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Affordable Custom Screen Print T-Shirts: How to Save on Silk Screen Printing
Looking for custom t-shirts that don’t cost too much? Silk screen printing makes bright, strong designs for teams, events, or small businesses. Here’s how to get cheap, quality shirts fast.
What Makes Silk Screen Printing Affordable?
Silk screen printing is cheaper when you order 20+ shirts. Here’s why:
- Low cost per shirt: The more you order, the less you pay.
- Lasts longer: Colors stay bright after washing.
- Simple designs: Fewer colors = less money.
Best for:
- Team uniforms
- School events
- Company logos
How Much Does Silk Screen Printing Cost?
Prices change based on three things:
- Number of colors (1 color = cheaper).
- How many shirts you order.
- Shirt brand (Gildan = budget-friendly).
Here’s a price breakdown:
| Shirts Ordered | Price Per Shirt | Example Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 24 shirts | $8–$12 | $192–$288 |
| 100 shirts | $4–$7 | $400–$700 |
Watch out for extra fees:
- Art setup: $25–$50
- Rush orders: +30% cost
7 Hacks to Save Money on Custom T-Shirts
- Use 1–2 colors (no fancy gradients).
- Pick cheap shirts like Gildan or Hanes.
- Order 50+ shirts for bulk discounts.
- Use free templates (Canva, Adobe Spark).
- Skip shiny inks (metallic costs extra).
- Compare prices on Custom Ink or local shops.
- Plan early (rush fees add $$$).
How Silk Screen Printing Works
4 easy steps:
- Design: Use Adobe Illustrator for crisp art.
- Screens: One screen per color (like stencils).
- Print: Ink pressed through screens onto shirts.
- Dry: Heat makes ink stick.
Pro tip: Send vector files (.AI, .EPS) for no blurry prints.
Top 5 Cheap Screen Printing Services
Custom Ink
- Min Order: 6 shirts
- Price Range: $10–$15
- Turnaround: 7 days
- Best For: Small orders
OOSHIRTS
- Min Order: 12 shirts
- Price Range: $5–$9
- Turnaround: 10 days
- Best For: Bulk discounts
Printful
- Min Order: 1 shirt
- Price Range: $12–$20
- Turnaround: 5 days
- Best For: Online stores
Vistaprint
- Min Order: 1 shirt
- Price Range: $8–$14
- Turnaround: 7 days
- Best For: Fast events
Local Printers
- Search “screen printing near me”
- Min Order: 10 shirts
- Price Range: $6–$11
- Turnaround: 7 days
- Best For: Supporting local
Mistakes to Avoid
- Blurry art: Use high-resolution files.
- Wrong fabric: Cotton works best for most inks.
- No proof: Always check a sample shirt first.
- Small orders: Order 50+ shirts to save 40%.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to print t-shirts?
Silk screen for 20+ shirts. For under 10 shirts, try DTG printing.
Can I screen print at home?
Yes, but kits cost $100+. Pros do it better.
How long does it take?
5–10 days + shipping. Plan ahead!
