At Pragmatic Prints, poster screen printing costs are based on a few clear variables: poster size, number of colors, quantity, setup, and paper choice. Because every project is different, pricing scales with complexity — but the structure stays consistent.
This page explains how pricing works, so you know exactly what affects cost before requesting a quote.
What Determines Poster Screen Printing Cost?
Screen printing posters is a hands-on, multi-step process. Pricing reflects the time, materials, and care required to produce hand silk-screened posters in Portland, Oregon.
Your final cost is determined by:
- Poster size
- Number of ink colors
- Quantity printed
- Film & screen setup
- Paper selection
Each is broken down below.
1. Poster Size
Larger posters require:
- More ink
- Larger screens
- Longer setup and print times
Common sizes we print include:
- 12 × 24 inches
- 18 × 24 inches
- 24 × 36 inches
Custom sizes may be available — just ask when discussing your project.
2. Number of Colors
Each ink color requires:
- Its own film
- Its own screen
- A separate print pass
More colors = more setup + more print time
Typical poster projects range from 1–8 colors.For projects with 9+ colors, we’ll review the artwork and provide a custom quote.
3. Quantity (Edition Size)
Screen printing becomes more cost-effective as quantity increases.
Pricing generally scales across tiers such as:
- Small runs (e.g. 50–99 prints)
- Medium runs (e.g. 100–199 prints)
- Larger editions (200+ prints)
Higher quantities reduce the per-print cost, while setup fees remain the same.
4. Film & Screen Setup Fees
Each color of each poster requires one film and one screen.
Setup fees are charged per color, based on poster size.
Example: A 6-color, 18 × 24 poster would require:
- 6 films
- 6 screens
- A setup fee for each color
Setup is a one-time cost per edition and is separate from per-print pricing.
5. Paper Cost
Paper is priced separately from printing.
Paper cost depends on:
- Paper weight
- Texture
- Archival quality
Basic stocks are more economical, while specialty or archival papers increase the per-print cost. We’re happy to recommend paper options based on your artwork and budget.
Example Pricing Structure:
Printing Cost (Per Print)
- Based on poster size
- Scales by quantity tier
- Increases with number of colors
Setup Cost
- Charged per color
- Based on poster size
- One-time fee per edition
Paper Cost
- Added per print
- Varies by paper selection
This modular structure makes pricing transparent and flexible. We’ll send you an accurate quote so there’s no guessing, no surprises.
Why Hand Silk-Screened Posters Cost More
Hand silk-screening is intentionally slower than digital printing. That’s the point.
In exchange, you get:
- Rich, opaque ink layers
- Physical texture
- Precise color control
- Limited-edition integrity
For artists, fans, and collectors, the process adds lasting value to the finished poster.
Learn more about our hand silk-screening process.
Get a Custom Poster Printing Quote
Because every project is unique, the best way to get accurate pricing is to talk through the details.
When requesting a quote, it helps to know:
- Poster size
- Number of colors
- Desired quantity
- Paper preference (if known)
- Timeline
Not sure about any of those? Don’t sweat it, just reach out.
Contact Pragmatic Prints to request pricing
Learn more about us and our hand silk-screened posters in Portland, OR.