What Brand University Teaches About Screen Printing and Custom Apparel

Brand University is Gildan's free online learning platform for screen printing and apparel decoration

Brand University is an educational resource run by Gildan Activewear, one of the largest blank apparel manufacturers in North America. The platform offers video courses, tutorials, and guides focused on screen printing techniques, garment selection, design preparation, and business practices for people who print custom t-shirts and apparel. You access it free through Gildan's website without purchasing anything or creating a paid account.

The courses cover both the technical side of screen printing—how to set up screens, manage ink, cure garments properly—and the business side, like pricing your work, managing orders, and marketing to customers. The content is designed for people starting a screen printing operation, those already printing who want to improve their process, and businesses looking to add custom apparel to their product line.

Because Gildan manufactures the blank t-shirts and apparel that many screen printers use, the platform naturally emphasizes their products. However, the printing techniques and business lessons apply broadly to any blank apparel you source, whether from Gildan, competitor manufacturers, or local distributors.

Key Takeaways

• Brand University is a free video and tutorial platform owned by Gildan that teaches screen printing techniques, design preparation, and apparel business basics.
• Courses cover practical skills like screen exposure, ink mixing, and garment curing, plus business topics such as pricing, order management, and customer communication.
• You can access the platform without buying anything or signing up for a paid membership—registration is free.
• The content is useful whether you print as a side business, run a full-time shop, or add custom apparel to an existing product line.
• Gildan manufactures many of the blanks screen printers use, so their tutorials often feature their garments, but the printing methods work across brands.

What courses and content you'll find

Brand University organizes its content into topic areas rather than a strict progression. You can browse by subject—screen printing fundamentals, design software, color management, specific garment types—or search for a particular technique you need to learn. Most courses consist of short videos (typically 5 to 15 minutes) that demonstrate a single skill or concept, so you can watch one between jobs or while setting up your press.

Common topics include screen mesh selection and tension, emulsion application and exposure, ink chemistry and mixing, flash curing and final cure temperatures, and troubleshooting common print defects like bleeding, cracking, or uneven coverage. The platform also covers pre-press work—how to prepare artwork in design software, separate colors for screen printing, and set up files for different printing methods like discharge or water-based inks.

Beyond the technical side, Brand University includes modules on running a screen printing business: how to calculate costs and set prices, manage customer orders and deadlines, handle complaints and reprints, and market your services to local businesses and online customers. Some content addresses specific garment types—how to print on hoodies versus t-shirts, how to handle specialty items like bags or hats—and different printing scenarios, such as one-color jobs versus multi-color designs.

How to access Brand University

Go to Gildan's website and look for the Brand University link, usually found in their education or resources section. You can browse many videos and tutorials without registering. To access the full course library and track your progress, you create a free account using an email address. Registration takes a few minutes and requires no payment information.

Once logged in, you can bookmark courses, take notes within the platform, and sometimes download resources like color charts or design templates. The platform works on desktop browsers and mobile devices, so you can watch tutorials on your phone while standing at your press if needed.

Gildan occasionally updates the course library and adds new content, so checking back periodically may reveal tutorials on new techniques or products. Some content is also available through Gildan's social media channels and YouTube, though the full library lives on the Brand University site itself.

Who benefits most from Brand University

If you are new to screen printing, Brand University provides a structured introduction to the equipment, materials, and processes you need to understand before your first print. The fundamentals courses walk through screen preparation, ink selection, and curing—the foundation of quality printing—without assuming you already know the terminology or have hands-on experience.

Experienced printers often use Brand University to troubleshoot specific problems: why prints are cracking, how to achieve better color accuracy, or how to work with a new ink type or garment. The short, focused videos make it easy to find an answer to a single question without sitting through a full course.

Small business owners adding custom apparel to their existing product line—such as a local brewery printing branded merchandise or a nonprofit creating fundraiser t-shirts—can learn the basics of design preparation and printing without hiring a contractor or investing in expensive training programs.

What Brand University does not cover

Brand University focuses on screen printing and does not extensively cover other decoration methods like direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, heat transfer, or vinyl cutting. If you are exploring multiple decoration techniques, you will need to look elsewhere for information on those methods.

The platform also does not provide personalized feedback on your specific setup or troubleshoot individual problems you encounter. It teaches general principles and common solutions, but if your press has a unique mechanical issue or your workflow has unusual constraints, you may need to consult with equipment manufacturers, local printers, or industry forums for customized advice.

Brand University is educational content, not a substitute for hands-on training or mentorship. Many printers benefit from learning alongside someone with experience, especially when setting up equipment for the first time or mastering advanced techniques.

How Brand University fits into your screen printing journey

Think of Brand University as a reference library you return to at different stages. When you are starting out, use it to understand the basics and build confidence before your first print run. As you grow, return to specific courses when you encounter a new garment type, ink system, or design challenge. If you are training someone else to print, the videos can supplement your hands-on instruction and give them a visual reference to review later.

Many screen printers combine Brand University with other learning sources: industry publications, conversations with suppliers, trial and error on test garments, and relationships with other printers in their area. The platform works best as one tool among several, not as your only source of information.

Because the content is free and available on demand, there is no risk in exploring it. You can watch a few videos to see whether the teaching style and depth match what you need, then decide whether to dive deeper into specific topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy Gildan products to use Brand University?

No. Brand University is free to access and does not require any purchase. Gildan offers the platform as an educational resource for anyone interested in screen printing, regardless of where you source your blank apparel. That said, many of the tutorials feature Gildan garments because that is what Gildan manufactures, but the printing techniques apply to blanks from other suppliers as well.

Can I download videos to watch offline?

The platform does not typically offer video downloads, but you can stream content on most devices with an internet connection. Some tutorials and resources may be available as PDFs or downloadable guides. Check the specific course page to see what formats are offered.

Is Brand University content updated regularly?

Gildan adds new courses and updates existing content periodically, though the frequency varies. The core screen printing fundamentals remain stable, but new products, techniques, or industry practices may be added over time. Checking back every few months can reveal new material relevant to your work.

What if I have a question the videos don't answer?

Brand University itself does not offer live support or personalized troubleshooting. However, Gildan's customer service team can often direct you to relevant resources or connect you with a sales representative who works with screen printers. You can also reach out to equipment manufacturers, ink suppliers, or local screen printing communities for advice on specific problems.

Is Brand University suitable for someone with no printing experience?

Yes. The platform includes beginner-level courses that introduce screen printing from the ground up. You do not need prior experience to start, though having access to equipment or a mentor to practice with will help you apply what you learn.