How Much Does Custom Screen Printing Cost?

Ordering shirts for your business? Outfitting a sports team? Maybe you’re gearing up for an event and want everyone looking sharp. No matter the reason, one question always pops up first: How much does custom screen printing cost?

The short answer: It depends. What are you printing? How many pieces do you need? Is your design simple or Picasso-level complex? All these details matter.

Here’s the good news: Custom screen printing can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you order in bulk. When you know what goes into the price, you can stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality. Who says you can’t have your shirt and wear it too?

At Charm City Screen Print, we help businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals all over Baltimore and Maryland find custom apparel that fits both their needs and their budgets. Before you place your next order, here’s what you should know.

What Determines the Cost of Screen Printing?

Custom screen printing isn’t a one-price-fits-all deal. Every order is unique, and several factors come into play when it’s time to tally up the final cost.

1. Order Quantity: The More You Order, the More You Save

First up: Quantity matters. The number of garments you order is one of the biggest factors in your screen printing cost.

Screen printing takes some prep work. We prepare your artwork, create screens, set up the equipment, and get everything ready for production. Those steps take about the same amount of time whether you’re printing 24 shirts or 240. (Sadly, our machines don’t run on coffee—just elbow grease.)

When you order more shirts, those setup costs get spread out. That means your price per shirt goes down as your order goes up.

At Charm City Screen Print, our minimum order is 24 pieces with the same design, and we offer quantity price breaks at:

48 pieces
72 pieces
144 pieces
300 pieces and beyond

So, bumping up your order quantity can make a bigger difference than you might expect. Sometimes, a few extra shirts can save you a surprising amount.

Money-saving tip: If you’re ordering 45 shirts, ask about pricing for 48. Moving into the next quantity bracket may lower your per-shirt cost enough to make the additional shirts worthwhile.

2. Number of Ink Colors in Your Design

Next up: Color count. The number of colors in your design plays a major role in your screen printing price.

Traditional screen printing needs a separate screen for each ink color. So, a simple one-color logo usually costs less than a detailed design with a rainbow of colors.

For example:

One-color design: Great for simple logos, bold typography, and budget-conscious orders.
Two-color design: Adds contrast and visual interest without getting overly complicated.
Multicolor design: Ideal for detailed artwork, colorful branding, and more elaborate designs.

But don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your dream design just to save a few bucks.

Sometimes, our skilled art department can simplify your design while keeping the look you love. Choosing a stock ink color instead of a custom match can also help keep costs down. Your wallet will thank you.

Money-saving tip: Start with your must-have design elements and ask whether fewer ink colors could achieve a similar look.

3. Print Location: Front, Back, or Both?

Let’s talk print locations. Where you want your artwork printed also affects the final price.

A shirt with a single design on the front usually costs less than one with designs on both the front and back. More locations mean more work—and a little more cash.

Common print locations include:

Left chest
Full front
Full back
Sleeves

Each extra print location means more production work and possibly more screens. It’s like adding toppings to your pizza—the more you add, the higher the bill.

For businesses, a small left-chest logo with a large back design is a classic combo. But if you’re on a budget, one well-placed design can still look sharp and help your brand stand out.

Money-saving tip: Consider whether you actually need multiple print locations. One strong design can often do the job.

4. Shirt Brand, Style, and Material

Not all blank shirts are created equal. The garment you choose can make a big difference in your order total.

A basic cotton tee usually costs less than a premium fashion-fit shirt, performance gear, or a heavyweight sweatshirt. Your shirt’s style can make your wallet feel light or heavy.

Some common choices include:

Budget-friendly basics: Brands like Gildan offer practical options for employee uniforms, promotional giveaways, and large events.

Soft, retail-style shirts: Brands like Bella+Canvas and Next Level are popular for businesses, merchandise collections, and anyone looking for a lighter, more fitted feel.

Premium and specialty apparel: Comfort Colors, Under Armour, and other specialty brands offer distinctive fits, fabrics, and features that may come with higher garment costs.

Don’t forget about fabric. Cotton, polyester, and blends each need different printing approaches. Sometimes, the fabric is the real MVP.

The best choice isn’t always the priciest. Pick the shirt that fits how people will actually wear it—comfort is king.

Money-saving tip: Tell your printer how you plan to use the shirts. A knowledgeable team can recommend affordable options that still look and feel great.

5. Artwork Preparation and Design Complexity

Already have a clean, print-ready logo? Fantastic! That makes the ordering process a breeze.

If your artwork needs some TLC—like adjustments, color separation, cleanup, or a full makeover—extra art prep may affect your quote.

For best results, send us your artwork in a high-quality format whenever you can. Your future self will thank you.

Preferred formats include:

Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS)
Photoshop (.PSD)
High-resolution PNG or JPG

Don’t have professional artwork? That’s okay, too.

Our experienced in-house art department can help bring your ideas to life. Just remember, more extensive design work may add to your project’s overall cost. Good art takes time—and maybe a little extra coffee.

How Much Does Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt?

Your cost per shirt depends on a mix of things: garment price, quantity, design colors, print locations, and any extra services you need. It’s like building a sandwich—every layer adds a little something.

Here’s an easy way to break it down:

Order Type	Typical Cost Considerations
24 basic tees with a one-color front design	Smaller quantity, simple artwork, one print location
72 basic tees with a one-color front design	Better quantity pricing with a straightforward setup
144 tees with a two-color front design	Higher quantity savings, offset by additional ink and setup requirements
300 premium tees with front and back designs	Stronger volume pricing, but higher garment and printing costs

These aren’t fixed pricing packages—just examples to show how your choices can affect the total.

For an accurate price, you’ll need a quote tailored to your specific project. No crystal ball required.

The easiest way to get started? Request a custom apparel quote from Charm City Screen Print. We promise, it’s faster than folding a fitted sheet.

Does Screen Printing Get Cheaper With Larger Orders?

Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is its cost efficiency for bulk orders.

Once the screens and equipment are set up, making extra shirts gets easier and cheaper. That’s why traditional screen printing is a great fit for projects like these:

Company uniforms and branded workwear
School spirit shirts and club apparel
Sports teams and recreational leagues
Fundraisers and charity events
Family reunions and group vacations
Concert merchandise and promotional giveaways
Clothing brands and retail merchandise

If you need branded apparel often, plan ahead and combine your needs into larger orders when you can. Your budget will thank you—and so will your future self.

Instead of placing several small orders throughout the year, try ordering a larger batch at once. You’ll likely see your per-piece cost drop faster than a hot potato.

Are There Any Additional Screen Printing Costs?

Depending on your project, you might see a few extra expenses beyond the base garment and printing costs. No hidden fees—just the facts.

These can include:

Custom artwork: Creating or substantially revising a design may require additional art time.

Special color matching: If your brand requires an exact Pantone color, custom ink matching may carry an additional charge.

Rush production: Need shirts faster than the standard production schedule? Expedited orders may require special arrangements and additional costs.

Specialty garments: Certain fabrics, garment styles, or printing requirements can affect production costs.

Shipping or delivery: If you’re not picking up your order, shipping costs may apply.

A good quote spells out what’s included, so you can make an informed decision. No surprises—unless you count how good your shirts look.

5 Ways to Save Money on Custom Screen Printing

Want great-looking shirts without stretching your budget? A little planning goes a long way—kind of like dad jokes at a family BBQ.

1. Order in larger quantities. Ask about price breaks before you finalize your shirt count. Sometimes, adding just a few more shirts can lower your price per piece. It’s math, but the fun kind.

2. Keep your design simple. One or two ink colors can look bold and professional—without the extra costs that come with complicated artwork. Less is more, and your wallet agrees.

3. Choose your garments wisely. A trusty basic tee might be perfect for an event, while premium apparel makes sense for merchandise you plan to sell. Pick what fits your needs—and your budget.

4. Limit your print locations. A single front or back design can save you money compared to printing all over. Sometimes, less really is more.

5. Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid last-minute headaches and possible rush charges. Your future self will want to high-five you.

The goal isn’t just to order the cheapest shirts possible. It’s about making smart choices for the best mix of appearance, comfort, durability, and price. Your shirts—and your team—will thank you.

Why Choose a Local Baltimore Screen Printing Company?

Ordering custom apparel online might seem convenient, but working with a local printer has some real perks.

At Charm City Screen Print, you get more than just an anonymous order form. You get real people who care about your project.

Our Glen Arm, Maryland, shop works with customers throughout the Baltimore area and beyond, providing custom screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products.

With our experienced art department, pro-level production equipment, and a showroom full of apparel options, we help you make informed choices before you commit. No guesswork—just good shirts.

Whether you need 24 shirts for a small event or hundreds for your growing business, our goal is to help you find the right solution. Big or small, we’ve got your back (and your front).

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Prices

What is the minimum order for screen printing?

At Charm City Screen Print, our minimum order is 24 pieces with the same design. We specialize in larger orders and offer quantity price breaks starting at 48 pieces.

Is screen printing cheaper than other printing methods?

Screen printing can be particularly cost-effective for larger orders featuring the same design. Other printing methods may make more sense for very small quantities, detailed full-color artwork, or projects that require individual personalization.

Does adding more colors make screen printing more expensive?

Generally, yes. Traditional screen printing typically requires separate screens and setup work for additional ink colors. Keeping your design to fewer colors can help reduce costs.

Can I print on both the front and back of a shirt?

Yes! Front-and-back printing is a popular option, particularly for business uniforms, events, and merchandise. Additional print locations generally increase the total cost.

How long does custom screen printing take?

Charm City Screen Print’s typical turnaround is approximately one and a half to two weeks, although production schedules vary. If you have an upcoming deadline, let us know when requesting your quote.

Can I get a quote before placing an order?

Of course! You can submit your garment preferences, estimated quantity, artwork details, and print locations to receive pricing tailored to your project.

Ready to Get Custom Shirts Printed?

Now that you know what goes into the cost of custom screen printing, you’re one step closer to shirts you’ll love—at a price that won’t make you lose sleep.

Need uniforms for your Baltimore business? Shirts for a fundraiser? Custom merch for your brand? Charm City Screen Print is ready to help.

Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your budget—and maybe even make you smile along the way.

Get your free custom quote

Connect With Charm City Screen Print

Want to see what we’ve been working on? Follow Charm City Screen Print on social media for a behind-the-scenes look at our latest projects, custom apparel inspiration, new products, and more!

Instagram: @charmcitysp — Check out our latest prints, embroidery projects, and behind-the-scenes photos.
Facebook: Charm City Screen Print — Follow us for company updates, recent projects, and custom apparel inspiration.
LinkedIn: Charm City Screen Print — Connect with us for business apparel ideas, branding tips, and industry insights.

Charm City Screen Print

12128 B Long Green Pike, Glen Arm, MD 21057

Phone: (410) 592-2394