Screen Printing 101: What Every First-Time Customer Should Know

An introductory guide for customers new to screen printing.

Ordering custom t-shirts or apparel for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. What’s the best shirt? How many colors can you use? How long does it take? At Blue Cactus Printing, we help first-timers every day—and we’re here to break it all down for you.

Whether you’re printing shirts for your business, a fundraiser, a school team, or an event, here’s everything you need to know before you place your first screen printing order.

1. What is screen printing, exactly?

Screen printing is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each color in your design gets its own screen, which is why simpler designs with fewer colors are faster and more cost-effective to produce.

If you’re printing 36 or more of the same design, screen printing is typically the best (and most affordable) option for vibrant, long-lasting prints.

2. How many shirts do I need to order?

We usually recommend a minimum of 36 shirts for screen printing. That’s because the process involves setup time—creating screens, aligning artwork, mixing ink—and that makes small batches less cost-efficient. The more you order, the lower your cost per shirt.

Just need one or two? Ask us about digital or heat transfer printing!

3. What kind of artwork do I need to provide?

Vector files (like AI, EPS, or PDF) work best because they print clean and crisp. Don’t worry if you only have a JPEG or PNG—we can help clean up your design or recreate it for you. Just know that the better the artwork, the better the final result.

4. How long does screen printing take?

Our standard turnaround is about 7–10 business days from the time your artwork is approved and payment is received. Rush orders are available—just let us know what you need and we’ll do our best to make it happen!

5. What’s the best shirt for printing?

We recommend brands like Bella + Canvas, Next Level, and Gildan Softstyle for great results. Cotton and cotton blends usually hold ink best. If you’re not sure, we can help you pick the right style based on your budget, fit, and feel preferences.

6. How do I get started?

Easy! Just send us your design, how many items you need, and a few details about your project. We’ll get back to you with a quote and mockup to review. From there, it’s smooth sailing.

Still have questions?
We’re happy to walk you through it—no pressure, no jargon. Just honest advice and great shirts.

👉 Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote.