Keep the original screen details together
The quickest repeat orders start with a clear record of what was supplied last time. If you keep the mesh count, frame size, and the job use together, it is much easier to match the next screen without guesswork.
For screen-printing work, the details that matter most are the mesh count, thread thickness where known, frame dimensions, and whether the screen was supplied as a new stretch or a re-stretch. If you are printing with different inks or substrates, note that too because the same mesh can behave differently on a fine textile print compared with a heavier laydown. A small note file on the shop floor saves time when orders come back weeks later.
What to check before you send a repeat enquiry
Before you place a repeat order, look over the old screen or the job card and confirm the basics. That simple check helps avoid the wrong mesh count or a frame that is a few millimetres out, which can hold up a production run.
- Mesh count and the type of print it was used for
- Frame outer size and the opening size if you have it
- Whether the screen was aluminium and pre-stretched or re-stretched
- Tension reading or tension target if your shop records it
- Any special notes on ink type, artwork detail, or stencil wear
- Whether the job was for flat stock, garments, or other repeat work
If the previous screen has been cleaned, stored, or reused, check for frame damage, glue lift, or warped corners before you place the next order. It is worth taking a minute now rather than finding out on press.
How to describe the repeat order clearly
When you submit an enquiry through the contact page, give a plain description of what you need and how the screen will be used. The more direct the note, the easier it is to match the right mesh and frame setup for your next print run.
- State that it is a repeat order and mention the previous job name if you have one
- List the mesh count and screen size required
- Say whether you need new frame stretching, re-stretching, or a full screen prep order
- Add the delivery area such as Germiston, Midrand, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or Gqeberha
- Note any urgency, especially if the job must move through same-week dispatch packing
If your workshop is handling fine detail work, mention that the screen needs stable tension and careful mesh bonding. If the job is more general, say so. A repeat order does not have to be long, just complete.
Mesh count matching for consistent print results
Repeat orders often fail when the mesh count changes by accident. A lower mesh count can allow more ink through for bolder prints, while a finer mesh supports sharper detail and cleaner halftone work. The right choice depends on the image, the substrate, and the type of ink used on the press.
If you are not sure which count was used before, compare the old screen against the original artwork or the last approved print sample. Shops in humid coastal areas like Durban and Gqeberha sometimes also need to watch how storage and drying conditions affect mesh performance, especially when screens are kept for longer between jobs. In Gauteng, dust and heat can also affect screen prep if the frame is left open for too long.
For repeat work, keep a small register with the job name, mesh count, and any notes on image detail. That way the next run can be matched to the same print result rather than starting from scratch.
Frame sizing, stretching and re-stretching notes
Aluminium frames are best repeated with the same size and stretch setup whenever possible. If the previous screen ran well, copying the same frame dimensions and stretch method helps keep registration and print feel consistent. That matters on repeat jobs where a small change can affect off-contact and ink deposit.
Tell us if you need new frame stretching, frame re-stretching, custom frame sizing, or a clean prep before mesh bonding. If the old frame was damaged by handling, cleaning chemicals, or storage in a busy print room, say so before dispatch. Minor bends and corner wear can make a repeat order harder to match.
Our team in Germiston handles frame work for print shops across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, the East Rand and further afield. For coastal deliveries, it also helps to mention if the screens will be stored near salt air, because that can affect how you keep them after delivery.
A simple repeat order checklist for busy print shops
Busy shops need a fast way to check repeat orders without stopping the line. Keep this checklist near the screens or in your job file so anyone on the team can use it when the next batch comes in.
- Job name or old reference number
- Mesh count and screen size
- Frame type and whether it is new or re-stretched
- Print use, such as garment, poster, or flat stock work
- Any tension notes or screen inspection comments
- Preferred delivery area and timing
- Special prep notes, such as batch screen prep or repeat screen setup
A repeat order service works best when the same details are available every time. If one person recorded the first job and another is ordering the second, this checklist keeps the handover clean and cuts down on errors.
