Silkscreen printing, explained for buyers
What silkscreen is, what the screens mean for your quote, and when it is the right method for your shirts.
How silkscreen works
Ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto the garment, one screen for each colour in the design. The screens are made once for the design, then used for every piece in the run, with each colour printed in turn and lined up with the others. The result is a crisp, durable print that holds up to washing.
What shapes the setup and the per piece price
- Number of colours: one screen per colour, so each extra colour adds setup.
- Print positions: front, back and each sleeve are set up separately.
- Print size: a small chest logo, an A4 area or an A3 area.
- Quantity: the setup is shared across the run, which is why silkscreen is most economical in bulk.
- Shirt colour: tell us the garment colour with the artwork, because the same design can need different ink choices on a dark shirt and a light one.
Same artwork, two scenarios
| Detail | Scenario A | Scenario B |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Club crest in two flat colours on the front chest | The same crest, plus a full colour photo collage on the back |
| Quantity | The whole club, all with the same design | A small committee |
| Screens | Two, one for each colour | Two for the crest; the photo has gradients, which suit DTF or DTG better than screens |
| Likely fit | Silkscreen | DTF or DTG, or ask us to compare options for your file |
We recommend the method once we see your artwork and quantity, so treat these as a way to think about the choice, not a price guide.
Strengths and limits
Strengths
- Crisp edges and solid, even colour
- A durable print that holds up to washing
- Economical for bulk runs of the same design
Limits
- Every extra colour adds a screen, so many colour designs cost more to set up
- A different name on every shirt is not what screens are for; vinyl is the method we list for jersey names and numbers
- Photos and soft gradients are usually better handled by digital transfer (DTF) or DTG
Silkscreen compared with other methods
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Silkscreen | Bulk runs of the same design |
| Digital transfer / DTF | Small runs with many colours |
| Direct to garment | Detailed art on cotton tees |
| Embroidery | Polos, jackets, caps and corporate wear |
| Vinyl | Jersey names and numbers |
| Dye sublimation | All over prints on drifit |
Comparing silkscreen with transfers? Read what heat transfer printing is. All seven methods are on the printing methods page.
Getting a silkscreen quote
- Your artwork, ideally the original design file (see the artwork checklist)
- The number of colours in each position
- Print positions and sizes
- The garment and its colour: T-shirts, drifit or bags and totes
- Quantity and deadline
Silkscreen FAQ
Silkscreen questions
not sure it fits?
Send the artwork and the quantity. We will tell you whether silkscreen or another method suits it.
Ask on WhatsApp Quote formWhat is silkscreen printing?
Ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto the garment, one screen for each colour. It gives crisp, durable prints that hold up to washing, and suits bulk runs of the same design.
Is silkscreen good for small quantities?
Silkscreen is most economical in bulk, because each colour needs its own screen. For small runs, digital transfer (DTF) or DTG is often the better fit. Send your quantity and we will recommend the most sensible method.
Why does the number of colours change a silkscreen quote?
Each colour in the design needs its own screen and its own pass, so more colours mean more setup. A design in a few flat colours keeps a silkscreen job simple.
Can you silkscreen bags and other items, not just tees?
Silkscreen printing is listed on many of our bags and tote bags, alongside heat transfer and embroidery. Check the methods listed on the product page, or ask us with your design.
ready when your artwork is
Silkscreen or something else?
Send your artwork and quantity. We recommend the method that fits your budget and your deadline.