The Best T-Shirt Printing in Jacksonville, FL: Your Guide to Custom Shirts

Understanding Different T-Shirt Printing Methods: Screen Printing vs. DTF

When searching for T-shirt printing in Jacksonville, FL, it's essential to understand the different printing methods available. Two of the most popular options are screen printing and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. Each method has its own benefits, and the best choice depends on your budget, design complexity, and desired durability.

A “Silk Screen”

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional method that involves pushing ink through a stencil-like screen onto the fabric. This process creates vibrant, long-lasting designs, making it an excellent choice for bulk orders.

Advantages of Screen Printing:

• Durability: Screen-printed designs withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking.

• Vibrant Colors: Ideal for bold, high-contrast prints.

• Cost-Effective for Large Orders: The more shirts you print, the lower the per-shirt cost.

A DTF printer prints the artwork onto a transfer

What is DTF Printing?

DTF printing is a newer technology that prints designs onto a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto the fabric. This method allows for highly detailed and colorful prints without the need for screens or stencils.

Advantages of DTF Printing:

• Great for Complex Designs: Perfect for full-color images and intricate details.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Suitable for small batches and one-off prints.

• Works on Multiple Fabrics: Can be applied to cotton, polyester, and blends.

How Much Does It Cost to Print T-Shirts?

The cost of printing t-shirts varies depending on factors like quantity, design complexity, print method, and garment quality. In t-shirt printing Jacksonville, prices typically range from $8 to $25 per shirt for bulk screen printing, with higher costs for smaller orders or specialty prints like direct-to-garment (DTG) or embroidery. Bulk orders generally lower the price per shirt, while custom placements, specialty inks, or premium fabrics can increase costs. If you need high-quality, custom-printed t-shirts in Jacksonville, working with a local print shop can help you find the best options within your budget.

Cost Breakdown by Printing Method:

• Screen Printing: Typically costs $8-$25 per shirt for large orders, but setup fees for screens can make small orders more expensive.

• DTF Printing: Usually ranges from $18-$35 per shirt, as there are no setup fees, but the per-shirt cost remains higher for bulk orders.

What is the Cheapest Method of T-Shirt Printing?

If you're searching for T-shirt printing near me and want the most cost-effective option, consider screen printing for bulk orders and DTF for small batches.

Screen printing has a higher setup cost, but the price per shirt decreases significantly with larger quantities.

What Type of T-Shirt Printing Lasts the Longest?

When it comes to custom shirts in Jacksonville, durability is a key factor. Screen printing is the longest-lasting method, as the ink is absorbed into the fabric, making it resistant to washing and wear. DTF printing is durable but may not hold up as well over time compared to screen-printed designs.

Why is Screen Printing More Expensive FOR SMALL ORDERS?

Screen printing can be more expensive than other t-shirt printing methods due to its setup costs, labor-intensive process, and material expenses. Here’s why:

1. Setup Costs

Each color in a design requires a separate screen, which must be burned and aligned precisely. This setup process takes time and materials, making it costlier for small orders.

2. Labor-Intensive Process

Unlike digital printing methods that work with the press of a button, screen printing involves multiple manual steps—coating, exposing, washing, aligning screens, and applying ink. This makes production more time-consuming.

3. Ink & Material Costs

High-quality plastisol or water-based inks are used in screen printing, and specialty inks like metallics or glow-in-the-dark add extra costs. Also, different fabric types may require specific inks or additives, increasing expenses.

4. Limited Cost Efficiency for Small Orders

Since screen printing has fixed setup costs, small batches (under 24 shirts) tend to be more expensive per piece. The cost per shirt drops significantly with bulk orders, making it ideal for large runs but pricey for small ones.

5. Specialty Prints & Add-ons

Features like puff ink, foil, discharge printing, or multi-location prints add additional labor and materials, increasing the cost compared to basic single-color prints.

For those seeking t-shirt printing in Jacksonville, screen printing is the best option for bulk orders but may not be the most cost-effective choice for small custom runs.

Why Isn’t DTF Effective For Bulk Orders?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing prices don’t change much on bulk orders because the process doesn’t require extensive setup like screen printing. Since DTF prints are created using digital printers and then heat-pressed onto garments, the production cost per piece remains consistent whether you print one shirt or a hundred. Unlike screen printing, which becomes more cost-efficient with volume, DTF doesn’t benefit from bulk scaling because each transfer sheet is individually printed and applied, making it ideal for small runs but less cost-effective for large orders.

On the other hand, screenprinting in Jacksonville is the better option for bulk orders because the setup costs are spread across a larger quantity. While screen printing has higher upfront costs due to screen preparation and ink setup, once those are covered, printing each additional shirt is quick and inexpensive. This makes t-shirt printing in Jacksonville with screen printing the best choice for businesses, events, or brands needing high-volume orders with long-lasting, vibrant prints.

How Can You Spend Less on T-Shirt Printing Costs?

• Order in Bulk: The more shirts you print, the lower the cost per unit.

• Use Fewer Colors: Reducing the number of colors in your design can lower screen setup fees.

• Choose the Right Printing Method: Use screen printing for large orders and DTF for small runs.

• Select Simple Designs: Complex designs with multiple colors can drive up costs.

Get Started on Your Custom T-Shirts Today!

If you’re looking for the best T-shirt printing in Jacksonville, FL, Bentley Print Co. offers high-quality screen printing in Jacksonville and custom shirts in Jacksonville with fast turnaround times.

📌 Get a free quote today! Visit our custom T-shirt page or learn more about our screen printing services here.