The Custom Gazebo Printing Process Explained

A lot of first-time customers ask us “how do you actually print a gazebo?” – which is a fair question, because the answer is more involved than slapping a vinyl sticker on a tent. Here is exactly what happens between you sending us your logo and us delivering a finished branded gazebo.

Step 1: You send us your artwork

We need a high-quality version of your logo. Our preferred format is vector PDF – if you zoom in on a vector file it stays sharp at any size. We also accept high-resolution PNG, TIFF or JPEG at minimum 300 DPI.

What we do not accept (sorry):

• AI/ChatGPT generated artwork (still buggy for print)
• PowerPoint slides
• WhatsApp images (compressed beyond use)
• Low-res screenshots from a website

Full artwork guidelines are on our Artwork & Templates page, with downloadable templates for every size.

Step 2: We send you a digital proof

Within one working day of receiving your logo and quote acceptance, our design team mocks up your logo on the canopy and walls of your chosen gazebo. You get a digital proof sheet showing exactly how the finished product will look – every roof panel, every wall, every flag.

You get three rounds of revisions free as part of your order. Additional changes after that are R225 ex vat each.

If you do not have a logo yet, we can design one in-house. Logo creation runs from R395 ex vat to R695 ex vat depending on complexity. Full logo redraws (turning a low-res JPEG into a proper vector) are R495 ex vat per hour.

Step 3: You approve, we collect the deposit

No production starts until two things happen:

1. You sign off the final proof sheet
2. We receive a 60% deposit

This protects both sides – we do not print 200GSM canopy fabric on a guess, and you do not pay for something you have not seen.

Step 4: Dye sublimation printing

This is the magic part. Your artwork is printed in mirror image onto specialised transfer paper using sublimation inks. The transfer paper is then laid against the gazebo canopy fabric and run through a heat press at around 200°C.

Under heat and pressure, the inks turn directly from solid to gas (sublimation) and embed into the polyester fibres of the fabric. The result:

• Full-colour, photographic-quality print
• Colours that do not crack, peel or fade
• Print on both sides if you ordered double-sided
• Soft-feel finish that looks better than vinyl

This is the same technique used on premium sports kit and high-end signage – not a budget shortcut.

Step 5: Quality control

Every printed canopy passes a final QC check before it ships. Our team inspects:

• Stitching and seam strength
• Velcro and zipper function (for walls)
• Colour accuracy against the original proof
• Frame fit and tensioning

Only after QC passes does the order get packed.

Step 6: Frame assembly check

Your custom canopy is married with a fresh gazebo frame – Classic Steel, Aluminium, Deluxe Premium or Deluxe Pro HD, whichever you ordered. Each frame is unfolded and inspected for:

• Smooth scissor action
• Functional sliders and push-button connectors
• Powder coating quality (steel) or anodising (aluminium)
• All accessories present (carry bag, ground pegs, tie-down ropes)

Step 7: Packing and shipping

Everything goes into a heavy-duty zipper carry bag, with frame, canopy, walls (if ordered), pegs and tools. We use MDS Couriers for nationwide delivery at competitive rates – or you can collect from our Midrand Depot or George Showroom.

Standard production is 5 to 7 working days from artwork approval and deposit, plus an extra 1-2 days for delivery.

Step 8: Rush orders if you need them

If 5-7 working days is too long, we run rush orders for a 10-20% surcharge depending on order size and required date. Rush courier (overnight delivery) costs extra. Get in touch early if you need a rush – the more notice, the better the price.

The full timeline

Here is what it looks like in calendar days from a typical order:

• Day 0 – You submit artwork
• Day 1 – Digital proof emailed back
• Day 2-3 – Revisions and final approval
• Day 3 – Deposit received, production starts
• Day 8-10 – Production complete, QC passed
• Day 10-12 – Delivery to your door (anywhere in South Africa)

Two weeks from logo to launch, all-in.

Ready to get started?

Browse our Branded Gazebos range or jump straight to the contact form and send us your brief. We’ll respond within 2 hours with a quote.