Screen printing is an inexpensive and well-loved way of customizing a shirt for any personal use, business, event, or corporate brand. You may, therefore, be considering getting your shirt screen printed but are thinking about how much it will cost me per shirt. The cost, in this case, has a number of factors depending on the colors needed in the artwork, the shirts’ quantity, and the materials.
In this guide, we will deconstruct the expenses involved in screen printing and guide you on how much you can reasonably expect to pay.
Understanding Screen Printing Pricing
Screen printing costs per shirt vary based on a range of factors. With the help of screen printing cost calculator you can figure out the exact price that you would be paying for the t-shirts. This would help you make better decisions. Here are the primary elements that influence the price:
1. Quantity Ordered
Another one of the greatest determining factors when it comes to the cost per shirt is order quantity. Ordering more shirts generally results in less money per shirt. This is due to screen printing’s inherent need to set up a series of processes, such as making the screens for all colors in a design. Setting up is proportioned based on the total number of shirts printed, making large orders more cost-efficient.
- Low orders (10-50 shirts): More expensive per shirt, owing to setup charges.
- Medium-sized orders (50-200 shirts): Relatively moderate cost since the setup is spread out among more shirts.
- Big orders (200+ shirts): Most economical with lowest per-shirt price.
2. Number of Colors in the Design
Screen printing uses a separate screen for each color in the design. This means that the more colors you have, the higher the cost. A simple one-color design will cost significantly less than a complex, multi-color design. Along with this if you are looking for other screen-printing equipment’s Screen Print Direct can help you get the best of products.
- Single-color prints: More affordable due to minimal setup.
- Multi-color prints (2-4 colors): Requires additional screens, increasing costs.
- Full-color designs (5+ colors): Higher setup and printing costs, making it more expensive.
3. Shirt Material and Quality
Shirt fabric determines the final purchase cost. When looking for how to screen print t shirt quality of the cloth plays a huge role. Standard cotton shirts form the most affordable option and rank below premium fabrics which include tri-blend and polyester and organic cotton styles.
- Plain cotton shirts: Cheapest choice.
- Blended materials (polyester/cotton): Slightly more expensive.
- Premium fabrics (organic cotton, tri-blend, moisture-wicking): Higher cost but provide better quality and durability.
4. Printing Locations
The more locations you want your design printed on (front, back, sleeves, etc.), the higher the cost. Each location requires additional screen setups and labor.
- Single location print: Cheapest option.
- Front and back print: Costs more due to extra screen setup.
- Sleeves or additional placements: Further increases the price.
5. Ink Type and Special Effects
The prices of printed materials depend on ink type and screen printing design software. Specialty ink varieties including metallic and glow-in-the-dark as well as puff and reflective inks have a higher price point compared to standard ink.
- Standard ink: Most affordable option.
- Metallic, glow, or puff ink: Adds to the overall cost.
- Water-based or discharge ink: Typically higher in price but provides a softer print feel.
6. Setup Fees and Labor Costs
Screen printing requires initial setup fees for screen creation. These costs are usually fixed regardless of the order size, making small orders more expensive per unit.
- One-time setup fees: Charged per color and per design.
- Reorders: Some printers offer reduced setup fees for repeat orders.
7. Printing Company and Location
Your shirt printing expenses will differ based on which facility you select. The prices of printing companies depend on their reputation level since famous companies need to cover big offices and smaller local and online shops can present better rates to customers.
Estimated Screen Printing Costs per Shirt
To give you a general idea of pricing, here’s a rough estimate of screen printing costs based on different factors:
Quantity 1-Color Print Price 2-Color Print Price 3-Color Print Price 4-Color Print Price
10-50 shirts $8-$15 Per Shirt $10 – $18 per shirt $12 – $20 per shirt $15 – $25 per shirt
50-200 shirts $5-$10 Per Shirt $7 – $12 per shirt $9 – $15 per shirt $12 – $18 per shirt
200+ shirts $3-$7 Per Shirt $5 – $10 per shirt $7 – $12 per shirt $10 – $15 per shirt
These prices can fluctuate based on fabric choice, cost of screen print printer, print locations, and special ink effects. In addition to that you can try DYing your t-shirts using the screen printing process. For additional accessories Screen Print Direct
Ways to Reduce Screen Printing Costs
If you’re looking to save money on your screen printing order, consider the following tips:
- Order in bulk: The more shirts you print, the lower the cost per unit.
- Limit colors in your design: Keeping your design simple reduces setup costs.
- Choose standard ink: Specialty inks add extra charges.
- Opt for fewer print locations: Stick to one print area to save costs.
- Go for basic fabrics: Standard cotton tees are the most affordable option.
- Use a local printer: Local shops may offer discounts and better deals.
Final Thoughts
Screen printing costs per shirt differ depending on order quantity, design complexity, material type, type of screen printing design software and features. Although there may be a higher cost per shirt for small orders, bulk production keeps the costs extremely low. The combination of right decision making with clear conditions leads to acquiring high-quality custom t-shirts without needing to spend excessively on them.
Professional printing services should provide comprehensive quotes to anyone who wants to start a screen-printing project. The combination of creative talent and budget management creates successful screen printing projects which you can witness.
