifts — laser engraving gives you a permanent mark instead of a printed one. It’s one of our in-house services at PI Printers in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg.
CO2 vs Fibre Laser
We run both CO2 and fibre laser engraving. Fibre lasers mark metal — stainless steel, aluminium, anodised surfaces — with a clean, permanent engraving. CO2 lasers work on organic materials like wood, leather, acrylic, and some plastics. Between the two, we can engrave almost any hard surface a corporate gift or product might use.
What We Laser Engrave
Corporate awards and trophies
Metal name badges and tags
Wooden and leather gifts
Engraved pens, keyrings and USB drives
Signage and plaques
Why Choose Us for Laser Engraving
Both CO2 and fibre laser equipment in-house — one supplier for mixed-material orders
No minimum order — from a single award to a full corporate gifting run
Delivery across Johannesburg, nationwide, across African borders, and internationally
If it needs to look premium and last, engraving usually beats printing. Message us on WhatsApp at +27 72 395 4445 or email info@piprinters.com to talk through your project.
Some products just don’t work with flat printing methods. A branded pen, a golf ball, a curved plastic casing — anything with an irregular or curved surface needs a different approach. That’s what pad printing is for, and it’s one of the in-house capabilities PI Printers runs from our Lyndhurst facility.
What Is Pad Printing?
Pad printing uses a soft silicone pad to lift an image from an etched plate and press it onto a product’s surface — including curved, textured, or recessed areas that flat printing methods can’t reach.
What We Pad Print
Branded pens and stationery
Golf balls and sports equipment
Plastic and rubber promotional items
Small components with logos, serial numbers, or branding
Corporate gifts with awkward shapes
Why Johannesburg Businesses Use Us for Pad Printing
In-house equipment — not outsourced, so we control quality and turnaround
Works alongside our other branding methods, so a mixed order ships together — pad-printed pens plus DTF-printed shirts, for example
No minimum order, with wholesale pricing available for bulk corporate gifting
Delivery across Johannesburg, South Africa, and beyond our borders
If a product’s shape has made branding it difficult elsewhere, pad printing is probably the answer. Message us on WhatsApp at +27 72 395 4445 or email info@piprinters.com with the item and we’ll confirm if it’s a fit.
DTF printing gets asked about a lot, but UV DTF is a different process — and one most printers in South Africa still don’t offer in-house. At PI Printers, we run UV DTF alongside our standard DTF line, from the same facility in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg.
What Makes UV DTF Different
Standard DTF is heat-pressed onto fabric. UV DTF transfers cure under UV light and can be applied with adhesive backing — which means they work on surfaces fabric transfers can’t touch: glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, and acrylic.
Where UV DTF Works Best
Water bottles, tumblers and flasks
Laptop and phone cases
Glass and ceramic mugs
Signage, plastic panels and acrylic displays
3D UV DTF patches for caps and bags
Why Get UV DTF From PI Printers
Produced in-house, on the same site as our DTF, sublimation and laser engraving lines
No minimum order, so it works for single promotional items or full corporate gifting runs
Delivery across Johannesburg, nationwide, cross-border into Africa, and internationally
If you’ve got a product that DTF or sublimation can’t stick to, there’s a good chance UV DTF can. Message us on WhatsApp at +27 72 395 4445 or email info@piprinters.com and we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s the right fit.
If you’ve searched “DTF printing Johannesburg,” chances are you’re comparing suppliers on the same three things everyone asks about: turnaround time, minimum order quantity, and whether the printing actually happens here or gets outsourced somewhere else.
At PI Printers, DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is done entirely in-house at our Lyndhurst, Johannesburg facility — from film printing to powder application, curing, and pressing. No outsourcing, no waiting on a third-party printer’s schedule.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF printing transfers a full-colour design onto a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto fabric. Unlike screen printing, it doesn’t require separate screens per colour, and unlike sublimation, it works on cotton, poly-cotton blends, and dark fabrics just as well as white ones.
Why Johannesburg Businesses Choose Us for DTF
All DTF production happens under one roof in Lyndhurst — no middleman, no delays waiting on another supplier
No minimum order — from a single branded T-shirt to bulk corporate runs
Same equipment used for our own retail and wholesale orders, so quality is consistent at any volume
Fast local turnaround, with collection or delivery across Johannesburg and courier delivery nationwide, across African borders, and internationally
What You Can Print With DTF
T-shirts, hoodies and sweaters
Corporate and workwear branding
Sports and team kit
Caps and bags
Small-batch or one-off personalised orders
Whether you need one shirt for a gift or a few hundred for an event, our DTF line is built to handle both without slowing down. Message us on WhatsApp at +27 72 395 4445 or email info@piprinters.com to get a quote on your next DTF order.
Print on demand South Africa has never been easier, faster, or more accessible — and PI Printers is the company that has been making it happen for thousands of customers every single day. Whether you’re an individual end user ordering a single personalised item, a small business building a brand, or a wholesaler placing bulk orders, PI Printers is South Africa’s trusted print on demand and drop shipping partner.
What Is Print on Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a fulfilment model where products are printed only when an order is placed — no bulk stock, no wasted inventory, no upfront investment in large quantities. You choose the product, upload your design, place your order, and the item is printed and dispatched.
This model has transformed how businesses, designers, schools, sports clubs, and individuals access custom-printed products in South Africa. Instead of being forced to order 100 units to make printing affordable, print on demand means you can order 1 item or 10,000 — and get the same professional quality every time.
PI Printers: South Africa’s #1 Print on Demand Supplier
At PI Printers, we don’t just talk about print on demand — we live it. Our facility processes thousands of orders daily, serving a wide and growing customer base that spans across every province in South Africa. From individual shoppers to large wholesalers, our platform is built to handle it all, reliably and at scale.
Our customers include:
End users — individuals who want a single personalised T-shirt, hoodie, gift, or custom product for themselves or as a gift
Small and medium businesses — brands that need branded clothing, marketing materials, or promotional products without holding stock
Schools and sports clubs — ordering custom uniforms, tracksuits, caps, and team kit
Event organisers — custom merchandise for conferences, concerts, weddings, and corporate events
Online store owners — drop shipping products directly to their customers without ever touching inventory
Wholesalers and resellers — placing large daily orders for their own customer base, with competitive pricing and fast turnaround
Print on Demand Drop Shipping South Africa — We Ship to Your Customer
One of the most powerful features of PI Printers is our drop shipping service. If you run an online store, you don’t need to hold any stock or handle any fulfilment. Here’s how it works:
Your customer places an order on your website
You forward the order to PI Printers
We print, pack, and ship the product directly to your customer — with your branding
Your customer receives their order, thinking it came straight from you
This is white-label drop shipping at its best. Whether you’re selling 10 orders a month or 1,000, PI Printers scales with you. We ship nationwide across South Africa — from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban to Pretoria, and everywhere in between.
Collect In-Store or We Ship to You
We understand that different customers have different needs. That’s why PI Printers offers two flexible fulfilment options:
🏪 Collect In-Store
If you’re based near our facility, you’re welcome to collect your order in person. Many of our local customers prefer this option — it’s faster, there are no shipping costs, and you can inspect your order on the spot before you leave. Local businesses often collect daily as part of their regular routine.
🚚 Nationwide Delivery
For customers across South Africa, we offer reliable courier delivery straight to your door — or directly to your end customer if you’re drop shipping. We ship to every province, every major city, and most rural areas. Our packaging is clean, professional, and discreet.
What Can You Print on Demand with PI Printers?
Our print on demand catalogue is one of the most comprehensive in South Africa. Here’s a snapshot of what we produce:
Garments & Clothing
Custom T-shirts (all styles, cuts and sizes)
Hoodies and sweaters
Sports and performance wear
School uniforms and tracksuits
Swimwear and activewear
Kids and baby clothing
Custom underwear and socks
Headwear
Embroidered and printed caps
Beanies and bucket hats
Custom branded headwear for teams and corporates
Fabric & Canvas Printing
Cut-and-sew fabric rolls for fashion designers
Canvas art prints
Sublimation fabric panels
DTF (Direct-to-Film) heat transfer sheets
Gifts & Homeware
Custom mugs and drinkware
Photo blankets and cushions
Personalised candles and gift sets
Custom phone cases and accessories
Banners, Signage & Marketing Material
Pull-up banners and display flags
Custom serviettes and event branding
Business cards and stationery
Promotional merchandise
Why PI Printers for Print on Demand in South Africa?
There are many printing companies in South Africa, so why do thousands of customers — from individuals to large wholesalers — choose PI Printers day after day? Here’s what sets us apart:
Feature
PI Printers
Minimum order quantity
1 unit — no minimums
Turnaround time
Fast — same day or next day on many products
Print quality
Industry-leading DTF, sublimation & screen print
Drop shipping
Yes — white label, ship to your customers
Nationwide delivery
Yes — all 9 provinces
In-store collection
Yes — collect daily
Wholesale pricing
Yes — volume discounts available
Online ordering
Yes — order 24/7 at weprintall.store
Custom design tool
Yes — design online, order instantly
Serving Both End Users and Wholesalers — Every Single Day
What makes PI Printers genuinely unique in the South African market is that we serve two very different types of customers at the same volume and quality.
For end users: Our website at weprintall.store is designed for anyone to use. You don’t need to be a business or have a reseller account. Browse our products, upload your design using our online tool, choose your size and quantity, and place your order. It’s that simple. We cater for birthday gifts, bachelorette parties, school projects, team kits, personal branding — whatever you need printed, we can do it.
For wholesalers and resellers: Our wholesale programme is built for businesses that need to order regularly, at volume, with reliable turnaround times. If you’re running your own printing business, fashion label, corporate supply company, or online store — we are the production partner behind your brand. Many of our wholesale clients place orders every single day, relying on us as their outsourced printing facility. We offer competitive wholesale pricing, priority production, and dedicated account support.
Browse our product range — clothing, headwear, gifts, fabric, banners and more
Upload your artwork using our online design tool or send us your file
Choose your quantity — from 1 unit to bulk wholesale quantities
Select delivery or collection — we’ll ship nationwide or you can collect in-store
Pay securely online — multiple payment options available
We print and dispatch — fast turnaround, professional quality every time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. PI Printers offers true print on demand — you can order as few as 1 unit. There are no minimum order requirements.
Do you ship across all of South Africa?
Yes. We ship to all 9 provinces including Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape.
Can I drop ship through PI Printers?
Absolutely. Our drop shipping service is designed for online store owners and resellers. We print, pack, and ship directly to your customer under your brand name. Contact us to set up your drop shipping account.
How fast is your turnaround?
Turnaround times vary by product, but many of our most popular items are produced same-day or next-day. Bulk wholesale orders are prioritised based on quantity and complexity. Contact us for specific lead times.
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. Wholesalers and high-volume resellers benefit from competitive pricing tiers. Visit our Reseller page or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Can I collect my order in person?
Yes! We welcome in-store collections. Many of our local customers and daily wholesale clients collect their orders directly from our facility. This is the fastest and most cost-effective option for those nearby.
Start Your Print on Demand Journey with PI Printers Today
Whether you’re printing your first personalised T-shirt or placing your 500th wholesale order this month, PI Printers is ready for you. We are South Africa’s most active print on demand and drop shipping supplier — printing thousands of products every day for customers who trust us with their brand, their business, and their customers.
Order online 24/7 at weprintall.store — or contact us to discuss your print on demand or wholesale needs.
When it comes to cutting-edge garment decoration technology in South Africa, one name stands above the rest — PI Printers. As the founding pioneers of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing in South Africa, we have been at the forefront of this revolutionary technology for over five years, helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives bring their visions to life with unmatched quality, durability, and versatility.
What is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a modern garment and fabric decoration technique that transfers full-colour designs onto virtually any surface. Unlike traditional methods, DTF does not require screen preparation, weeding vinyl, or fabric pre-treatment. The process involves printing a design onto a special PET film using water-based inks, applying a hot-melt adhesive powder, curing it with heat, and then heat-pressing the finished transfer onto the garment or substrate.
The result is a vibrant, detailed, wash-resistant print that holds its colour and integrity wash after wash — making it one of the most reliable and versatile printing solutions available today.
How Does DTF Printing Work? — The Step-by-Step Process
Design Preparation: Your artwork is prepared in digital format using design software, ensuring correct colour profiles and resolution for a sharp, high-quality print.
Printing onto PET Film: The design is printed in reverse onto a specially coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film using CMYK + White water-based inks. The white ink base is crucial — it ensures vibrant colours on both light and dark fabrics.
Adhesive Powder Application: While the ink is still wet, a hot-melt adhesive powder (typically TPU-based) is evenly applied over the print. The excess powder is shaken off.
Curing: The film is passed through a curing oven or heat gun to melt and bond the adhesive powder to the ink layer, creating a durable, ready-to-transfer film.
Heat Press Transfer: The cured DTF transfer is placed on the garment or substrate and pressed using a heat press at approximately 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds.
Peel & Finish: Once pressed, the film is peeled away — either hot or cold depending on the film type — leaving behind a stunning, flexible, and durable print.
Key Benefits of DTF Printing
1. Works on Almost Any Fabric
DTF transfers adhere to cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, denim, leather, and blended fabrics — making it one of the most versatile printing methods available. Unlike DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, there is no need to pre-treat garments.
2. No Minimum Order Quantities
DTF printing is ideal for short runs and single-piece orders. Whether you need 1 transfer or 10,000, the cost and quality remain consistent — making it perfect for small businesses, custom orders, and print-on-demand operations.
3. Vibrant, Full-Colour Prints
DTF produces vivid, photo-quality prints with unlimited colours, gradients, and fine details — all in a single pass. There are no colour separation costs or limitations, which is a major advantage over screen printing.
4. Exceptional Durability and Wash Resistance
DTF prints are renowned for their durability. When applied correctly, a DTF transfer can withstand 50+ washes without cracking, peeling, or fading — making it a premium choice for branded clothing, sportswear, and workwear.
5. Soft Hand Feel
Modern DTF transfers offer a soft, flexible finish that moves naturally with the fabric — unlike older plastisol screen prints that can feel stiff and heavy. The result is a comfortable, premium-feel garment.
6. Fast Turnaround Times
With no screen setup, stencil preparation, or colour matching delays, DTF prints can be produced and ready for heat pressing in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. At PI Printers, we offer some of the fastest turnaround times in South Africa.
7. Cost-Effective for All Run Sizes
DTF printing eliminates costly setup fees associated with screen printing. You only pay for what you print — making it highly cost-effective for both small custom orders and large bulk runs.
What Can You Print on with DTF?
One of the standout features of DTF printing is its incredible versatility. At PI Printers, we use DTF to decorate:
T-shirts and vests (cotton, polyester, blends)
Hoodies and sweaters
Caps and beanies
Tote bags and backpacks
Sportswear and jerseys
Workwear and uniforms
Baby clothing and kids’ apparel
Denim jackets and jeans
Leather goods and accessories
Canvas and fabric home décor
DTF vs. Other Printing Methods
Understanding how DTF compares to other garment decoration methods helps illustrate why so many South African businesses are making the switch:
Feature
DTF Printing
Screen Printing
DTG Printing
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Fabric Types
All fabrics
Mostly cotton
Cotton preferred
Most fabrics
Minimum Order
1 piece
Typically 12+
1 piece
1 piece
Colour Range
Unlimited
Limited by screens
Unlimited
Limited
Durability
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Good
Setup Cost
None
High
None
None
Detail & Gradients
Excellent
Limited
Excellent
Limited
Pre-treatment Needed
No
No
Yes (often)
No
PI Printers: South Africa’s DTF Founding Pioneers
PI Printers was among the very first companies in South Africa to adopt, master, and offer DTF printing commercially. Over the past five-plus years, we have invested in state-of-the-art DTF printing equipment, continuously upgraded our processes, and built an unrivalled reputation for quality, consistency, and innovation.
Our journey began when we recognised the gap in the South African market for a flexible, high-quality, no-minimum garment printing solution. We imported and tested some of the earliest professional DTF printing systems available globally, refined our processes through thousands of hours of production, and developed expertise that very few printers in the country can match.
Why Choose PI Printers for Your DTF Needs?
5+ Years of DTF Experience — We were doing DTF before most SA printers had even heard of it.
Industry-Leading Print Quality — We use premium DTF inks and films for sharp, vibrant, long-lasting results.
No Minimum Orders — Order 1 or 10,000. We accommodate all order sizes.
Fast Turnaround — Same-day and next-day options available on select orders.
Expert Consultation — Our team guides you from artwork preparation to final product.
Wide Format Capability — We print large DTF transfers for oversized designs, all-over prints, and gang sheets.
Nationwide Service — We serve clients across all South African provinces with fast, reliable shipping.
Who Uses DTF Printing?
DTF printing is the solution of choice for a wide range of industries and use cases in South Africa:
Fashion Brands & Clothing Labels — Bring your fashion line to life with full-colour, premium-quality prints.
Corporate Branding & Uniforms — Deck your team out in professional, durable branded workwear.
Sports Clubs & Teams — Custom jerseys, tracksuits, and kit bags with detailed logos and numbering.
Schools & Universities — Affordable custom apparel for events, matric farewells, and school pride.
Event & Promotional Merchandise — High-impact printed merchandise for concerts, expos, and activations.
Print-on-Demand Entrepreneurs — Sell custom products online without holding inventory.
Personalised Gifts — Custom printed apparel for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more.
Caring for DTF Printed Garments
To maximise the lifespan of your DTF prints, we recommend the following care guidelines:
Wash inside-out in cold or warm water (max 40°C)
Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent
Avoid bleach and harsh chemical cleaners
Do not tumble dry on high heat — air dry or use low heat
Do not iron directly on the print — iron inside-out or use a pressing cloth
Do not dry clean
Frequently Asked Questions About DTF Printing
Is DTF printing permanent?
Yes. When applied correctly and cared for properly, DTF prints are highly durable and can last the life of the garment — typically 50+ washes without significant fading or peeling.
Can DTF be applied to dark fabrics?
Absolutely. DTF uses a white ink underbase layer, which means it prints beautifully on black, navy, red, and all other dark-coloured fabrics — with no compromise to colour vibrancy.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept PNG (preferred for transparent backgrounds), PDF, AI, EPS, and high-resolution JPG files. For best results, supply artwork at 300 DPI or higher.
Can I supply my own garments?
Yes. PI Printers offers a print-only service where we produce the DTF transfers and apply them to your own garments. We also supply a full range of blank garments if needed.
How long does production take?
Standard production time is 2–5 business days depending on order size and complexity. Rush and same-day options are available — contact us to discuss your requirements.
Get Started with DTF Printing Today
Whether you are a fashion entrepreneur launching your first clothing line, a business looking to brand your team, or a creative looking to print a one-of-a-kind custom piece — PI Printers has the expertise, technology, and passion to deliver exceptional results.
As South Africa’s DTF printing pioneers with over five years of industry-leading experience, we are uniquely positioned to handle projects of any scale, complexity, and deadline. From a single transfer to full production runs, we treat every order with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Contact PI Printers today and discover why hundreds of South African brands, businesses, and creatives trust us with their custom printing needs. Visit us at www.weprintall.store or reach out via our online store to get a quote.
PI Printers — We Print All. South Africa’s DTF Printing Pioneers since 2019.
