Screen Printing Custom T-Shirts

We’re printing perfectionists and that starts with deciding how to customize your t-shirt or other apparel. We choose the best printing method (screen printing or digital printing) based on the needs of your unique project (such as the product material, design, and numbers of colors).

With screen printing, we use a stencil (or “screen”) to apply layers of ink on the fabric, one color at a time. We can use screen printing for a variety of products (such as clothing, mugs, water bottles) and this method enables us to use custom colors.

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Screen printing is great for spot colors and bold art. Because of the set up involved, screen printing is typically not available for no minimum products with single orders. (For those and for full-color, detailed art like photos, we use digital printing; both methods result in fabulous, high-quality results.)

Screen printing is sometimes called “silk screening” or “silk screen printing”, but generally those all refer to the same thing. (The mesh or “screen” used in the process historically was made of silk.)

What Our Customers Say About Screen-Printed Shirts

“After 5 years with my running group, we finally got shirts made for the Red Rose Run in Lancaster last year. They got a lot of attention and have been great as a walking advertisement for our group. It was so helpful to visit the Custom Ink shop in person to work on the design and pick out nice quality shirts.”

— Lancaster Beer Runners | View full story

“Loved Custom Ink! The quality is amazing and the customer service was absolutely stellar. Thank you for everything!”

— Beecher Bootcamp | View full story

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Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing

Q: What is screen printing and how does it work on custom t-shirts?

Screen printing is a technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each color in your design requires a separate screen, and the ink is applied one color at a time. This method produces vibrant, long-lasting prints that hold up well to repeated washing. We use high-quality plastisol inks that bond permanently with the fabric fibers, ensuring your screen-printed custom t-shirts look great for years.

Q: How many colors can I use in a screen-printed t-shirt design?

Most screen-printed designs use between one and six ink colors. Each color requires a separate screen, so designs with fewer colors are typically more cost-effective for larger orders. Our Design Lab makes it easy to see exactly how your design will look and how the number of colors affects pricing. For designs with many colors or photographic images, digital printing may be a better option.

Q: How long does it take to get screen-printed custom t-shirts?

Orders typically arrive at your door within 2 weeks with our free standard shipping. If you need your shirts sooner, we offer rush options for an additional charge. Our delivery options page has all the details on turnaround times. We always recommend ordering at least a few weeks before your event to allow time for design review and any adjustments.

Q: What types of fabric work best for screen printing?

Screen printing works well on most fabric types, but 100% cotton produces the most vibrant results. Cotton absorbs ink beautifully, creating bold, long-lasting prints. Blended fabrics (like cotton/polyester blends) and tri-blends also print well, though colors may appear slightly different due to the fabric texture. For performance wear, we use specialized inks designed to bond with synthetic materials.

Q: Is there a minimum order quantity for screen-printed t-shirts?

Many of our low or no minimum products are digitally printed, as that can be quicker to set up.

Q: How do I care for screen-printed custom t-shirts to make them last?

To keep your screen-printed shirts looking their best, wash them inside out in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry. Avoid ironing directly over the printed design. With proper care, screen-printed designs can last for years without fading or cracking. The inks we use are specifically formulated for durability and washability.

Q: Can I get help designing my screen-printed t-shirts?

Absolutely! Our design experts are available to help you create the perfect design at no extra cost. You can also use our Design Lab to build your design from scratch using our template library and clipart. If you already have artwork, you can upload it directly. Every order goes through a free design review where our team checks your artwork for print quality before production. Contact us anytime if you need assistance.

Q: What’s the difference between screen printing and digital printing for custom t-shirts?

Screen printing uses physical screens and ink pushed through mesh onto fabric. It’s ideal for bold designs with solid colors and is most cost-effective for larger orders. Digital printing (also called DTG or direct-to-garment) prints directly onto the fabric like an inkjet printer, making it better for designs with many colors, gradients, or photographic images.

Q: Can my group members each pay for their own screen-printed shirts?

Yes! Our group order feature lets each person in your group pay separately and specify their own size and shipping address. You can also choose to pay for the entire order yourself and have everything shipped to one location. This is especially helpful for team orders, family reunions, or any group where collecting money and sizes can be a hassle.

Q: Are bulk discounts available for screen-printed t-shirts?

Yes, we offer discounts for bulk orders. The more you order, the lower the per-piece price. You can see exact pricing by adjusting the quantity in our Design Lab or on any product page. Our all-inclusive pricing means there are no hidden fees for setup, artwork review, or standard shipping. What you see is what you pay.