One of the most common questions we get about custom screen printing is: “How much does it cost?” And honestly… it depends! Pricing can vary based on a few key things—like how many shirts you’re ordering, how many colors are in your design, and what kind of garment you want to print on. If you’re new to this or just trying to make the most of your budget, you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down what goes into screen print pricing and sharing some tips to help you get the best value from your next order.
Key Factors That Affect Screen Print Pricing
Screen printing is a custom process, which means pricing depends on a few key details of your order. Here’s what makes the biggest impact:1. Quantity Ordered
The more you order, the better the price per shirt. That’s because most of the setup work (like creating screens) is the same whether you’re printing 24 shirts or 240. At Press Room, our best pricing starts at 24 items, but we’re happy to work with smaller quantities too.2. Number of Colors in the Design
Each color in your design requires its own screen, which means more setup time and cost. A simple one-color print is more affordable than something with four or more colors. If you’re looking to keep pricing low, sticking to one or two colors can still give you a bold, clean look—and we can always help recommend what works best for your design.3. Number of Print Locations
A front-only print will cost less than a front + back or sleeve print. Each location requires additional setup and print time, so think about where the design matters most. A well-placed single print can make a big impact.4. Garment Type
The type of blank garment you choose also affects pricing. Basic tees are budget-friendly, while premium blends, heavyweight shirts, or specialty items (like hoodies or pigment-dyed tees) will cost more. We’re always happy to help you find a shirt that fits both your style and your budget.5. Artwork Setup
If you already have a print-ready file, great! If not, no worries—we offer graphic design services to help bring your vision to life. Just keep in mind that extra design or cleanup time may add to your final cost.6. Take Advantage of Total Order Pricing
At Press Room, we do things a little differently. Most print shops only apply bulk discounts to a single design—but we believe if you’re placing a big order, you should get treated like it. So if you’re ordering, say, 200 of one design and 24 of another, we’ll give you the 200-piece tier pricing across the board. Why? Because you deserve good press. And this is one of the ways we deliver it—by helping you get more value, more impact, and a better experience every step of the way.Best Practices to Get the Most Value From Your Order
Screen printing can be a great investment—especially if you make a few smart choices along the way. Here are some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck:1. Keep It Simple
One- or two-color designs are often the most cost-effective—and they can still look awesome. Minimalist designs, bold logos, or clever typography can make a big statement without racking up extra charges.2. Order in Bulk
Larger quantities bring the price per shirt down significantly. If you’re ordering for a team, event, or shop, ordering a few extras can save money in the long run—and it never hurts to have backups.3. Limit Print Locations
Focus on one key placement instead of multiple print areas. A great front print can do the job of three if it’s well-designed.4. Choose the Right Garment for Your Goals
A basic tee might be perfect for giveaways or events, while a midweight or blended tee might make more sense for retail or staff uniforms. We’ll help you match the right blank to your needs so you’re not overspending—or underwhelmed.5. Send the Right File Type
Providing a high-resolution or vector file can save you both time and design fees. We accept .ai, .eps, .svg, or 300dpi raster files (.jpg, .png, .psd). Not sure what you’ve got? We’re happy to take a look.When Screen Printing Isn’t the Best Fit
Screen printing is a great option for most apparel orders—but it’s not always the most efficient or cost-effective choice, especially for smaller runs or highly detailed artwork. Here are a few situations where Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers or other digital methods might be a better fit:- You only need a few shirts Screen printing has setup costs that make small runs less budget-friendly. If you’re ordering fewer than 24 pieces, DTF is often more affordable.
- Your design is full of fine detail or photo-realistic imagery DTF can capture gradients, textures, and tiny elements that might be tricky (or impossible) with traditional screen printing.
- You want lots of colors in your design Screen printing is priced by the number of ink colors. DTF isn’t—so if your design has five or more colors, it might be a better option.
- You’re printing on a tricky fabric Some specialty materials (like nylon or stretchy performance wear) don’t take screen printing well. DTF gives you more flexibility across garment types.
Need a Better Fit for Your Design?
Screen printing isn’t always the best tool for the job—and that’s totally okay. If you’re working with a small quantity, detailed artwork, or want to print on a tricky fabric, DTF (Direct-to-Film) might be your answer.
Read our full guide to DTF printing → https://pressroomink.com/what-is-dtf-printing-a-flexible-full-color-option-for-custom-apparel/