What types of garments work best for screen printing?

Screen printing works best on natural fibers like cotton, where the ink bonds cleanly and holds up over time. However, we can also print on synthetics and blends by matching the ink and process to the fabric. The key requirement is a flat, stable print surface. Garments like tees, sweatshirts, and totes are ideal. Items with linings, heavy seams, or structured shapes, like jackets or backpacks, are generally not a good fit for traditional screen printing. Still confused? Give us a call, and we’re happy to chat through apparel and accessory options.

Can you screen print detailed or multi-color artwork?

Absolutely. We print detailed, multi-color artwork using two premium screen printing methods: 4-color process for full-color images with smooth gradients and photo-level detail Simulated spot color for complex artwork that needs depth, vibrancy, and control, especially on dark garments Because we use water-based inks, we can often run finer mesh screens, allowing for sharper detail, cleaner lines, and up to eight colors on both light and dark garments.

Can the same screen printed design be applied across different garment styles?

Definitely. We can print the same design across hats, t-shirts, totes, and more in a single order. Quantity discounts apply when the artwork stays consistent in size and color across similar products; e.g., the same screen print on both t-shirts and sweatshirts. It’s an easy way to stock your shop with a mix of custom screen-printed merch without overcomplicating the process.

What file formats do you recommend for screen printing artwork?

We can work with most file types for custom, but vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) are always preferred. They scale cleanly and make separations more precise. For detailed or full-color artwork, layered PSDs are a great option. Most important: Don’t run files through online converters. They always end up with errors and color issues. Better to just send what you have. We’ll tell you quickly if it works or if it needs adjustment, and walk you through your options.

Why does Rendered use water-based inks?

Water-based inks produce a softer print with bolder colors, cleaner detail and fewer toxins than plastisol. Sure, they’re harder to run and less forgiving, which is exactly why many shops avoid them. Us? We built our workflow around them, because the results (and safety) are worth the effort. We also skip discharge inks entirely in our Portland screen printing studio. Discharge inks rely on harsh chemicals (including formaldehyde) and produce dangerous fumes to remove dye from the fabric. Instead, we choose safer methods that protect our team while producing higher quality prints.

Will I see a proof before production?

Always. You arrange your art how you want it, then we send a pre-production PDF mockup for your final approval. Our team also checks your art and order details before anything goes into production.

Do you really match PANTONE colors for free?

Yes. In our studio every ink is mixed to an official PANTONE color at no charge, with screen setup and digitizing included. On promotional products we cover PANTONE matching whenever the decoration method allows it, and setup is always included.

What art files do you accept?

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are ideal, but high-resolution PNG works too. Our team cleans up your art before production.

Custom Screen Printing in Portland, Oregon

Rendered is a Portland-based screen printing studio trusted by national and local brands that care about how things are made. Everything happens in-house, from setup to final cure, with thoughtful decisions made long before ink ever hits fabric.

We’re intentional about the blanks, inks, and machines we use. Experienced printers run the work, pay attention to the details, and keep large runs consistent.

Complimentary PANTONE® matching on every order. We’re officially licensed to match your ink to official PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM colors.

Professional Screen Printing for Custom Apparel

Screen printing is our jam. It’s where Rendered started, and we’re still hardcore devotees. We specialize in custom screen printing in Portland, with a process built for consistency, clarity, and long-term wear. The goal is simple: clean prints, repeatable results, and custom apparel that holds up. Disciplined work, done by people who care how it turns out.

More Customizable Screen Printing Blanks

AS Colour

Heavy Faded Tee

$28.40each, decorated · qty 20

Next Level

Triblend T-Shirt

$21.10each, decorated · qty 20

AS Colour

Classic Minus Tee

$24.65each, decorated · qty 20

Tultex

Youth Fine Jersey T-Shirt

$15.75each, decorated · qty 20

AS Colour

Heavy Tee

$28.40each, decorated · qty 20

Hanes

Beefy-T® T-Shirt

$18.60each, decorated · qty 20

BELLA + CANVAS

(Contour/Wo's Cut) Triblend Crop Long Sleeve Hoodie

$31.60each, decorated · qty 20

Rabbit Skins

Infant Fine Jersey Bodysuit

$17.45each, decorated · qty 20

Comfort Colors

Garment-Dyed Heavyweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt

$29.85each, decorated · qty 20

Next Level

(Contour/Wo's Cut) Cotton Short Sleeve Relaxed Crew

$17.85each, decorated · qty 20

Badger

B-Core Sport Shoulders T-Shirt

$22.35each, decorated · qty 20

American Apparel

ReFlex Fleece Hoodie

$40.35each, decorated · qty 20

Real reviews from real people

Google reviews
5.0
Based on 152 customer reviews
+147
Read on Google
Julie L.
2 weeks ago
Website was super easy to use, their team was easy to work with, and the custom embroidered sweatshirts and hats we ordered were top quality! Will definitely use them again!
Kara B.
a month ago
Caroline was great and super responsive! My hats were flawless and ready a few days before the estimated pickup date. Everything about the process was easy and great quality.
Jimmy J.
a month ago
Love the Little Hop brewing shirts! And so does our little community. You guys have been extremely helpful every step of the way. Can’t wait to get a set of hats done for soon. Thanks again! Jimmy Joyce Little Hop Brewing
Evan B.
2 months ago
Great service, great communication. The hats I ordered came out perfect.
Bonnie B.
2 months ago
Working with Dorothy at Rendered was very easy and pleasant. I ordered 60 shirts for special event and they came out beautifully. Everyone is very happy with their shirts and I am very happy with the service and pricing we got from Rendered. It was also a good feeling to order from a local company who uses Eco Print water based inks. I will return to this company for any future printing needs.
Wilderness A.
3 months ago
I'm so glad I found Rendered.co! Nate and Dorothy were so friendly and helpful. Nate walked me through all the options for material and guided me to a beautiful heavy weight cotton shirt that feels both durable and luxurious for a t-shirt. Dorothy was incredible guiding me through the process of design and ordering. It was like Christmas morning when my shirts were delivered. They are stunningly printed and very high quality. These folks do a great job and I absolutely recommend working with them for screen printing!
Joshua A.
3 months ago
I used them to make custom embroidered hats for my business. They came out perfectly and the team was very helpful to work with!
Jacob T.
3 months ago
Made some hats for our company - so stoked on how they turned out! Also were super on top of shipping and communication through out! Will def be doing all future merch things with these folks
Karina D.
3 months ago
Absolutely love working with Rendered! Dorothy helped us launch the very first round of merch for our business on a fairly tight turnaround. We deeply appreciate the incredible attention to detail, fast communication, and super high-quality final product. Thank you!
Lettie R.
3 months ago
Beautiful embroidery on quality made, breathable hats. The website is easy and intuitive and the people are friendly and helpful!
Katie S.
3 months ago
I've had the opportunity to work with Nate & his team on multiple projects over the last 2 years. They are some of the kindest people you will meet. Nate was always willing to help us look over our designs, give tips on what can be done, help order samples, and our order was always done on time. The quality of all our items are an easy 10/10.
Katie S.
3 months ago
I've had the opportunity to work with Nate & his team on multiple projects over the last 2 years. They are some of the kindest people you will meet. Nate was always willing to help us look over our designs, give tips on what can be done, help order samples, and our order was always done on time. The quality of all our items are an easy 10/10.
anita i.
4 months ago
I have had the pleasure of working together with Rendered Co. on many projects for my church since 2021, and I have personally recommended them to many people, as their service is genuinely unmatched. They are a pleasant team, respond quickly, and have answered every question or odd request that I have had for printing merch. Whether there is a hiccup on our end, or theirs, they have always gone far above and beyond to make sure we have everything we need, and on time. In the past 5 years of getting to work with Rendered, their work has not only matched my expectations as a designer and client, but I have also gained so much respect for the effort behind this company, and Nate the owner of Rendered.
anita i.
4 months ago
I have had the pleasure of working together with Rendered Co. on many projects for my church since 2021, and I have personally recommended them to many people, as their service is genuinely unmatched. They are a pleasant team, respond quickly, and have answered every question or odd request that I have had for printing merch. Whether there is a hiccup on our end, or theirs, they have always gone far above and beyond to make sure we have everything we need, and on time. In the past 5 years of getting to work with Rendered, their work has not only matched my expectations as a designer and client, but I have also gained so much respect for the effort behind this company, and Nate the owner of Rendered.
Shannon P.
4 months ago
Excellent customer service, timely communication, FANTASTIC product! We will be working with rendered as much as possible! The easiest vendor I have ever worked with for swag items.
Nicolle F.
4 months ago
Dorothy and the team were incredibly helpful, quick with responses, and made the entire process seamless. The check in once we got our merch was the cherry on top! Working with small businesses is a risk I'm usually willing to take, and I'm so glad I did with the Rendered team. We will definitely stay clients for the future. Work with them!!!
Vanessa B.
4 months ago
My team and I are so happy with the hats we got made. Quality is top notch and design turned out even better than expected. Would highly recommend. Great communication and very professional.
Claire K.
5 months ago
My wife and I help run Queer Pickleball NYC! After three years of organizing we got a push to make merch. Many places we looked at felt not personalized enough from the creative to the production. We wanted to make sure our community was funding a small business and after a few weeks of research we came across Rendered! From the inception of creating the merch to the logistics we felt supported by Dorthy and the team. We are excited to continue our merch partnership with Rendered! Really high quality product and the color on the Ts is perfect!
David L.
5 months ago
Great SEO led us to find Rendered all the way from the Seattle area for our new jiu-jitsu academy opening. The online design studio has the most flexible placement options we've found, they carry our favorite premium garments like Bella+Canvas and Stanley/Stella, flexible minimums make it easy for small businesses, and the team is fast to respond and incredibly accommodating. If you're a small business in the Pacific Northwest looking for a custom merch printer with a strong design tool, highly recommend. Fast shipping as well!
David L.
5 months ago
Great SEO led us to find Rendered all the way from the Seattle area for our new jiu-jitsu academy opening. The online design studio has the most flexible placement options we've found, they carry our favorite premium garments like Bella+Canvas and Stanley/Stella, flexible minimums make it easy for small businesses, and the team is fast to respond and incredibly accommodating. If you're a small business in the Pacific Northwest looking for a custom merch printer with a strong design tool, highly recommend. Fast shipping as well!
Joe P.
6 months ago
We needed a new product to replace old merch. Nate found us a replacement that was better quality and costs less. Awesome!
Bobby M.
6 months ago
Rendered, Nate and the staff were so great from start to finish. They helped me execute my vision with friendliness, enthusiasm and efficiency. The quality and detail was immaculate. Would definitely go with this company for future endeavors.
Samantha B.
6 months ago
Rendered was such a pleasure to work with, great communication, perfect execution of my concept and timely service!!!
Amy G.
6 months ago
Dorothy was so helpful with selecting the right tote for my vision and price point! The embroidery turned out perfect as well and I'm looking forward to ordering from Rendered again for future events.

Questions About Custom Screen Printing?

Screen printing comes with a lot of variables. This FAQ covers the basics of how water-based screen printing works at Rendered, what prints best, and what to expect when it comes to detail, durability, and materials. If you have questions beyond this, we’re always happy to talk it through. Call or stop by the studio anytime.

What types of garments work best for screen printing?
Screen printing works best on natural fibers like cotton, where the ink bonds cleanly and holds up over time. However, we can also print on synthetics and blends by matching the ink and process to the fabric. The key requirement is a flat, stable print surface. Garments like tees, sweatshirts, and totes are ideal. Items with linings, heavy seams, or structured shapes, like jackets or backpacks, are generally not a good fit for traditional screen printing.

Still confused? Give us a call, and we’re happy to chat through apparel and accessory options.
Can you screen print detailed or multi-color artwork?
Absolutely. We print detailed, multi-color artwork using two premium screen printing methods:

4-color process for full-color images with smooth gradients and photo-level detail Simulated spot color for complex artwork that needs depth, vibrancy, and control, especially on dark garments Because we use water-based inks, we can often run finer mesh screens, allowing for sharper detail, cleaner lines, and up to eight colors on both light and dark garments.
Can the same screen printed design be applied across different garment styles?
Definitely. We can print the same design across hats, t-shirts, totes, and more in a single order. Quantity discounts apply when the artwork stays consistent in size and color across similar products; e.g., the same screen print on both t-shirts and sweatshirts. It’s an easy way to stock your shop with a mix of custom screen-printed merch without overcomplicating the process.
What file formats do you recommend for screen printing artwork?
We can work with most file types for custom, but vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) are always preferred. They scale cleanly and make separations more precise. For detailed or full-color artwork, layered PSDs are a great option.

Most important: Don’t run files through online converters. They always end up with errors and color issues. Better to just send what you have. We’ll tell you quickly if it works or if it needs adjustment, and walk you through your options.
Why does Rendered use water-based inks?
Water-based inks produce a softer print with bolder colors, cleaner detail and fewer toxins than plastisol. Sure, they’re harder to run and less forgiving, which is exactly why many shops avoid them. Us? We built our workflow around them, because the results (and safety) are worth the effort. We also skip discharge inks entirely in our Portland screen printing studio. Discharge inks rely on harsh chemicals (including formaldehyde) and produce dangerous fumes to remove dye from the fabric. Instead, we choose safer methods that protect our team while producing higher quality prints.
Will I see a proof before production?
Always. You arrange your art how you want it, then we send a pre-production PDF mockup for your final approval. Our team also checks your art and order details before anything goes into production.
Do you really match PANTONE colors for free?
Yes. In our studio every ink is mixed to an official PANTONE color at no charge, with screen setup and digitizing included. On promotional products we cover PANTONE matching whenever the decoration method allows it, and setup is always included.
What art files do you accept?
Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are ideal, but high-resolution PNG works too. Our team cleans up your art before production.