What to Expect From KQ Vision Custom Design's Screen Printing Services

KQ Vision Custom Design offers full-service screen printing with in-house design, production, and finishing in the Midlands

KQ Vision Custom Design, located in Columbia, handles the entire screen printing process from concept through delivery. The shop designs custom artwork, prepares screens, prints directly onto garments and other items, and finishes orders in-house rather than outsourcing parts of the work. This means you can discuss design changes, see proofs, and pick up completed orders without waiting for work to move between vendors.

The business works with individuals ordering a single custom t-shirt, small nonprofits needing branded merchandise for an event, and larger organizations running recurring orders. They print on apparel—t-shirts, hoodies, hats—and also on promotional items like tote bags and drinkware. Because design and production happen under one roof, turnaround times tend to be faster than shops that send work out, and you have direct contact with the people making your order.

Key Takeaways

• KQ Vision handles design, screen preparation, printing, and finishing in-house, so you work with one team from start to finish.
• The shop prints on apparel and promotional items, with options for single orders or bulk runs for organizations and events.
• You can request design changes and review proofs before final production, which is easier when everything happens at one location.
• Turnaround times are typically shorter than shops that outsource production steps to other vendors.

How the Design and Approval Process Works

When you bring an idea to KQ Vision, the team discusses what you want—colors, placement on the garment, size, and any text or imagery. If you have existing artwork, they can work from that. If you don't, they create designs based on your description and show you proofs before anything goes to screen.

The approval step matters because screen printing requires a separate screen for each color, and once a screen is burned, changes become expensive. KQ Vision walks you through color choices and placement so you see exactly what the finished piece will look like. This is also when you confirm quantities, garment sizes, and any special requests like sleeve prints or back-of-neck logos.

Screen Preparation and Printing Techniques

After design approval, KQ Vision prepares screens by coating them with emulsion and exposing them to light using your approved artwork as a template. This creates the stencil that will hold ink. The number of screens needed depends on how many colors are in your design—a three-color logo requires three screens, for example.

During printing, each screen is positioned on a press, ink is applied, and the garment passes underneath. For multi-color designs, the shirt moves from screen to screen, with each color layering on top of the previous one. The shop controls ink density, pressure, and timing to ensure crisp, durable prints that won't crack or fade after washing.

Garment and Item Selection

KQ Vision stocks or can source a range of blank apparel—standard t-shirts in various weights and fits, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, tank tops, and hats. They also work with non-apparel items like tote bags, drinkware, and other promotional goods. You choose the base item, color, and size for each person in your order.

The quality of the finished product depends partly on the blank you select. A heavier-weight shirt holds a print better than a thin one, and certain fabrics take ink differently. The team can recommend options based on your budget and how long you want the print to last.

Pricing and Order Minimums

Screen printing costs depend on the number of colors in your design, the number of items you're ordering, and the type of garment. Single-item orders typically cost more per piece than bulk runs because the setup cost (screens, design time) is spread across fewer items. A 50-shirt order with a two-color design will have a lower per-shirt price than a 10-shirt order with the same design.

KQ Vision does not have a strict minimum order size, but pricing reflects the economics of screen printing—smaller orders are more expensive per unit. Contact the shop directly with your design, quantity, and garment choice to receive a quote. They can also discuss whether a different printing method, like direct-to-garment printing, might be more cost-effective for very small runs.

Turnaround Time and Pickup

Because KQ Vision completes work in-house, turnaround is typically five to ten business days depending on order size and current workload. Rush orders may be possible if the shop has capacity, though these usually carry an additional fee. You can call ahead to ask about current timelines before placing your order.

Orders are ready for pickup at the Columbia location. The shop can also discuss shipping options if you need items sent elsewhere. Confirm pickup or delivery arrangements when you place your order so there's no confusion about when and where to collect your finished merchandise.

Care Instructions and Print Durability

Screen-printed items last longest when washed inside-out in cold water and dried on low heat or air-dried. High heat and harsh detergents can fade or crack the print over time. KQ Vision typically provides care instructions with your order, and it's worth following them to protect your investment, especially if you've ordered branded merchandise for an organization or event.

A well-executed screen print on quality apparel can withstand dozens of washes. The durability depends on ink quality, garment weight, and how the print is cared for. If you're ordering for a nonprofit or business that will wear or give away the items repeatedly, choosing a heavier garment and a simpler design (fewer colors) generally means the print will hold up better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can KQ Vision print a design I already have?

Yes. Bring artwork in digital form—a photo, logo file, or sketch—and the team will assess whether it's ready to print or needs adjustments. Some designs need to be simplified or redrawn to work well with screen printing, especially if they have very fine details or gradients.

What's the difference between screen printing and direct-to-garment printing?

Screen printing uses separate screens for each color and works best for designs with solid colors and bold shapes. Direct-to-garment printing uses an inkjet method and can handle photo-quality images and many colors, but costs more per item for small orders. KQ Vision can advise which method suits your design and quantity.

Do you offer rush orders?

Rush orders may be possible depending on current workload. Contact the shop directly to ask about availability and any additional fees. It's best to call ahead rather than assume a rush is available, especially during busy seasons.

Can I order just one shirt with my custom design?

Yes, though a single-shirt order will cost more per unit than a bulk run because the design and screen setup costs are not shared across many items. The shop can quote you on a one-off order and discuss whether it makes sense for your budget.

How do I place an order?

Contact KQ Vision directly with your design idea, desired garment type, colors, and quantity. The team will discuss your vision, create a proof, and provide pricing. Once you approve the design and price, they'll schedule production and let you know when to pick up your finished order.