How Long Does Screen Printing Really Take?

If you’ve ever ordered custom apparel, you’ve probably asked the big question: “How long is this going to take?” The answer? It depends — but not in a vague, unhelpful way. At Charm City Screen Print, we believe in transparency, so let’s walk through what actually goes into the timeline of a screen printing order — and how you can plan yours like a pro!

Typical screen printing turnaround time (what to expect)

For most standard orders, screen printing takes about 7–10 business days after artwork approval. That timeline covers everything from setting up your design to printing and quality checks. While some jobs can move faster, this window ensures your apparel is printed cleanly, consistently, and professionally.

Pro tip: If you’re working with a deadline, it’s always best to start the process early.

Step 1: artwork approval (the clock starts here)

Before anything hits the press, your design needs to be finalized and approved. This includes:

• Reviewing placement and sizing
• Confirming colors and garment choices
• Checking for any artwork issues

Delays here are one of the most common reasons orders get pushed back. The faster you approve your proof, the faster production can begin.

Pro tip: Submitting print-ready or vector artwork can shave days off your timeline.

Step 2: Screen setup and prep

Once your design is approved, it’s time to prep the screens.

This process involves:

• Separating colors in your design
• Creating individual screens for each color
• Coating, burning, and drying the screens

This step is essential for achieving crisp, high-quality prints — especially for multi-color designs. More colors = more setup time.

Step 3: Printing your apparel

Now for the fun part — printing. Your garments are loaded onto presses and printed layer by layer. Each color is applied individually, then cured to ensure durability.

Factors that affect printing time:

• Order size (larger orders take longer, but are more efficient/cost effective per piece)
• Number of print locations (front, back, sleeves, etc.)
• Ink types and special effects

A simple one-color print on 50 shirts moves quickly. A multi-location, multi-color job? That takes more time — and precision.

Step 4: Curing and quality control

After printing, every shirt goes through a curing process to lock in the ink. Then comes quality control:

• Checking print alignment
• Inspecting color consistency
• Ensuring durability standards are met

This step is where professional shops separate themselves from quick, low-quality printers. It ensures your order looks just as good on the last shirt as it does on the first.

What can slow down your order?

A few common factors can extend turnaround time:

• Late or revised artwork
• Low-quality, non-vector, and AI images
• Complex designs with many colors
• High-volume orders during busy seasons

Planning ahead — especially for events, launches, or busy times of year — helps avoid these hiccups.

How to keep your order on schedule

Want a smooth, on-time order? Here’s what we recommend:

• Submit high-quality or vector artwork
• Respond quickly to proof approvals
• Confirm garment choices early
• Communicate your deadline upfront

A little preparation goes a long way in keeping things moving!

Quality takes time (and it’s worth it)

Great screen printing isn’t instant — and that’s a good thing. From setup to curing, every step in the process is designed to give you apparel that looks amazing, lasts through washes, and represents your brand the right way.

Ready to get started? Whether you’re planning ahead or working on a tight timeline, Charm City Screen Print is here to help you get it done right. Reach out today to start your custom apparel order and let’s bring your vision to life. Request a quote here!

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