When it comes to printing custom t-shirts, the two most popular methods are DTG and screenprinting. Both of these printing processes are used by many businesses and offer different benefits that might make one more suitable than the other depending on your needs.
For example, DTG can produce detailed images that look just as good as screenprinting, but costs less and doesn’t require multiple stencils. However, screen printing can deliver a more saturated and vibrant print. It also allows you to use special effects inks, such as glitter or glow-in-the-dark.
1. Versatility
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether DTG or screen printing is the right option for your print shop. These factors include quality, speed of production, cost, and more.
DTG is a great solution for small runs and personal orders on products like t-shirts, bags, and more. It enables order fulfillment on-demand without upfront costs, and works well on a wide range of fabrics.
DTG is also ideal for high-color-count designs that won’t work on screen printing because it eliminates the need for separations. This is especially helpful for full-color photographs and other art that’s difficult to print on a screen printing press.
2. Cost
If you’ve been in the custom apparel business for any length of time, you know that there are two basic methods of printing t-shirts: screenprinting and DTG. Both yield fine quality prints, but there are important differences between them that you should understand before you choose one over the other.
The first big difference between the two is design: DTG can reproduce gradients in millions of colors, whereas screen print limits itself to a few saturated hues. For this reason, simple, stylized designs that feature graphics or text in a handful of colors will often print better with screen printing than with DTG.
The cost of the printer and ink is another factor to consider, as screen printing ink typically costs more per cartridge than DTG inks do. While this may be a factor for some shops, it’s usually not enough to tip the scale in one direction or the other.
3. Accuracy
If you are PRUF – Direct to Garment Printing | CCustom DTG Print Service complex design that has lots of fine details or if you are looking to add special effects like glitter and foil to your designs, then screen printing may be the right print method for you. Unlike DTG, screen printing can capture these details and show them off to their fullest.
The screen printing process is also time-consuming and requires extensive labor. This means that it isn’t a good fit for small run orders with lots of colors.
4. Speed
If you’re looking to start your own print-on-demand store, enter a new market, or scale your existing business, it’s important to choose the right printing method. Screenprinting and DTG are two popular options, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
For example, screen printing is faster and more cost-effective for larger orders of shirts. It’s also the best choice for simple, stylized designs with limited colors.
DTG printing, on the other hand, is a great option for complex high-color-count designs that don’t translate well to screen printing. It also has a lower set-up cost than screen printing because there’s no stencil to separate and burn.
5. Sustainability
Screen printing is a popular option for print on demand shops because it allows them to create one-off garments quickly. However, this can lead to overproduction and waste.
DTG is a more sustainable option because it creates products only when orders are placed. This is a much more environmentally-friendly way of doing business, and many DTG printing machines are designed with sustainability in mind.
DTG printers can produce unlimited colors and high-quality prints, so it’s a great choice for companies that want to offer more variety to their customers. It also produces a smooth, soft product that is easy to wash.
