DACS Designs: Custom Screen Printing and Apparel in South Carolina

What DACS Designs Offers

DACS Designs is a screen printing and custom apparel shop based in South Carolina that handles orders ranging from single pieces to bulk runs for businesses, teams, and events. They print directly onto t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other garments using screen printing methods, and they also offer embroidery services on some items. The shop works with customers to design or refine artwork before production begins.

The business operates as a local vendor rather than a national chain, which means you work directly with the people producing your order. They can discuss your vision, suggest adjustments to artwork, and explain what will and won't work on different fabric types and colors. This direct relationship often matters when you need something specific or want to avoid common printing mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• DACS Designs prints custom apparel for individuals, small businesses, teams, and events using screen printing and embroidery techniques.
• You can bring your own artwork or work with the shop to design or refine what you want printed.
• Bulk orders typically cost less per item than single pieces, and pricing depends on the number of colors, garment type, and order size.
• Turnaround time varies based on how busy the shop is and how complex your order, so asking about timing before you commit is important.
• The shop is locally owned, which means you can visit in person to see samples, discuss details, and build a relationship with the people making your order.

How to get your free guide with an Order

Contact DACS Designs directly to discuss what you need. You can describe your idea in general terms—they will ask clarifying questions about colors, garment type, quantity, and deadline. If you have artwork already, you can share it; if not, they can work with you to develop something or point you toward design resources.

Once you and the shop agree on the design and details, they will provide a quote based on the number of items, the complexity of the print, and the garments themselves. Screen printing costs are heavily influenced by the number of colors in your design—a single-color print costs far less than a five-color design. After you approve the price and timeline, production begins.

Artwork and Design Considerations

Screen printing works best with designs that have clear, bold shapes and limited color palettes. Photorealistic images or designs with many fine details often don't translate well to screen printing because the ink sits on top of the fabric rather than blending into it the way digital printing does. DACS Designs can advise you on whether your artwork will work or suggest simplifications.

If you don't have artwork, the shop can point you toward design software or designers who can create something for you. Some customers bring rough sketches or descriptions, and the shop helps refine them into printable designs. Having a clear idea of what you want—colors, size on the garment, placement—before you contact them speeds up the process.

Bulk Orders and Pricing

Screen printing becomes more cost-effective as order size increases because the setup cost (creating the screens) is spread across more items. A single t-shirt with a custom print costs significantly more per item than ordering fifty of the same design. If you are printing for a team, business, or event, asking about pricing tiers at different quantities helps you understand the value of ordering more.

Pricing also depends on the garment itself—a basic t-shirt costs less to print than a premium hoodie or specialty item. The number of colors in your design affects price as well; each color requires a separate screen, so a one-color design is cheaper than a three-color one. DACS Designs can break down these costs when you request a quote.

Turnaround Time and Planning

How quickly DACS Designs can complete your order depends on how busy they are and how complex your job is. A simple single-color order on standard t-shirts might be ready in a week or two; a large bulk order with multiple colors could take longer. Always ask about turnaround time when you first contact them, especially if you have a specific event or deadline.

Building in extra time is wise. If the shop is backed up or your artwork needs revisions, delays happen. Communicating your deadline upfront helps them prioritize your order or let you know if they cannot meet it. Rush orders may be possible but often come with additional fees.

Embroidery and Other Services

Beyond screen printing, DACS Designs also offers embroidery on some garments. Embroidery creates a raised, textured design using thread and is often chosen for polo shirts, hats, or jackets where a more polished look is desired. Embroidery typically costs more per item than screen printing but creates a different aesthetic and can feel more durable over time.

Ask about what services they offer beyond screen printing when you contact them. Some shops also handle other customization methods like heat transfer or direct-to-garment printing, though screen printing and embroidery are their primary services. Knowing what options exist helps you choose the right method for your project.

Visiting in Person

DACS Designs is a local business, so you can visit their location to see samples of past work, discuss your project face-to-face, and get a sense of their operation. Seeing printed samples in person helps you understand how designs look on actual garments and what quality to expect. Staff can also show you fabric options and answer questions about what will work for your specific needs.

If you are planning a large order or have a complex design, an in-person visit often leads to a better outcome than email or phone communication alone. You can bring sketches, photos, or ideas and work through them together. Many customers find this direct collaboration valuable, especially for business or event orders where the final product matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own t-shirts to print?

Some screen printing shops accept customer-supplied garments, while others prefer to source their own to ensure quality and consistency. Contact DACS Designs directly to ask about their policy. If they do accept outside garments, there may be an additional fee for handling items you provide.

What file format should I use for my artwork?

Screen printing typically requires vector artwork (like .ai or .eps files) rather than raster images (like .jpg or .png). Vector files scale cleanly without losing quality. When you contact DACS Designs, ask what format they prefer and whether they can convert your artwork if you don't have it in the right format already.

How much does a custom order cost?

Pricing varies based on garment type, number of colors, order size, and complexity. A single custom t-shirt might cost $20 to $40 depending on the design, while bulk orders drop to $8 to $15 per shirt. Contact the shop with details about what you need for an accurate quote.

Can you print on colors other than white?

Yes, screen printing works on colored garments, but the ink color and the garment color affect how the final design looks. Light-colored ink on dark garments requires different techniques than dark ink on light garments. DACS Designs can advise you on color combinations that will work well for your design.

What if I need my order by a specific date?

Let DACS Designs know your deadline when you first contact them. They will tell you whether they can meet it or suggest adjustments to your order that might speed things up. Rush orders are sometimes possible but may cost more. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of getting what you need on time.