Did You Know Screen Printing Is Actually Kinda Mind-Blowing? (We're Obsessed)

Did you know that one of the oldest printing techniques in the world is still the go-to method for custom apparel in 2024? Yep — screen printing has been around for centuries, and there's a reason it hasn't gone anywhere. At BD Shirts, we've been doing it in-house right here in St. Joseph, MO for over 20 years, and honestly? We're still kinda obsessed with it. Let us nerd out with you for a second.

Did You Know Screen Printing Dates Back Over 1,000 Years?

Screen printing — also called serigraphy — was first developed in China during the Song Dynasty (around 960 AD). It spread through Asia and eventually made its way to Europe and the US. What started as a fine art technique is now the backbone of the custom apparel industry. Ancient wisdom, modern t-shirts. Pretty cool, right?

Did You Know the Ink Actually Bonds INTO the Fabric?

This isn't a sticker slapped on top of your shirt — it's ink pushed through a mesh screen and cured with heat so it fuses directly into the fibers of the fabric. That's why a quality screen print can actually outlast the shirt itself. We've all seen shirts that faded and fell apart, but a properly screen-printed design? That thing hangs tough.

Did You Know Each Color Is a Separate Screen?

Here's the part that surprises most people: every single color in your design gets its own screen. A 4-color logo means 4 separate screens, each perfectly aligned so the final print lines up just right. That's why screen printing is the gold standard for bulk orders — once those screens are set up, you can run hundreds (or thousands) of shirts quickly and consistently. The setup pays off fast when you're ordering for a team, an event, or your whole staff.

Did You Know Screen Printing Ink Is Crazy Vibrant?

Because the ink is applied in a thick, even layer (not a spray or a digital transfer), colors come out bold and saturated in a way that's really hard to match with other methods. That electric blue, that fire-engine red, that bright white on a black shirt — screen printing just pops. It's why bands, sports teams, and big brands have relied on it for decades.

Did You Know It's Still the Most Cost-Effective Method for Larger Orders?

For orders of 12 pieces or more, screen printing typically beats every other method on price per unit. The more you order, the lower the cost per shirt. That's why it's the default choice for company events, school spirit wear, fundraisers, sports teams, and pretty much anyone who needs a lot of consistent, great-looking apparel without breaking the bank.

We've Been Doing This for 20+ Years — Right Here in St. Joe

At BD Shirts, our screen printing is done completely in-house in St. Joseph, MO — no outsourcing, no middleman. That means tighter quality control, faster turnaround, and a team that genuinely cares about how your order looks. We've printed everything from small local fundraisers to large corporate runs, and we bring the same attention to detail every time.

Ready to put these fun facts to work? Hit us up at (816) 83-SHIRT, order at bdshirts.com, or DM us on Facebook @bdshirtsstj — we'd love to help you create something awesome.