How Much Does Screen Printing Cost Explained with Factors Affecting Price

Screen printing London costs vary depending on several key factors, but for a basic estimate, prices typically range from £5 to £15 per item. The exact cost depends on the number of colours, quantity ordered, and complexity of the design. Small orders with multiple colours tend to be more expensive per item, while larger runs reduce the price significantly.

Additional fees may include setup charges for screens and artwork preparation. Choosing different fabric types or special inks can also affect the overall cost.

Key Takeaways

• Cost per item decreases as order quantity increases.

  
  

• Design complexity and colour count influence pricing.

  
  

• Additional fees may apply for setup and materials.

  
  

Key Factors Affecting Screen Printing London Costs

Several elements influence the final price of screen printing London projects. These include order size, the complexity of the design in terms of colour, and the materials used for printing.

Quantity Ordered

The number of items ordered significantly impacts the cost per unit. Larger orders benefit from economies of scale, which decreases the price per piece due to the fixed setup costs being spread across more items.

Setup fees for preparing screens and aligning the design remain constant regardless of quantity. Ordering fewer pieces means these fees make up a larger portion of the total cost. For example, a 50-piece order will have a much higher unit price than a 500-piece order.

Number of Colours

Each additional colour in a design requires a separate screen and extra setup time. This directly raises the overall cost. A simple one-colour print is often the most affordable option, especially on large quantities.

Multi-colour designs increase complexity and time needed for registration (alignment), drying between colours, and cleaning the screens. The price usually spikes noticeably after two or three colours.

A practical approach is to limit the palette to essential colours or use halftones and gradients creatively within fewer colours to keep costs down.

Type of Garment or Material

Different fabrics and substrates affect how much screen printing London costs. Cotton garments are typically cheaper to print on because they hold ink well and require less preparation.

Printing on synthetic materials or blends may require specialised inks or extra steps like pre-treatment to ensure durability. This can increase the price.

Unusual items such as bags, hats, or heavy textiles need customised setups, which adds to labour and material costs. The weight and texture of the garment also influence ink absorption and drying times.

Average Pricing for Screen Printing London Services

Screen printing London costs vary depending on factors like quantity, colours, and design complexity. Many services charge setup fees, and additional customisation choices significantly influence the final price.

Typical Price Ranges

For small orders, prices usually fall between £5 to £15 per item. Bulk orders of over 100 garments often reduce the cost to around £2 to £6 each.

Prices fluctuate based on the number of print colours; each additional colour generally adds £0.50 to £1 per item. Pricing also depends on garment type, with heavier fabrics or premium materials costing more to print.

Be sure to check out our posts on “Custom Screen Printing London” and “Best Screen Printing London” for top‑tier service options in the London area.

Setup Fees and Additional Charges

Setup fees typically range from £20 to £60 per design. This covers creating screens, which is a fixed cost regardless of order size. Some companies waive fees for large orders or repeat customers.

Additional charges may apply for specialty inks, like metallic or glow-in-the-dark, often costing an extra £1 to £3 per print. Rush orders or complex placements may also increase costs.

If you are looking for reliable screen printing London services, Screen 27 offers competitive pricing and expert advice. Whether you have a large bulk order or a custom design, Screen 27 can help you achieve high-quality results for your next project. For more information or to get a quote for screen printing London, contact Screen 27 today.

Customisation Options Impacting Cost

Customisation such as multi-colour gradients or photographic prints require advanced techniques in screen printing London, raising the price by £1 to £4 per garment. Placement outside standard areas (like sleeves or labels) usually incurs an extra charge.

Adding embroidery or specialty finishes alongside screen printing London services from Screen 27 can increase overall pricing by 30% to 50%. Customer requests for unique packaging or tagging may add flat fees as well. Screen 27 offers a range of screen printing London options to suit different customisation needs.