Starting your fashion brand is a major step, and with t-shirts being the trendy thing of the hour, it makes sense to include them in your wardrobe. The printing process you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make — after deciding on the cut and style, of course.
The two most prevalent apparel printing techniques are screen and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing. While many businesses still utilize screen printing to manufacture bespoke t-shirts, DTG printing is gaining popularity due to cost reductions, unlimited colors, and environmental benefits.
Printing has been around for decades, but technology and equipment accessibility are always changing. As more people can express themselves creatively in their own homes, with many launching their printing enterprises, practically everyone is asking the same questions:
Should I use between dtg printing vs. screen printing? What is the difference between screen printing & digital printing? Which option is the greatest for me?
Let’s begin with the fundamentals.
Is DTG the same as screen printing?
There are some notable differences between dtg and screen printing, but the most important distinction is the method of applying ink to the t-shirt fabric. Screen printing is a conventional procedure that involves using a stencil to push ink into the t-material.
Shirt’s direct-to-garment printing is a modern technique in which a printer presses ink into the fabric. The demand for screen printing peaked in the late 1980s. Customers could order huge quantities of self-designed graphic tees using this printing technology. It was a revolutionary art form back in the day.
Screen printing, on the other hand, has significant drawbacks. Initially, the finished screen-printed product has a hefty feel, and the setup expenses are based on the number of printing screens used. Second, production takes long and isn’t conducive to fine details.
Water-based ink needs time to soak, cure, and set before moving on to other operations such as adding different print screens. When compared to DTG printing, the delay of screen printing is inefficient.
DTG printers, on the other hand, utilize a technique that allows for high-volume direct-to-garment (or DTG) printing even with the most detailed graphics or artwork. In addition, the DTG process now allows for full-color printing. As a result, DTG printing is swiftly becoming the de facto print-on-demand printing method.
Is DTG more expensive than screen printing?
DTG may appear to be a futuristic solution for printing anything under the sun. Is it worth investing in a DTG printer considering dtg vs. screen printing cost? Here is the solution for it.
With each passing year, DTG technology advances in leaps and bounds. DTG clothing produces long-lasting results that can withstand hundreds of washes without fading. The style and ink absorbency of the printed garments may differ, but the print outcome is obvious. Regardless, DTG has several significant drawbacks to consider.
The cost of DTG printing, the ink used, equipment, maintenance, research, and development are costly. A vibrant pattern on a dark garment can cost $4 (or more) in ink and pre-treatment alone.
Furthermore, DTG printing requires a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, screen printing can be cost-effective for patterns with simple graphics (preferably only a few colors), but it necessitates upfront investments.
Fortunately, DTG printing requires no upfront costs, and each product is printed as needed. If your business requires it, you can thus order in bulk with DTG. For DTG orders, many print vendors can also provide you with bulk discounts.
Which is better: DTG or screen printing?
If you know the order parameters, deciding between screen printing vs. direct to garment printing isn’t difficult, considering the dtg vs. screen printing quality or the dtg printing vs. screen printing durability.
Both DTG printing and screen-printing produce high-quality results. On the other hand, screen printing requires a different screen for each detail and color. Thus, creating complicated designs could take a long time. Regardless of which type of material you use, the quality and durability remain exceptional.
There’s an easy way to tell if you should screen print or utilize DTG on a certain order! No, you don’t need to make a checklist for each order; instead, look at your shop’s artwork and abilities.
