Your shopping cart is currently empty.
Free EmbroideryClick Here
FREE shipping on orders over $249*
Selecting the right printing method is essential to customize apparel for your clothing business. In fact, it is important when you need to personalize clothes to make a personality statement on others. So, which printing method should you choose when comparing screen printing vs. Direct-to-Garment (DTG)?
Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer to the above-mentioned question! We are going to let you find that out with a comparison of these two popular printing methods.
Before comparing DTG and screen printing methods, we want you to know what they are. And also how these methods have originated.
DTG is a printing technique or method to print designs on clothes, in particular. Here is how this method works:
In the late 1990s, the first DTG printer became available. However, early DTG printers were large and expensive. Also, early DTG printers were not reliable. That is to say, their print quality was not good.
Over time, DTG printers became smaller and much more affordable. Most importantly, DTG printers became more reliable with time with a significant improvement in print quality. It made DTG printing a popular option for businesses of all sizes. So, you can comprehend why DTG printing is a popular option today for printing clothes for a business.
Screen printing is a popular printing method for apparel customization, in general, similar to DTG printing. It entails pushing ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric for apparel customization.
However, each color in the designs you want to print on garments requires a separate screen for screen printing. That is you need multiple screens for printing multicolored designs on apparel. Sweatshirts and hoodies, for example. Or to bring your creative design ideas for custom t-shirts to life.
Further, the ink layer is usually thicker with screen printing as compared to the DTG method. For this reason, screen-printed garments often have a thicker and tactile feel, unlike DTG prints.
Not to mention, apparel customization services specialize in custom screen printing to produce custom apparel. Custom ringer t-shirts and custom beanies, for example. In fact, custom embroidery services are also what many apparel customization experts offer besides screen printing.
The origin of screen printing dates back to “the Song Dynasty” in China between 960 and 1279 AD. However, there is no confirmation of the exact date when screen printing began. Japanese after China started screen printing. In fact, they took a step further and innovated the original method.
Moreover, screen printing made its way to Europe in the 17th century in France. In fact, France was the first country to use silk screen printing. In 1907, Samuel Simon from Manchester, England patented the silk screen printing process in 1907. Similar developments occurred in the United States. It is also the time when modern screen printing methods we know today originated.
In addition, screen printers have been using screen printing since the 1960s for various reasons. They used the technique to print designs on DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), glass, metal, wood, and paper.
Today, screen printing has become a popular method for printing on t-shirts and other clothing pieces. And custom screen printing services certainly specialize in producing custom screen-printed garments. Custom raglan tees and vintage t-shirts (ringers), for example.
Further, here is a our blog post that is worth checking out on a Raglan T-shirts!
Now, let us compare screen printing vs. direct-to-garment in light of their key differences:
DTG allows printers to print complex designs on garments with clarity and detail. However, this is not the case with screen printing. Yet, screen printing is an effective method to print simple designs on garments in large areas in bold colors.
When it comes to durability, screen printing has an edge over DTG printing. Screen printing allows experts, such as apparel customization services, to apply thicker layers of ink. It makes screen-printed designs resistant to wear with frequent washing and heavy use. Thus, screen printing is an excellent choice for custom workwear and uniforms, such as custom dress shirts.
Also read: Why Is It Important to Wear Uniform at Work?
Coming back to our topic, DTG printing is not as durable as screen printing. With proper care, DTG prints can last over 50 washes, unlike long-lasting screen-printed designs.
Both DTG and screen printing methods are effective in terms of color vibrancy. But in their own ways. For example, screen printing is effective for printing designs that use a few colors on garments. Or designs that rely on strong contrasts.
Contrarily, DTG printing is effective for printing photorealistic or detailed images on garments. That is to say, designs where the maintenance of colors is crucial. As a matter of fact, you can apply a wide range of colors with DTG printing.
In terms of fabrics, DTG printing works best on 100% cotton and cotton-blend garments. In addition, it can work on both lighter and darker fabrics. And it ensures color vibrancy for designs on garments. Thanks to the pre-treatment process DTG printing entails!
However, screen printing has an edge over DTG printing when it comes to fabric suitability. The reason for this is that screen printing works on a variety of fabrics besides cotton. Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic blends, for example. It makes screen printing an excellent choice for printing designs on athletic wear or performance apparel. As a matter of fact, screen printing works well on both light and dark fabrics, similar to DTG printing. But without the need for pre-treatment.
However, the same graphic can appear differently on different materials with screen printing. Contrarily, DTG printing produces the same results for printing the same graphics, irrespective of the materials (fabrics).
Further, do not forget to explore the in depth details on cotton-vs-polyester!
DTG printing reduces the risk of overproduction and ultimately minimizes textile waste. The reason for this is that DTG printing is done on demand. Also, there are no minimum order requirements for it. In fact, many DTG printer manufacturers produce their printers with advanced technology and sustainability in mind. The best direct-to-garment printer, “Kornit Breeze” is no exception in this regard.
On the other hand, screen printing contributes to more waste, unlike DTG printing. The reason for this is that custom screen printing services often have bulk orders for screen printing. Besides, twenty (20) to hundred (100) is usually the minimum order requirement for screen printing.
When it comes to on-demand fulfillment, DTG printing is the right choice. We have mentioned already there is no minimum order requirement for DTG printing. Whether it is DTG t-shirt printing or printing on other garments, there are no order requirements. So, it makes DTG printing a perfect choice to print orders on demand, unlike screen printing.
Typically, screen printing is a cost-effective option for printing for bulk orders. You qualify for bulk discounts with screen printing of many items with one stencil. In any case, the final price of screen printing bulk orders is dependent on the following things:
However, DTG printing is a cost-effective option than screen printing for printing just one product. It is also an affordable option for printing a small batch of products.
It is important that you choose your printing method wisely. That is to say, you choose screen printing or DTG based on your needs. In any case, we have mentioned the scenarios below when these two are the right methods to choose.
In the following scenarios, DTG printing is the right method to choose:
In the following situations, screen printing is the right method to choose:
Moreover, there are various ways you can leverage the above-mentioned printing methods to produce custom apparel. For instance, you can create custom cat shirts or custom Playboy hats (bucket hats) with DTG and screen printing.
However, all apparels are not created equal and are not always ideal for printing. For example, embroidery is an ideal choice for creating custom polo shirts that custom embroidery services specialize in.
Also, do not miss the opportunity to explore our blog post on Screen printing vs. Embroidery!
Next, we’ll talk about the core advantage of both screen printing and direct-to-garment printing.
Indeed, screen printing proves a cost-effective method for bulk orders. For instance, screen printing more than 24 clothing pieces will generally cost you less than DTG printing. Not to mention, the core advantage of screen printing is its cost-effectiveness for bulk orders. Here is why:
Screen printers need to print loads of garments (shirts) to make their job profitable. And they need a minimum order for shirts to reach the break-even point. It lets them offset initial setup costs.
Based on what we have said above, you can comprehend why screen printing in bulk makes sense. Besides, a common industry standard for minimum order is 24 t-shirts for screen printing. Also, do not forget to check out our blog post on different types of t-shirts.
Moreover, consider screen printing for apparel customization before initiating a clothing business of custom apparel. Also, do not forget to check out our guide to buying Next Level customized apparel.
The core advantage of DTG printing is that it allows you to print photorealistic images and find details on garments. It makes direct-to-garment printing an ideal method for printing complex designs on apparel. Also, DTG printing doesn't require extensive setup. So, this method is popular for printing complex designs without breaking the bank.
At this point, you know a lot about direct-to-garment and screen printing. Now, the question stands: Which printing method should you choose as an individual or a business? Understanding the key differences between screen printing vs. direct-to-garment, you can definitely choose the right option. Here is when each of these methods is best for you:
The two popular printing methods for apparel customization are screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. The origin of the former dates back to the Song Dynasty in China. And the history of the latter dates back to the late 1990s. Both DTG and screen printing have their advantages besides cons as printing methods. We have restated below the key differences between screen printing vs. direct-to-garment printing:
Lastly, it depends on your personal needs to decide whether DTG or screen printing is the best method for printing.
A1. No, screen printing isn’t a dying business. It certainly faces competition from new methods, such as DTG and DTF printing. Yet, it is popular because of the following advantages:
A2. DTF (Direct-to-Film) is a printing technique that entails printing designs on garments, a tee, for example. First, it involves printing a design onto a film. Then, onto a garment made of cotton, polyester, or cotton-polyester blends, irrespective of their colors. The reason for this is that it can work with white ink, too. Further, you need a desktop inkjet printer, equipped with textile inks for this method, specifically made for DTF printing.
A3. No, both DTG and screen printing have their own advantages. Therefore, it depends on your needs for printing to decide which one of the two is better for you. For example, DTG is a better printing method for printing detailed and intricate designs. On the other hand, screen printing proves more affordable than DTG printing for bulk orders.
A4. In general, screen prints are durable and last a long time as compared to DTG prints. In fact, screen-printed designs can last for decades based on their quality, unlike DTG prints. You can expect DTG prints with proper care to last more than 50 washes.
A5. DTG printing is best for small orders, because of the following two reasons: