Pricing Guide

How Much Does Screen Printing Cost in 2026?

Screen printing is the most popular method for custom t-shirts, hoodies, and event merch. This guide covers real pricing by quantity, color count, and garment type so you can budget your next order accurately.

Last updated: April 2026 · Based on US market pricing

Quick Answer

Screen printing costs $5–$15 per shirt for most orders (24–100 pieces). The main cost drivers are number of ink colors, order quantity, and garment type. Setup fees of $20–$35 per color apply. For 1,000+ pieces, prices can drop to $2–$5 per shirt.

Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt by Quantity

Prices below are for printing only (one location, front). Blank garment cost is additional.

Quantity1 Color2–3 Colors4+ Colors
12 pieces$12–$18$14–$22$18–$28
24 pieces$9–$14$11–$17$14–$22
48 pieces$7–$11$9–$14$12–$18
72 pieces$5.50–$9$7–$12$10–$15
144 pieces$4–$7$5.50–$9$8–$12
500 pieces$2.50–$5$3.50–$6.50$5–$9
1000+ pieces$1.50–$3.50$2.50–$5$4–$7

* Print-only pricing (one location). Blank garment, art setup, and shipping are additional. Prices are 2026 US market estimates.

Blank Garment Costs

The blank garment is a separate cost added to the per-piece print price. Here are typical wholesale costs:

GarmentCost
T-Shirts (Gildan, Next Level)Base price ($3–$6 blank)
Premium Tees (Bella+Canvas, Comfort Colors)+$2–$5 per piece
Hoodies & Sweatshirts+$8–$15 per piece
Tank Tops+$1–$3 per piece
Long Sleeve Tees+$2–$4 per piece
Tote Bags+$1–$3 per piece
Polos+$5–$10 per piece

6 Factors That Affect Screen Printing Pricing

1. Number of Ink Colors

Each color in your design requires a separate screen. A 1-color print needs one screen, a 4-color print needs four. Each screen adds $20–$35 in setup cost, which is amortized across your order. For orders under 48, every extra color significantly increases the per-piece cost.

2. Order Quantity

Screen printing has a high upfront setup cost (screens, ink mixing, registration) but a low per-piece run cost. This means the more you order, the cheaper each piece gets. The biggest price drop happens between 24 and 72 pieces — that is the sweet spot where screen printing becomes very cost-effective.

3. Number of Print Locations

Printing on the front only is the cheapest option. Adding a back print, sleeve print, or inside-neck label each adds $1–$4 per piece plus an additional screen setup per color at that location. A front-and-back 2-color design requires 4 screens total.

4. Ink Type

Standard plastisol ink is the most affordable and durable option. Waterbased inks give a softer hand-feel but cost 10–20% more. Specialty inks like discharge, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or puff add $1–$5 per piece depending on the effect.

5. Garment Brand and Type

The blank garment is a separate cost on top of printing. A basic Gildan 5000 tee costs $3–$4 wholesale, while a Bella+Canvas 3001 or Comfort Colors 1717 costs $5–$9. Hoodies run $12–$25 for the blank alone. The garment choice can double your total per-piece cost.

6. Artwork Complexity

Simple logos with solid colors are straightforward to print. Designs with halftones, gradients (simulated process), or photographic detail require more skilled separation work and may add $25–$75 in art preparation fees. Keep designs clean and bold for the best value.

How to Save Money on Screen Printing

  1. 1

    Limit Your Colors to 1–2

    Every additional ink color adds a screen setup fee ($20–$35) to your order. A bold 1-color or 2-color design can look just as professional as a 6-color print — and it costs significantly less, especially for orders under 100 pieces.

  2. 2

    Hit the 72-Piece Threshold

    Per-piece pricing drops sharply at 72 units. If you are ordering 50 shirts, consider bumping to 72 — the extra 22 shirts may cost less than you think because the setup cost is spread across more pieces.

  3. 3

    Use Standard Ink on Standard Blanks

    Plastisol ink on a Gildan 5000 or equivalent is the most cost-effective combination. Upgrading to premium blanks or specialty inks can add $5–$10 per piece. Unless your audience demands premium quality, standard options deliver great results.

  4. 4

    Print on One Side Only

    A front-only print avoids the extra screen setup and run cost of a second location. If you need a back design, consider a simple 1-color print on the back to keep the additional cost minimal.

  5. 5

    Provide Print-Ready Artwork

    Submitting your design as a vector file (AI, EPS, or SVG) with separated colors eliminates art preparation fees of $25–$75. If you only have a JPEG or PNG, ask if the shop charges for art cleanup before placing your order.

  6. 6

    Order Everything at Once

    Splitting a 200-piece order into two orders of 100 means paying setup fees twice. Combine sizes, colors, and styles into one order to maximize your volume discount and minimize setup charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to screen print 100 t-shirts?
For 100 t-shirts with a 1-color front print on standard Gildan blanks, expect to pay $6–$10 per shirt all-in (blank + printing), or $600–$1,000 total. A 2-color design runs $7–$12 per shirt. Adding a back print adds $1.50–$3 per piece. These prices include setup fees amortized across the order.
Is there a setup fee for screen printing?
Yes. Screen printing requires creating a physical screen for each ink color. Setup fees typically run $20–$35 per screen (per color). A 3-color front design costs $60–$105 in setup. Most shops include the setup fee in their per-piece quote, but always ask to be sure. Some shops waive setup for large orders (200+ pieces).
What is the minimum order for screen printing?
Most screen printing shops require a minimum of 12–24 pieces because the setup process (burning screens, mixing inks, registering the press) takes the same amount of time regardless of quantity. Some shops offer lower minimums of 6 pieces but at a higher per-unit cost. For orders under 12, DTG (direct-to-garment) printing is usually more cost-effective.
Is screen printing cheaper than DTG?
For orders over 24 pieces, screen printing is almost always cheaper than DTG. A 1-color screen print on 50 shirts might cost $5–$8 per piece, while DTG on the same quantity costs $12–$18 per piece. However, for 1–12 pieces with full-color designs, DTG is cheaper because there are no screen setup fees.
How long does screen printing take?
Standard turnaround is 7–14 business days from art approval. Rush orders (3–5 days) are available at most shops for a 25–50% upcharge. Same-day printing is rare but possible for simple 1-color jobs at shops with open press time. Always confirm your deadline before placing an order.
Does screen printing last?
Screen printing is one of the most durable decoration methods available. A properly cured plastisol print will last 50+ washes without cracking, peeling, or fading. Waterbased prints may fade slightly faster but develop a soft, vintage look over time. To maximize longevity, wash garments inside-out in cold water and avoid high-heat drying.

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