Top T-Shirt Printing Shops in Winston Salem, NC: The Complete Guide

The Booming T-Shirt Printing Industry in Winston Salem, NC

The t-shirt printing industry has exploded in recent years in Winston Salem, NC. With so many events, bands, brands, schools, and more looking for custom designed shirts, there is huge demand for quality printing services in the city. This has led to impressive growth for local t-shirt printers as more businesses recognize the branding power of custom t-shirts.

The Rise of Custom T-Shirt Printing

Just a decade or two ago, getting custom printed t-shirts usually meant working with screen printing shops to produce bulk orders of shirts. The process was time consuming and often expensive for smaller orders. However, thanks to advances in printing technology like direct to garment (DTG) printing, it's now easy for individuals and businesses to order smaller custom t-shirt batches at affordable prices. This has created entirely new opportunities for custom t-shirt designs.

Today, local bands use custom tee designs for merchandise and promotion. Businesses print custom shirts for conferences, company outings, and giving to loyal customers. Schools create custom designs for spirit wear, clubs, and special events. Nonprofits design custom tees for fundraisers and awareness campaigns. The list goes on and on.

Printers use DTG printing, screen printing, heat transfer, and other methods to create these custom t-shirt orders quickly and affordably even for shorter print runs. It's easy for any business or organization in Winston Salem to take advantage.

The T-Shirt Printing Process

So what exactly goes into printing custom t-shirt designs? Here is an overview:

Design

The first step is coming up with a design. Many local printing shops have in-house graphic designers who can help craft designs for customers. However, customers often provide their own artwork that reflects their brand, cause, event, etc. The printers can then take that design and prepare it for printing.

Preparation

Next the artwork is prepared for printing. The printer will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the design prints clearly and properly on the shirts. This may involve resizing, reformatting, or enhancing the artwork.

Printing

There are several printing methods used today:

• DTG printing: This uses special printers to print the artwork directly onto the shirt. No setup is required, so DTG is great for smaller orders.
• Screen printing: Ink is pressed through screens to transfer the design. This requires setup but works well for larger orders.
• Heat transfer: Designs are printed on special transfer paper then heat pressed onto the shirts. This allows intricate designs.
• Dye sublimation: Dye is infused directly into the fabric for soft, permanent prints.

The printing method selected depends on factors like order size, shirt color, design complexity, and timeframe.

Finishing

Once printed, the shirts may require finishing steps like drying/curing the ink or removing any lint or debris. The order is then checked for quality before being delivered to the customer.

Finding a T-Shirt Printer in Winston Salem

So how can you find a printer to create your custom t-shirts? Here are some tips:

• Search online for t-shirt printing or custom apparel printing in Winston Salem.
• Check reviews and examples of the printer's work.
• Consider printers who use modern printing methods like DTG.
• Ask about turnaround times to meet your timeframe.
• Compare pricing between printers.
• Check for any minimum order requirements.
• Ask if they offer design services or work with your files.

Leading printing shops in the city include companies like Teezus Prints, Showtime Sportswear, and Winston Custom Tees. Many specialize in a particular printing technique or type of apparel. Do some research to find the right shop for your needs.

Why Winston Salem is Thriving for T-Shirt Printing

Central Location

Winston Salem's central location in North Carolina makes it accessible for customers across the state to utilize printers in the city. It's less than an hour from Greensboro, under 2 hours from Charlotte, and 2.5 hours from Raleigh. This centrality makes it a hub for custom apparel.

Vibrant Arts Scene

The city has a thriving arts culture. There are multiple college and university art programs feeding talented designers into the workforce. The indie music scene creates demand for band merchandise. Local art and cultural events like craft fairs also drive t-shirt printing orders. This vibrant creative community keeps printers busy.

Business Growth

Winston Salem has seen considerable business investment and development in recent years. As more companies and organizations launch in the city, there are simply more potential customers needing branded apparel and promotional items. The business growth has been a boon for printers.

Tourism

Tourism is big business in Winston Salem, driven by attractions like historic Old Salem, SECCA art museum, Reynolda Gardens, Wake Forest sports, and more. All these visitors create demand for souvenirs and local merchandise that printers can produce.

With all these favorable conditions, it's no wonder Winston Salem has become such a major hub for custom t-shirt printing in North Carolina. For any business, organization, or individual looking for printed apparel, there are plenty of excellent printers ready to deliver right here in the city.

FAQs

How much does t-shirt printing cost in Winston Salem?

Costs vary depending on factors like printing method, number of colors, and order quantity. Screen printing has higher setup costs but lower per unit costs for big orders. Digital methods like DTG are more affordable for smaller batches. Expect to pay $3-$8 per shirt for digitally printed orders and $2-$5 per shirt for screen printing orders of 100+ shirts.

What is the best printing method for custom t-shirts?

It depends on your needs. DTG is great for fast turnarounds and small orders. Screen printing works for bulk orders and simpler designs. Sublimation is best for full-color prints. Talk to your printer about options to match the order size, shirt color/style, and design complexity.

Can I provide my own t-shirt designs in Winston Salem?

Yes, most printers are happy to work with customer-provided designs. Provide files in .JPG, .PNG, or .PDF format at high resolution (300dpi). Make sure to request any template files from the printer for sizing. Having an experienced graphic designer create or adapt the artwork is recommended.

How long does it take to get my order printed?

Turnaround times vary between a few days up to 2-3 weeks depending on factors like the printer's current workload and production schedule. Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated for a fee. Discuss options with your printer and plan ahead for large orders.

What kind of shirts should I use for printing?

100% cotton shirts work best for absorbing ink and achieving quality prints. Soft-style shirts are good for a comfort. Get advice from your printer on recommended shirt styles and colors that work with your desired printing method.