If you’re new to acquiring printed garments for your brand or any purpose, you may not aware of the two primary printing methods available for to you achieve this and why you would look to use either one, these being screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Both of these methods have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the decision on which to use will ultimately depend on the specifics of the job. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two printing methods.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is the most traditional printing method and it has been around for centuries. The simplest explanation of is that it involves creating a stencil using a mesh screen, which is then used to apply ink to a garment. The ink is pressed through the mesh screen and onto the garment, resulting in a crisp, high-quality print.

Advantages of Screen Printing

One of the primary advantages of screen printing is its ability to produce high-quality, long-lasting prints. Screen printing inks are typically very durable and will stand up to repeated washings and wear. Additionally, screen printing is excellent for larger orders or smaller orders of designs with less colours, as the cost per unit decreases considerably as the order size increases.

Disadvantages of Screen Printing

While screen printing is an excellent choice for many jobs, it does have some drawbacks. One of the primary disadvantages is that it can be time-consuming and expensive to set up the screen printing process. Additionally, screen printing can be challenging to set up for jobs with many colors, as each color requires a separate screen and setup process.

What is DTG Printing?

Direct-to-garment printing, or DTG printing, is a relatively new printing method that involves printing directly onto the garment using a specialized inkjet printer. DTG printers can print in full color, making it an excellent choice for designs with many colors or photographs.

Disadvantages of Screen Printing

While screen printing is an excellent choice for many jobs, it does have some drawbacks. One of the primary disadvantages is that it can be time-consuming and expensive to set up the screen printing process. Additionally, screen printing can be less cost effective to set up for jobs with many colours with a lower quantity order, as each colour requires a separate screen and setup process.

What is DTG Printing?

Direct-to-garment printing, or DTG printing, is a relatively new printing method that involves printing directly onto the garment using a specialized inkjet printer. DTG printers can print in full colour using CMYK, making it an excellent choice for designs with many colours or photographs.

Advantages of DTG Printing

One of the primary advantages of DTG printing is its ability to produce high-quality prints with intricate details and gradients. It’s also a cost-effective choice for small orders, as there’s no need to set up screens or prepare separate color separations. DTG printing is also an eco-friendly choice, as it doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals.

Disadvantages of DTG Printing

One of the primary disadvantages of DTG printing is that the ink can fade over time and may not be as durable as screen printing inks. Additionally, DTG printing is typically not a cost-effective choice for larger orders, as the cost per unit tends to increase with the number of garments printed.

Screen Printing vs DTG Printing: Which is Better?

As you can see, both screen printing and DTG printing have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which printing method to use ultimately depends on the specifics of the job. For larger orders with only a few colours, screen printing is an excellent choice. However, for small orders with intricate designs or photographs, DTG printing is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the decision to use screen printing or DTG printing will depend on the specifics of the job. Both methods have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on factors like the order size, the number of colours in the design, and the desired durability of the print. When choosing a printing method, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider all the factors to make the best decision for your business.

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