does greyscale use multiple inks or just black

[zachgonzalez09]

If im getting a shirt printed in grey scale on a white shirt, does it count as a bunch of different colors or just one black color, but in different opacities?

[Shamax]

It depends on the image and the method being used to print it. "Greyscale" in screen printing can be done with one ink using halftone dots (small dots of color of varying size and distance between them to make them seem like a lighter version of the color when printed on a white background or underbase). If you're just getting a single shirt made through a place like cafepress or something like that, they may be using a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer which would probably do something similar, if you were to look at it under a magnifying glass, except it may be mixing colors to some extent.

Are you trying to figure out prices for getting a particular design printed, I assume?

[zachgonzalez09]

Yea its gonna be a decent size order. 200 maybe 300 just trying to see if I can get away with more colors for a better price

[Catspit Productions]

If this is an image with full tonal ranges in blacks and grays then it could be printed easily as a halftone. I would probably print a halftone with black ink for this as it sounds like you are looking for a full monotone image on a white tee.

So for me this would be 1 screen, 1 color. Black would be printed just as Shamax says with dots of varying size or spacing to achieve the tonal range in the image.

But it would be helpful to see the image you want to reproduce. That way we could be more specific as to how it might be printed and perhaps I could suggest a price for such a thing. You can upload an image here if you would like more assistance.

If it is a simple 1 color halftone on white tees for 200 to 300 pieces the price per piece should be relatively low for the screen printing process. That is a somewhat simple job once the film positive is made.

More colors would actually make the job more expensive if we are talking about screen printing. That would ultimately mean more screens and a more complex set up as well as artwork.

Thanks again for helping out Shamax! I really appreciate your answering questions and lending a hand

[Shamax]

Thanks again for helping out Shamax! I really appreciate your answering questions and lending a hand

My pleasure to help where I can with what bit of knowledge I've got - just trying to give back