The cost of screen printed clothing depends on several factors, including the garment type, order quantity, and artwork complexity. Understanding how artwork affects pricing can be tricky, so we’ve created this guide to help you get a more accurate quote.

If you’re short on time or still unsure after reading, feel free to send us a preview of your design via chat or email. We’ll review it and confirm the colour count for you.

UNDERBASES: DO YOU NEED ONE?

One of the first things to consider is whether your design requires an underbase.

An underbase is a layer of white ink printed first, providing a light foundation for the colours printed on top. This is essential when printing light colours onto dark garments, ensuring the final colours appear accurate and vibrant.

Think of an underbase like an undercoat when painting a wall, it helps colours stand out, rather than being absorbed by the fabric.

Examples of prints with and without underbases:

HOW TO ORDER AN UNDERBASE

When placing an order online, select “YES” in the underbase section if your design includes light colours on a darker garment.

HOW TO COUNT COLOURS IN YOUR DESIGN

The number of colours in your design directly affects the price, so it's useful to know how to count them.

- Solid Colour Designs: Each distinct colour in your design requires its own screen.

- More Complex Artwork: If your design includes gradients, halftones, or shading, the number of colours may depend on the print technique and your budget.

Example designs with colour breakdowns:

If you're unsure how many colours your artwork contains, send us a quick preview via chat or email, and we'll confirm the count for you.

WHY DO WE CHARGE PER COLOUR? 

Screen printing requires a separate screen to be made for each colour in your design. Each screen involves setup time, materials, and labour, which is why the price increases with more colours.

Unlike digital printing, which uses CMYK inks to create all the colours in your design, screen printing requires each colour to be mixed & printed separately. This is why simple, bold designs with fewer colours are more cost effective.

STILL UNSURE? WE'RE HERE TO HELP! 

We know screen printing pricing can seem complicated, but we're here to make it easy. If you're still unsure about your design's colour count, send us a preview via chat or email, and we'll be happy to assist.