Grimes Graphics in Baltimore: Custom Screen Printing for Local Businesses and Events
Grimes Graphics is a screen printing and embroidery shop in Baltimore that handles orders ranging from single promotional shirts to large runs for nonprofits, sports teams, and corporate events. The operation focuses on speed and local service rather than competing on price with national print-on-demand platforms, and it sits squarely in the middle market where a business or organization needs 50 to 500 pieces and wants to work face-to-face with a printer who understands the job.
What Grimes Graphics actually does
The shop offers direct-to-garment and screen printing on apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, hats, polos), as well as embroidery for caps and jackets. It also handles heat transfer for smaller orders or designs that don't suit screen printing. Grimes takes custom artwork, handles design refinement, and manages color matching and placement. The shop works with clients who bring finished artwork as well as those who need guidance on what will print cleanly. It does not function as a design studio; customers who arrive without files are expected to hire a designer separately or work from a template.
Pricing and lead times
Screen-printed t-shirts typically start at $6 to $10 per piece for orders of 100 units or more, with prices climbing for smaller quantities. A 50-piece order might run $12 to $15 per shirt, while single garments or very small jobs (under 10 pieces) are usually referred to print-on-demand services instead. Embroidery costs vary by stitch count and garment type; a simple 5,000-stitch logo on a cap generally falls between $8 and $12. Rush orders are possible but incur a surcharge; standard turnaround is five to seven business days for screen-printed orders. Call the shop directly to confirm current pricing, as minimums and rates for specialty items shift seasonally.
How it compares to other Baltimore screen printers
Baltimore has several screen printing options, each suited to different needs. Damage Inc. Printing, also in the city, emphasizes artistic and music-related designs and tends to attract bands and independent creators; their minimums are slightly lower and design consultation is built in, making them a fit for customers prioritizing creative input. Grimes Graphics caters more to corporate accounts and organizations seeking straightforward execution and quick turnaround. For customers wanting the absolute lowest per-unit cost on very large orders (500+ pieces), national services like CustomInk or Bonfire print cheaper but require weeks of lead time and no local contact. Choose Grimes if you need the shirt in two weeks and value having a local printer who can troubleshoot color or placement on the fly; choose a national platform if budget trumps urgency.
Who it suits and who it does not
Grimes works well for nonprofits, volunteer organizations, and small businesses running fundraisers or staff uniform programs. Local sports leagues and school groups frequently use the shop. It is a good fit for anyone with finished artwork or a clear design brief and reasonable lead time. The shop is not ideal for one-off, same-day jobs, for customers who need extensive design support, or for extremely price-sensitive orders of 1,000-plus units where margin matters more than convenience.
What the first visit involves
Bring artwork in a digital format (PDF, AI, or high-resolution image), or call ahead with a description of what you need. Grimes will assess whether your design works for screen printing (fine lines and small text, for instance, may not hold up) and discuss color options, garment choices, and placement. You will receive a quote based on quantity, number of colors in the design, and garment type. Once approved, the shop orders blanks and prepares screens; the job enters the production queue. You pay half upfront, with the balance due on pickup or delivery.
Hours, location, and logistics
Grimes Graphics is located in Baltimore and operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours by appointment. Street parking is available near the shop; there is no dedicated lot. Verify hours by phone before visiting, as seasonal demand occasionally shifts closing times. The shop accepts local pickups and offers delivery within Baltimore for orders over a certain size; ask about delivery fees when you call.
Grimes Graphics fills a real gap for Baltimore organizations and small businesses that need custom apparel fast and want to work with a printer who knows the city's networks. It is neither the cheapest option nor the most design-forward, but it is reliable and local.
