What our adhesive application service covers
Adhesive application is a small part of the stretch process, but it has a direct effect on how a screen performs on press. We prepare the frame surface, apply adhesive evenly and check that the bond is suitable for the mesh weight and frame size. That means less lifting at the corners, fewer weak points and better screen life when you are working long runs or repeated washdowns.
This service is suited to aluminium screen-printing frames used for garment decoration, including standard production frames and custom sizes. We work with printers who need fresh mesh fitted as well as clients sending in frames for restretching after old adhesive has broken down. In Cape Town the coastal air can affect stored frames over time, so a clean and properly applied adhesive layer helps keep the bond stable in storage and during use.
How we prepare the frame before adhesive goes on
Good adhesion starts with surface prep. Before any adhesive is applied, we inspect the frame for residue, oil, dust and old glue that may interfere with bonding. If needed, we carry out mesh removal and frame cleaning first, then check the corners, welds and contact edges for anything that could affect the final stretch. A dirty frame can waste good mesh, so we do not skip the prep stage.
- Degreasing and surface wipe-down
- Removal of loose adhesive or mesh fibres
- Visual check for dents, bends or damaged corners
- Confirming the adhesive zone is dry before application
For larger production orders, we also group frames by size and batch type so the application method stays consistent across the run. That helps when you need matching tension across multiple screens for the same artwork or repeat jobs.
Application process for clean, even bonding
We apply adhesive in a controlled layer so it spreads evenly across the bonding area without excess build-up. Too much adhesive can create mess and uneven curing, while too little can leave weak edges. Our workshop team monitors the coverage by frame type, mesh spec and intended use, whether the screen is for fine detail work or heavier garment inks. The aim is a secure bond that gives you a proper working life, not a quick patch job.
The process is handled by our production team in Maitland under the supervision of Ruan van Wyk, with Sibusiso Mthembu overseeing stretch quality where adhesive and tension meet. For printers in Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, we also coordinate collections and deliveries through our route planning so the frames arrive ready for the next step. If the frame needs an urgent turnaround, we assess the load and fit it into the fastest workable slot, while keeping the finish consistent.
- Measured adhesive application to the correct contact zone
- Even spread for full edge support
- Alignment check before mesh bonding
- Final inspection after curing or setting time
Turnaround times and how we handle urgent jobs
Turnaround depends on frame size, the number of frames, and whether the job includes cleaning, mesh removal or restretching. A single frame with straightforward adhesive prep can often move quickly through the workshop, while bulk screen orders are scheduled in batches so each frame gets the same attention. We are practical about timing and will tell you what can be done within the day, what needs overnight setting, and what should be booked ahead.
For urgent turnarounds, let us know the quantities and sizes as early as possible through the enquiry form on our contact page. If the job needs pickup and return, we factor in collections from Bellville or supply routes through Paarl, plus delivery timing to the main metro areas. During load-shedding periods, we plan workshop stages around available power so the adhesive process and handling remain controlled. It slows things a bit, but the work still needs to be right.
Pricing approach for adhesive application work
We price adhesive application according to the frame condition, the amount of preparation required and whether the work is part of a new stretch, a restretch or a bulk order. Frames that are clean and ready need less labour than frames with old residue or failed bonding. Custom sizes and urgent jobs are also quoted according to the time and handling involved. There is no one rate for every screen because the condition of each frame is different, and that would not be fair.
For larger shops and garment printers, we can quote across multiple frames so the cost per unit is easier to plan around. If you are comparing options, it helps to send the frame size, quantity and any notes about previous adhesive failure. That gives us a better basis for the quote and keeps surprises out of the invoice.
- Quoted per frame or per batch
- Preparation and cleaning factored in where needed
- Discounting may apply on bulk screen orders
- Urgent work priced based on workshop schedule and handling
Maintenance intervals for frames and adhesive joints
There is no fixed number of weeks that suits every shop, because maintenance depends on how often the screens are used, how they are washed and how they are stored. As a general guide, frames in regular garment printing use should be checked when mesh starts to slacken, corners show lifting or the adhesive line begins to look dry and brittle. Coastal humidity in Cape Town can make storage conditions matter more than people expect, especially if screens are stacked in a hot room or left near moisture.
We recommend routine inspection after heavy production runs and before any long storage period. If a screen has been sitting for a while, it is worth checking the bond before the next print run instead of finding a failure halfway through the job. For workshops in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal, dust and heat can also affect how the bond behaves over time, so a simple visual check goes a long way. Small issues caught early are cheaper than replacing a screen later.
How to book adhesive application in South Africa
To book the service, send your enquiry through the contact page with the frame dimensions, quantity, location and whether you need new stretching, restretching or cleaning as well. If you are sending from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha, we will advise on the best collection or delivery option. We also assist Bellville collections and the Paarl supply route, which helps keep smaller and larger orders moving without unnecessary delay.
ScreenFrame has been serving garment printers since 2008, and our team works with the practical realities of local production, from workshop scheduling to transport timing. Mandla Petersen oversees the business with Ayesha Daniels, Bianca Jacobs, Lindokuhle Dlamini, Ruan van Wyk and Sibusiso Mthembu supporting the day-to-day work. If you need adhesive application that is neat, consistent and suited to proper screen use, send the details and we will take it from there.
Key facts
| Service type | Adhesive application for aluminium screen-printing frames |
|---|---|
| Typical frame sizes | Custom sizes available, from small garment screens to large production frames |
| Bonding method | Controlled, even adhesive layer applied to cleaned frame contact zones |
| Suitable for | New screen stretching, restretching existing frames and bulk screen orders |
| Turnaround | Depends on frame condition, quantity and workshop schedule, urgent jobs assessed case by case |
| Maintenance check interval | Inspect before heavy runs, after repeated washing and before long storage |
