The process of t-shirt screen printing involves multiple steps. First, the design to be imprinted on the t-shirt is selected. The design is then imprinted on the screen. This screen is placed on the fabric and paint is forced through the screen, onto the fabric. There are various methods to create the screen used in the printing process, each having their own pros and cons.

Screen printing is a method used primarily for flat or relatively flat surface printing. The procedure involves a fine mesh or screen securely stretched around a stiff frame. Sections that are not to be printed are blocked on the screen. To create a print, the screen is placed on a piece of dry paper or fabric and ink is placed on top of it. A rubber blade is used to spread ink uniformly across the screen. The ink passes through the open spaces in the screen onto the paper or fabric below after which the screen is removed. The screen is usually durable and long lasting and can be re-used after cleaning.

In case of multiple colors, the process is repeated by using different screens. Therefore, a four-color print will require four screens that are placed on a rotary press that allows proper alignment of different color prints and in coordination with each other. The improvement in technologies has resulted in the development of fully automated presses, which require minimum human intervention.