Cost of T-Shirt Printing: How Much Does Screen Printing Cost

Cost of T-Shirt Printing: How Much Does Screen Printing Cost

Throughout the years, screen printing has been a standout method for creating customized apparel. It can print vibrant designs that can be easily seen from afar. The thing here is that a lot would tend to question its costs. A lot may think it's expensive; however, we’re here to tell you it isn’t. For the most part, every cost of screen-printed apparel is justifiable because of the quality of the printed items and the material costs. In this blog, we will explore the costs of screen printing, the factors influencing its pricing, and tips to help you minimize the expenses while not compromising on quality.

Understanding Screen Printing

Screen printing involves pushing ink through a mesh stencil and onto the fabric, typically shirts, hoodies, and bags. The process itself is very versatile, and it can produce durable shirts that can withstand the tests of time. Aside from DTG prints and embroidery, screen printing shirts had been the way for custom apparel in 2024.

Making screen prints begins with creating a stencil or screen for each color design. One color is equivalent to one screen; therefore, if your design is multicolored, it involves multiple screens. Afterward, the ink is applied to the screen and forced through the mesh onto the shirt using a squeegee, as seen in the image. This process is repeated for each color, resulting in vibrant colors of the designs.

For this reason, screen printing delivers a lot of advantages. Number one is the higher quality of printed designs on apparel. When you compare screenprinted apparel with DTG prints, you can notice the difference really quickly. Screen-printed apparel has colors that stand out more than DTG, and the prints can withstand wear and multiple washes without fading. Additionally, screen printing is very versatile. It can be used in different materials, not just fabrics, so it is often used to create merch such as mugs, bags, etc. The colors pop even from a distance; you wouldn't regret having it screen-printed if it was done correctly.

Factors that Affect the Costs of Screen Printed Apparel

1) Quantity

The number one factor is quantity. The screens and ink are costly if you only do small batches of artwork. Ideally, you would want to order more apparel because the more you order, the less the screens and ink used would cost. There is a vast difference in pricing when it comes to quantity. If you're looking to order shirts below 12, the cost of each shirt could go up from seven dollars or more depending on the t-shirt printing provider, and this doesn't include the printing and labor yet. However, if you ordered around 40+ shirts, the costs would lower to four dollars a piece, whereas you could pay close to the same amount if you're going with a 12-piece order.

2) Number of colors

Next up is the color. Color is a determining factor for increasing the costs of screen-printed apparel, as more colors equate to more screens being burned. Some businesses would opt for using DTG prints as it would make it cheaper. However, the quality of the prints is very different. If you want to reduce the costs, ideally, you should go with one- or two-colored screen prints. If you look at the images above, this is a one-color screen print from a local business that Tee Vision Printing has done. It's vibrant and looks aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, making the brand stand out even more.

3) Location and Size of Design

Another factor is the location and size of the design. As we know, designs can be placed in different areas of apparel. If we look at generic placements of these designs, they are typically placed on the center of the front and back of the shirt. While this is ideal and required for most brands, some would opt to have the designs placed on the sleeves, at the bottom of the shirt, or in the side pocket of the shirt. These can increase the costs of your shirts. Additionally, if you have a design that is a little bigger than required, this may also increase the costs. Going with a more nuanced location and size will require additional setup and labor, resulting in higher pricing.

4) Type of Shirts

There are different types of shirts. While they may look the same, some may have premium quality than others. For this reason alone, the quality of the shirt will affect the printing costs. If they are more premium, then it's expected that they will be more expensive. In exchange for the added price, you'll be given a better overall look and feel of the final product.

How much does screen printing cost?

The price per unit may vary depending on the different factors mentioned above. However, here is a general idea of what the price should be like. In all this, you must note that different t-shirt printing companies have different prices. Some may be more expensive than others, and the prints' quality may also differ.