Stareware Screenprinting in Baltimore: Direct-to-Garment and Custom Orders for Small Runs
Stareware Screenprinting is a full-service screenprinting shop in Baltimore that handles both traditional screenprinting and direct-to-garment printing, serving individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits who need quantities from single pieces to bulk orders. The shop occupies a working production space and manages turnaround on a case-by-case basis rather than operating as a quick-print counter.
What Stareware Actually Does
Stareware handles custom apparel decoration through two primary methods: screenprinting (the traditional method of pushing ink through mesh screens onto fabric) and direct-to-garment printing (DTG), which uses inkjet technology to print detailed, full-color designs directly onto shirts. The choice between these methods depends on design complexity, color count, and order size. Screenprinting becomes cost-effective at higher volumes and works best for designs with limited colors; DTG works for photorealistic designs or single-unit orders. The shop also offers design consultation if you bring a concept but need technical guidance on how it will translate to a garment.
Services and Pricing
Stareware prices screenprinting orders based on design complexity, number of colors, and quantity. A single-color screenprint on a basic t-shirt typically ranges from $12 to $18 per shirt on orders of 24 pieces or more; smaller orders carry higher per-unit costs due to screen setup fees. Multi-color designs increase the base price. Direct-to-garment printing runs approximately $15 to $25 per shirt depending on design coverage and color intensity, with no volume discount because setup cost is negligible. Confirm current pricing before ordering, as material and ink costs shift seasonally.
The shop can print on t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, long-sleeves, and some specialty items like tote bags and hats. Custom artwork and design revisions are standard; if you arrive with a file, they will review it for printability. Rush turnaround is available at a markup, typically requiring 3 to 5 business days for standard orders.
How Stareware Compares to Other Baltimore Screenprinters
Baltimore has several screenprinting options, each suited to different needs. Screen printing chains like local franchises of national operations offer faster turnaround and fixed pricing online, but charge more per unit on small runs and often decline orders under 12 pieces. Independent shops like Stareware negotiate on price for larger orders and handle one-off jobs without turning them away. For DTG specifically, Stareware's in-house equipment means no outsourcing; shops that lack DTG capability will either refer you elsewhere or quote screenprinting-only solutions even when DTG would be better for your design.
Nonprofits and small business owners benefit from Stareware's flexibility on minimums; a t-shirt fundraiser that needs 15 shirts is workable, whereas national retailers often enforce 24-piece minimums. For high-volume orders (500+ pieces), shop around on per-unit cost, as larger facilities can undercut on screenprinting labor. For artistic or one-of-a-kind pieces, Stareware's willingness to handle singles makes it more practical than a volume-focused competitor.
Who This Suits and Who It Does Not
Stareware works best for small business owners launching a product line, nonprofits fundraising with custom merchandise, artists selling limited-edition prints on apparel, and individuals commissioning a single quality piece. The shop is practical for anyone who values direct communication with the printer over automated ordering.
It is not ideal if you need printing in under 24 hours without paying rush fees, or if you are ordering 1,000+ units and want the lowest possible per-shirt cost. National-scale operations or automated online print-on-demand services may undercut Stareware's pricing at extreme volume.
What the First Visit Involves
Call or visit the shop with your design file (vector artwork in PDF or Adobe Illustrator is ideal; high-resolution JPEGs work for DTG). The printer will assess whether your design needs screenprinting or DTG, outline any adjustments needed for printability (such as thinning fine lines or adjusting color separation), quote per-unit cost and turnaround, and confirm your garment choice and quantity. If you do not have a design, they can suggest local designers or guide you toward simplifications that lower cost. Payment is typically required upfront or at a confirmed deposit; final balance is due upon pickup or before shipping.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Stareware operates during standard business hours; confirm current hours by phone or website, as production schedules can shift with order volume. Street parking is available in the surrounding area; the shop is accessible by car and local transit. Shipping is available for orders that do not require in-person fittings.
Stareware's combination of in-house screenprinting and DTG equipment, paired with willingness to negotiate on small orders and design revisions, makes it a practical choice for anyone in Baltimore who needs custom apparel without the corporate overhead of national print chains.
