How Much Does Custom Screen Printing Cost in 2026?
"How much does it cost to print custom shirts?" is the number one question we get at French Press Custom. The answer depends on several factors, but we believe in pricing transparency — so here is a real breakdown of what custom screen printing costs in 2026.
The Short Answer
For a standard order of 50 t-shirts with a one-color front print on Gildan blanks:
Expect to pay $8 - $12 per shirt all-in.
For 50 shirts on premium Bella+Canvas blanks with a 3-color front and 1-color back:
Expect to pay $14 - $20 per shirt all-in.
But those ranges depend on many variables. Let us break them down.
What Affects Screen Printing Price?
1. Quantity (The Biggest Factor)
Screen printing has an inverse cost curve — the more you order, the cheaper each unit becomes. This is because the setup costs (screens, ink mixing, press setup) are spread across more garments.
| Quantity | Approx. Per-Shirt Cost (1-color) | |----------|----------------------------------| | 12-24 | $15 - $22 | | 25-49 | $10 - $16 | | 50-99 | $8 - $12 | | 100-249 | $6 - $10 | | 250-499 | $5 - $8 | | 500+ | $4 - $6 |
These ranges include the blank garment (mid-range) plus printing. Premium blanks add $2-4 per unit.
2. Number of Colors
Each color in a screen print requires a separate screen, ink, and press pass. More colors mean more setup time and materials.
- 1 color: Base price
- 2 colors: Add $1.00-1.50 per shirt
- 3 colors: Add $2.00-2.50 per shirt
- 4-6 colors: Add $3.00-5.00 per shirt
- 7+ colors: Consider simulated process or DTG
3. Number of Print Locations
Each print location (front, back, sleeve, etc.) requires its own setup and press pass.
- Front only: Base price
- Front + back: Add 60-80% of front price
- Add a sleeve print: Add $2-4 per shirt
- Full front + full back + both sleeves: This is essentially 4 separate print jobs
4. Blank Garment Choice
The blank t-shirt itself is a significant portion of the total cost.
- Gildan 5000: $2 - $3 wholesale (budget)
- Bella+Canvas 3001: $4 - $6 wholesale (premium)
- Comfort Colors 1717: $5 - $8 wholesale (specialty)
- Hoodies, polos, hats: $8 - $25+ wholesale
5. Ink Type
Standard plastisol ink is included in base pricing. Specialty inks cost more:
- Plastisol (standard): Included
- Water-based: Add $0.50-1.00 per color
- Discharge: Add $0.50-1.00 per color
- Puff ink: Add $1.25-2.00 per location
- Metallic/foil: Add $2.00-4.00 per location
- Glow-in-the-dark: Add $1.00-1.50 per location
6. Setup Fees
Most printers charge a one-time setup fee per screen. At FPC, our setup fees are:
- $25 per screen (standard)
- Setup fees are waived on reorders if we still have your screens
- Rush setup fees may apply for expedited orders
7. Art Services
If your artwork is not print-ready, expect art charges:
- Simple vectorization: $45
- Standard design recreation: $75
- Complex color separation: $125
Real-World Pricing Examples
Example 1: School Club Shirts
- 36 Gildan 5000 tees, 1-color front print
- Blank cost: $2.50 x 36 = $90
- Printing: $4.00 x 36 = $144
- Setup: $25 x 1 screen = $25
- Total: $259 ($7.19/shirt)
Example 2: Band Merch
- 100 Bella+Canvas 3001, 3-color front + 1-color back
- Blank cost: $5.00 x 100 = $500
- Printing (front): $5.50 x 100 = $550
- Printing (back): $2.50 x 100 = $250
- Setup: $25 x 4 screens = $100
- Total: $1,400 ($14.00/shirt)
Example 3: Corporate Event
- 500 Next Level 3600, 2-color front
- Blank cost: $4.00 x 500 = $2,000
- Printing: $2.50 x 500 = $1,250
- Setup: $25 x 2 screens = $50
- Total: $3,300 ($6.60/shirt)
How to Get the Best Value
- Order more at once — jumping from 48 to 72 shirts often barely changes the total
- Reduce colors — a bold 2-color design often looks better than a busy 6-color one
- Choose a budget blank — if softness is not critical, Gildan saves $2-3 per shirt
- Print one location — back prints are cool but double the print cost
- Plan ahead — rush fees can add 20-30% to your total
- Reorder the same design — no new setup fees
Why Prices Vary Between Printers
If you are comparing quotes, understand that cheaper is not always better:
- Print quality — cheap shops cut corners on ink coverage and curing
- Blank quality — some shops use no-name blanks and charge premium blank prices
- Hidden fees — watch for art fees, setup fees, packaging fees, and shipping
- Service level — do they offer design help, mockups, and proofing?
At French Press Custom, our quotes include everything — no hidden fees. We use quality inks, proper curing, and back every print with our satisfaction guarantee.
Get Your Free Quote
Ready to see exact pricing for your project? Request a free quote from French Press Custom. Tell us your quantity, colors, garment preference, and design details, and we will have a quote back to you within 24 hours.
Call us at (562) 407-3800 or fill out our online quote form.
