What Is the Turnaround Time for Contract Screen Printing?

As a business, your two priorities when choosing a screen printing company should be getting prints with the best quality and fast turnaround time. While providing you with a high-quality product is a given, you might wonder what is the turnaround time for contract screen printing.

To answer all of your questions and prove to you why you should place an order with us, we compiled this helpful guide. We will reveal the average time it takes us to complete an order and explain all the factors that might affect your unique turnaround time.

What Is the Turnaround Time for Contract Screen Printing

Before we reveal what is the turnaround time for contract screen printing, we have to explain what it is and when it starts to count. The turnaround time represents the period we need to complete your order. Per your request, we can include the delivery time in the turnaround time.

It is important to know that the turnaround time typically starts when:

• we receive and approve your artwork
• we get all the needed specifications for the print, such as size breakdown, print area, and quantity
• Typically, we also require a completed payment

So, what is the average turnaround time for contract screen printing, and how do we compare to it? The average time screen printing companies in the U.S. need to complete an order is anywhere around 14 working days.

There is no doubt that we are a contract screen printing service with a fast turnaround. Whether you have a time-sensitive project or just want a fast, reliable company that respects deadlines, you will find what you are looking for with us.

If you hire us for your screen printing project, you can expect turnaround times starting at just a few days. For your individual turnaround time, you can use one of the four ways to contact us.

Factors Influencing the Turnaround Times For Our Screen Printing Services

To determine what is the turnaround time for contract screen printing, we take into consideration several factors, which include but are not limited to:

• Quantity of the printed garment
• Number of colors
• Color and garment combination
• Readiness of the artwork you will provide
• Ink type
• Shipping destination

Quantity of the printed garment

First of all, how long it typically takes for contract screen printing orders to be completed will depend on the printing quantity. Understandably, if your project requires a high amount of products, you should be aware that the turnaround time will be longer.

Considering our capabilities, you won’t have to worry about that. Our facility can print and ship over 20,000 in one day. However, you should keep in mind that the minimum order quantity is 24 pieces per design, considering the complexity of the printing technique.

Number of colors

The design and number of colors it requires to be printed out directly influence the turnaround times of your order. If you have a general idea of how the screen printing process works, you would understand that the more colors you have in your design, the more time we need to print it out. The reason for this is because each color is printed separately.

Color and garment combination

The production largely depends on the design and the color of the apparel you will choose. In screen printing, certain combinations of print and garment colors require delicate care and more time.

For instance, if you choose to have your design printed on a dark garment, we will have to add a few more steps in the printing process so you can have a finished product with high quality. On the other hand, screen printing goes faster on light-colored garments.

Readiness of the artwork you provide

Another factor that we take into consideration when answering your question on what is the turnaround time for contract screen printing T-shirts, is the readiness of the artwork.

Generally looking, the quicker you provide us with print-ready artwork in the right format, we can start screen printing your product. You should also determine the desired dimensions and placement of the design on the clothing.

Ink type

The time we need for your printing order also depends on the ink type you choose. We can print your design with many different ink types, such as discharge, plastisol, and water-based ink.

Each of the screen printing ink types has its unique characteristics, meaning all have a different curing time. One of the fastest-drying ink types is the water-based one. 

But, as experts in the industry, we would recommend you look in the long run. It’s best to choose the ink type best for your design and will add durability to the product.

Shipping destination

Lastly, if we include the shipping in the turnaround time, you should know that it will affect when you get the finished product. On the bright side, we always tend to choose the fastest shipping option, and you will be timely informed about the delivery.

Conclusion

Knowing what is the turnaround time for contract screen printing can help you find the right company for your project. If you want high-quality prints with rapid turnaround time, at Thrive Screen Printing, we check both of these boxes. For any additional information, contact us today, and our team will answer all your questions.