Screen printing is the most proven, time-tested decoration method in the custom apparel industry. If you're ordering 12 or more pieces with a bold, defined logo or design, screen printing typically delivers the best combination of quality, durability, and value per piece. The more you order, the more cost-efficient it becomes.
Used by everyone from Fortune 500 companies to local youth sports leagues, screen printing has earned its reputation through decades of consistent, professional results. When you want apparel that looks sharp, holds up through heavy use, and represents your brand reliably — screen printing is a strong choice.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing works by pushing ink through a mesh screen (one per color) directly onto the garment. Each color in your design gets its own screen, which acts as a precise stencil. The result is a rich, opaque print with saturated color that sits on top of the fabric — giving screen-printed apparel that distinct, bold look that has become iconic in branded apparel.
Because the ink is applied in thick, even layers, screen prints are vibrant, durable, and consistent across an entire production run. The ink is then cured in a dryer, permanently locking it into the fabric.
Why Screen Printing Might Be the Right Choice for Your Project
Screen printing is the best fit when one or more of the following apply:
- You're ordering 12 or more pieces (the higher the quantity, the better the per-piece value)
- Your design uses solid colors, clean lines, bold shapes, or defined text
- You want a print with a distinctive, high-quality feel and saturated color
- You plan to reorder the same design in the future (screens are kept on file)
- You're ordering uniforms, event shirts, fundraiser apparel, or branded workwear
- You want the most cost-effective decoration method for larger quantities
If your design has many colors, gradients, or photographic detail, or if you need fewer than 6 pieces, DTF printing may be a better fit. Our team can help you decide.
How the Process Works
- Artwork is separated into individual color layers
- Each color is output to a film positive and used to expose a screen
- The garment is placed on the press and each screen is applied in sequence
- Ink is pushed through each screen using a squeegee, applying one color at a time
- The garment moves through a dryer to cure all ink layers permanently
Once screens are set up, production moves efficiently — making screen printing the most economical option as quantities increase.
Color Limits by Order Size
Screen printing separates designs by color, and each color requires its own screen. Color limits apply based on order size:
- Orders of 6–71 pieces: up to 4 colors
- Orders of 72 pieces or more: up to 6 colors
If your design has more colors than these limits allow, our team may suggest simplifying the color count or recommend an alternative printing method like DTF.
Print Size
- Standard garments (front/back): up to 10 inches wide by 15 inches tall
- Hats: up to 2 inches wide by 4 inches tall
Artwork Requirements
- Best format: Vector file (.ai, .eps, .pdf) with separated color layers
- High-resolution PNG with transparent background also acceptable
- Designs should use solid, defined colors — gradients, shadows, and photographic elements are not compatible with screen printing
- Our team can evaluate your artwork and suggest modifications to simplify colors or clean up edges where needed
Artwork & Design Services
Need help getting your artwork print-ready? Our in-house design team handles file cleanup, logo vectorization, logo recreation, and custom artwork builds. The first 20 minutes are included with every order at no extra charge — minor adjustments are usually covered. For larger projects such as full logo recreation, complex artwork builds, or custom design work, billing is $55/hr with a $17.50 minimum. Learn more about our Artwork & Design Services →
Pricing & Production Details
- Screen setup fee: $25 per screen (one screen per color)
- Color change fee: $10
- Minimum order: 6 pieces
- Design/artwork: $55/hr, $17.50 minimum, first 20 minutes included
- Production turnaround: 7–14 business days
- Rush options may be available — ask when requesting a quote
- Screens are kept on file for easy reorders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for screen printing?
The minimum is 6 pieces. However, screen printing becomes most cost-efficient at 12 pieces and above, where the setup cost spreads across more items.
Do I pay the screen setup fee every time I reorder?
If your design hasn't changed and your screens are still on file, reorder setup is significantly reduced. Ask our team about your specific design when placing a repeat order.
My design has 5 colors but I'm only ordering 40 shirts — is that okay?
Orders under 72 pieces are limited to 4 colors. For 5-color designs at lower quantities, we may recommend DTF printing as a more practical alternative.
Can screen printing go on both the front and back of a shirt?
Yes. Front and back are treated as separate print locations, each with their own screen setup.
What if I don't have vector artwork?
Our team can help recreate or clean up artwork. Design work is billed at $55 per hour with the first 20 minutes included. Many logos can be cleaned up quickly.
How durable is screen printing?
Screen printing is one of the most durable decoration methods available. When properly cured, screen prints hold up through hundreds of washes without significant fading or cracking. Wash inside out, cold water, tumble dry low.
Can you print on garments I supply?
Yes. We offer screen printing on customer-supplied items. Note that pricing differs from orders where we supply the garments — ask for a quote when submitting your request.
Why Order From Personal Graphics
Screen printing is handled entirely in-house at Personal Graphics. We set up screens with precision, monitor ink coverage throughout each run, and inspect every garment before it leaves our shop. We've screen printed thousands of garments for businesses, teams, and organizations throughout Northern Michigan — and our experience means we move efficiently without cutting corners on quality.
When you order from us, you're working with a local team that communicates clearly and delivers consistently.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a quote request through our website. Include your design, the quantity you need, and the garment type you're looking for. Our team will confirm screen counts, review your artwork, and provide a full quote.
Get a quote today and let's get your order into production.
Two Ways to Get Started
1. Work With an Expert
Most customers choose this option because they want guidance and advice. We help you select the right products, confirm placement and artwork, and manage everything from start to finish.
2. Browse & Design Online
If you prefer to handle it yourself, you can browse products, upload your artwork, and submit your order online at any time.
