Screen printing has been the industry standard for decorating apparel for decades—and for good reason. It produces vibrant colors, exceptional durability, and one of the most cost-effective solutions for custom apparel when ordering multiple pieces.

Whether you're ordering shirts for a construction company, restaurant, school, nonprofit, sports team, family reunion, corporate event, or national convention, understanding the screen printing process helps you choose the right garments, prepare your artwork, and get the best possible finished product.

This guide answers the questions we hear most often from customers considering custom screen printing.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a printing process that pushes ink through a fine mesh screen onto a garment. Each ink color requires its own screen, allowing printers to layer colors with exceptional precision.

Once the ink is applied, garments are cured at high temperatures, creating a durable print that becomes part of the fabric surface.

Because of its consistency and durability, screen printing remains one of the most popular decoration methods in the apparel industry.

Why Choose Screen Printing?

Screen printing offers several advantages that make it ideal for many projects.

Benefits include:

• Bright, vibrant colors
• Long-lasting prints
• Excellent wash durability
• Cost-effective pricing on larger quantities
• Consistent print quality
• Wide selection of specialty inks
• Suitable for everything from simple logos to complex artwork

For medium to large orders, screen printing is often the most economical decoration method available.

What Products Can Be Screen Printed?

Screen printing works on a wide variety of apparel and promotional products.

Popular choices include:

• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Sweatshirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• Tank tops
• Performance apparel
• Tote bags
• Aprons
• Safety shirts
• Team uniforms
• Promotional apparel
• Event merchandise

Fabric type and garment color both influence the printing process and the type of ink used.

How Does Screen Printing Work?

The process follows several important steps.

Step 1 – Artwork Preparation

Every project begins with artwork.

The design is reviewed for printability, colors are separated, and production files are prepared.

Good artwork leads to better printing results.

Step 2 – Screen Creation

Each ink color is transferred to its own mesh screen.

For example:

• One-color logo = One screen
• Three-color logo = Three screens
• Six-color design = Six screens

The screens are carefully aligned so each color prints perfectly.

Step 3 – Printing

Garments are loaded onto the printing press.

Ink is pushed through each screen using a squeegee.

Colors are printed one at a time until the complete image is finished.

Modern automatic presses ensure exceptional consistency across large production runs.

Step 4 – Curing

After printing, garments travel through a conveyor dryer.

The heat permanently cures the ink into the garment.

Proper curing ensures prints remain durable through repeated washing.

Step 5 – Inspection

Every order is inspected before packing.

Print placement, color consistency, garment quality, and overall appearance are reviewed to help ensure the finished products meet expectations.

What Artwork Works Best?

Vector artwork provides the best printing results.

Preferred formats include:

• AI
• EPS
• PDF (Vector)
• SVG

High-resolution PNG files may also work for certain projects.

If artwork requires cleanup or recreation, artwork services are often available.

What If I Don't Have Artwork?

No problem.

Many customers begin with:

• A sketch
• A business card
• A photograph
• A low-resolution logo
• An idea written on paper

Professional graphic designers can recreate artwork into print-ready files suitable for production.

How Many Colors Can I Print?

Almost any number of colors can be printed.

However, the number of colors affects production time and cost because each color requires its own screen and setup.

Simple one- or two-color designs are usually the most economical.

More detailed artwork can also be produced using specialty printing techniques.

Where Can Designs Be Printed?

Popular print locations include:

• Left chest
• Full front
• Full back
• Sleeve
• Right chest
• Neck label
• Lower hem
• Pant leg
• Hood
• Pocket area

Multiple print locations are available on many projects.

What Types of Ink Are Available?

Different projects require different inks.

Common options include:

Plastisol Ink

The most widely used ink.

Known for:

• Excellent durability
• Bright colors
• Great opacity
• Versatility

Water-Based Ink

Creates an extremely soft feel by penetrating the fabric fibers.

Often selected for fashion apparel.

High-Density Ink

Creates a raised print with additional dimension.

Excellent for premium retail-style garments.

Puff Ink

Expands during curing to create a three-dimensional appearance.

Popular for streetwear and fashion brands.

Metallic Ink

Contains metallic pigments that produce a reflective finish.

Often used for promotional apparel and special events.

Specialty Inks

Additional options may include:

• Glow-in-the-dark
• Reflective
• Glitter
• Shimmer
• Neon
• Clear gel
• Soft-hand additives

Availability varies depending on garment type and project requirements.

Which Garments Print Best?

Several factors affect print quality.

Premium ringspun cotton produces softer-feeling prints.

Cotton/poly blends offer excellent comfort while reducing shrinkage.

Heavyweight garments provide outstanding durability.

Performance fabrics may require specialized inks.

Choosing the right garment is just as important as choosing the artwork.

Does Screen Printing Last?

Yes.

When properly printed and cured, screen printing withstands years of regular washing.

To maximize garment life:

• Wash inside out.
• Use cold water.
• Avoid bleach.
• Tumble dry on low heat.
• Do not iron directly over the printed design.

Quality screen printing often lasts as long as the garment itself.

What Determines Pricing?

Several factors influence pricing.

These include:

• Quantity ordered
• Number of print colors
• Number of print locations
• Garment style
• Artwork preparation
• Specialty inks
• Oversized prints
• Folding or bagging services

Larger quantities generally reduce the price per garment.

What Is the Typical Turnaround Time?

Standard production is approximately 5–10 business days after artwork approval, payment, and garment availability.

Rush production may be available depending on production schedules.

Planning ahead provides the greatest flexibility.

Screen Printing vs. Embroidery

Customers often ask which decoration method is better.

The answer depends on the project.

Screen printing is ideal for:

• T-shirts
• Event apparel
• Large graphics
• Promotional shirts
• Team apparel
• High-volume orders

Embroidery is generally preferred for:

• Polos
• Hats
• Jackets
• Corporate apparel
• Professional uniforms

Many businesses combine both methods to create a complete branded apparel program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before placing an order, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose high-resolution artwork whenever possible.
• Double-check spelling before approval.
• Confirm garment colors before production.
• Order extra shirts for future hires.
• Leave enough production time before your event.
• Ask questions if you're unsure about artwork placement or sizing.

A little planning goes a long way toward achieving the best results.

Why Businesses Choose Accent T-Shirts

For more than 25 years, Accent T-Shirts has helped businesses, schools, nonprofits, contractors, restaurants, municipalities, trade show exhibitors, sports organizations, and event planners create professionally printed apparel throughout Las Vegas.

From artwork preparation to garment selection and final production, we focus on consistent quality, dependable turnaround times, and apparel people are proud to wear.

Whether your order includes a dozen shirts or several thousand, our goal is to make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Need Help Choosing the Right Printing Method?

If you're unsure whether screen printing, embroidery, DTF printing, or another decoration method is the best fit for your project, our team is happy to help.

Contact Accent T-Shirts for a free consultation and quote, and we'll recommend the solution that best fits your artwork, apparel, timeline, and budget.