{"id":6649,"date":"2025-04-10T02:47:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T06:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/?p=6649"},"modified":"2025-04-10T02:47:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T06:47:31","slug":"custom-screen-print-t-shirts-costs-process-and-best-methods-compared","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/custom-screen-print-t-shirts-costs-process-and-best-methods-compared\/","title":{"rendered":"Custom Screen Print T-Shirts: Costs, Process, and Best Methods Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#custom-screen-print-t-shirts-costs-process-and-best-methods-compared\">Custom Screen Print T-Shirts: Costs, Process, and Best Methods Compared<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#what-is-silk-screen-printing-\">What is Silk Screen Printing?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#silk-screen-vs-other-methods\">Silk Screen vs. Other Methods<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#silk-screen-costs\">Silk Screen Costs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#design-rules-for-perfect-shirts\">Design Rules for Perfect Shirts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-choose-a-screen-printer\">How to Choose a Screen Printer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#eco-friendly-screen-printing\">Eco-Friendly Screen Printing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mistakes-to-avoid\">Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faqs\">FAQs<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1744251948517\">Can you print on polyester?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1744252504696\">How long do screens last?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1744252517222\">Cheapest custom method?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"custom-screen-print-t-shirts-costs-process-and-best-methods-compared\">Custom Screen Print T-Shirts: Costs, Process, and Best Methods Compared<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Find the best way to make custom t-shirts.<\/strong>&nbsp;Learn about silk screen printing, costs, and other methods like DTG and heat transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-silk-screen-printing-\">What is Silk Screen Printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Silk screen printing<\/strong>&nbsp;is a way to put designs on shirts. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make a screen<\/strong>: A stencil (called a &#8220;screen&#8221;) is made for each color.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add ink<\/strong>: Ink is pushed through the screen onto the shirt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dry the ink<\/strong>: The shirt is heated to make the ink stick.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big orders (50+ shirts).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple designs with bold colors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cotton or cotton-blend shirts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not good for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Photos or designs with lots of colors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small orders (under 50 shirts).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"silk-screen-vs-other-methods\">Silk Screen vs. Other Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Compare costs, durability, and design options<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Method<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Cost Per Shirt<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Durability<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Design<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Time<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Silk Screen<\/strong><\/td><td>$2\u2013$6+<\/td><td>50+ washes<\/td><td>Bold colors<\/td><td>1\u20133 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>DTG<\/strong><\/td><td>$8\u2013$20<\/td><td>30\u201350 washes<\/td><td>Full color<\/td><td>3\u20137 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Heat Transfer<\/strong><\/td><td>$5\u2013$15<\/td><td>20\u201330 washes<\/td><td>Medium detail<\/td><td>1\u20132 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pick silk screen for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big orders (cheaper per shirt).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-lasting designs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pick DTG for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small orders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photos or many colors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pick heat transfer for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fast orders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple designs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"524\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ccfcb42441f68353a194b96964ccd83.png\" alt=\"Custom Screen Print T-Shirts\" class=\"wp-image-6652\" title=\"plastisol inks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ccfcb42441f68353a194b96964ccd83.png 524w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ccfcb42441f68353a194b96964ccd83-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ccfcb42441f68353a194b96964ccd83-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px\" \/><figcaption>plastisol inks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"silk-screen-costs\">Silk Screen Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What changes the price?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Colors used: Each color adds $20\u2013$50 (setup fee).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Order size: Bigger orders cost less per shirt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example costs<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>100 shirts, 2 colors: ~$4\/shirt ($400 total).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>500 shirts, 4 colors: ~$2.50\/shirt ($1,250 total).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Watch out for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Artwork fixes (extra fees).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pantone colors (special inks cost more).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"design-rules-for-perfect-shirts\">Design Rules for Perfect Shirts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do this<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use vector files (made in Adobe Illustrator).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep 300 DPI resolution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use spot colors (like Pantone).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t do this<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use gradients (colors that fade).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write tiny text (hard to print).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use too many colors (raises cost).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: Use a mockup generator (like Canva) to test designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-choose-a-screen-printer\">How to Choose a Screen Printer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ask these 5 questions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do you give free artwork proofing?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s your smallest order?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can you use Gildan or Bella+Canvas shirts?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have eco-friendly inks?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s your reprint policy?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Top companies<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Custom Ink: Good for beginners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vistaprint: Fast shipping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local shops: Custom options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eco-friendly-screen-printing\">Eco-Friendly Screen Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Make green choices<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inks: Use water-based (not plastisol).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shirts: Pick organic cotton or recycled fabrics (look for GOTS certification).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best brands<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bella+Canvas: Lightweight shirts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next Level Apparel: Affordable eco-shirts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ffab0dda0e9e3aa95d2572f4e9b25fd.png\" alt=\"Custom Screen Print T-Shirts\" class=\"wp-image-6653\" title=\"plastisol inks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ffab0dda0e9e3aa95d2572f4e9b25fd.png 425w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ffab0dda0e9e3aa95d2572f4e9b25fd-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ffab0dda0e9e3aa95d2572f4e9b25fd-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><figcaption>plastisol inks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistakes-to-avoid\">Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No test print: Check colors first!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignore shrinkage: Wash shirts before printing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheap blanks: Use quality shirts (not thin fabrics).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1744251948517\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>Can you print on polyester?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes, but use specialty inks.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1744252504696\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>How long do screens last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>\u00a01,000\u20135,000 prints.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1744252517222\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>Cheapest custom method?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>\u00a0Silk screen for 50+ shirts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Silk screen printing<\/strong>&nbsp;is best for big orders with bold designs. DTG works for small orders, and heat transfer is fast.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Custom Screen Print T-Shirts: Costs, Process, and Best Methods Compared Find the best way to make custom t-shirts.&nbsp;Learn about silk screen printing, costs, and other methods like DTG and heat transfer. What is Silk Screen Printing? Silk screen printing&nbsp;is a way to put designs on shirts. Here\u2019s how it works: Best for: Not good for: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6651,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[204],"class_list":["post-6649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-custom-screen-print-t-shirts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6649"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6654,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6649\/revisions\/6654"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}