DTG vs Screen Printing: T-Shirt Print Quality Comparison

Are you an artist looking to put your designs on t-shirts but unsure whether to choose Direct to Garment (DTG) printing or Screen printing? This detailed comparison will help you understand the differences in quality, cost, and suitability of these two popular printing methods, so you can make an informed decision.

Introduction

As an artist, deciding to put your artwork on t-shirts can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is choosing the right printing method. Terms like DTG, screen printing, and sublimation can be confusing, and the lack of comprehensive comparisons can make the decision even harder. In this post, we’ll compare DTG and screen printing, two common methods used by print on demand services, to help you determine the best option for your needs.

Screen Printing: The Durable Choice

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is pulled through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, making the process more labor-intensive and expensive, especially for multicolored designs.

Advantages of Screen Printing

• Vibrant Colors: Screen printing offers exceptionally vibrant and durable colors that can withstand over 100 washes without significant fading.
• Durability: The ink is cured, making the print highly durable and resistant to scratches and wear.
• Large Print Size: Screen prints can cover larger areas due to the size of the screens used.

Drawbacks of Screen Printing

• High Startup Costs: The initial setup costs are high due to the need for creating screens for each color.
• Minimum Orders: Because of the labor involved, most providers require a minimum order quantity, making it less suitable for small runs.

DTG Printing: The Flexible Option

What is DTG Printing?

Direct to Garment (DTG) printing involves using a specialized printer to apply ink directly onto the fabric, similar to how an inkjet printer works. This method is great for detailed designs and smaller orders.

Advantages of DTG Printing

• Flexibility: DTG printing is ideal for small orders and testing new designs without a significant upfront investment.
• No Minimum Orders: You can print as few or as many shirts as you need, making it perfect for print on demand services.

Drawbacks of DTG Printing

• Color Vibrancy: The colors are generally less vibrant compared to screen printing and can appear duller, especially on dark fabrics.
• Durability: DTG prints are less durable and more prone to fading and wear over time, especially after multiple washes.

Comparing Print Quality

Screen Printing Quality

Screen Printed shirts exhibit bright, vibrant colors and a sturdy print that can endure extensive washing and wear. Even after numerous washes, screen prints retain their color integrity and resist cracking, although some cracking may occur with wear.

DTG Printing Quality

DTG prints, while offering detailed designs, tend to be smaller and less vibrant. The ink sits on top of the fabric and can be more susceptible to fading and wear, particularly on darker shirts. However, the quality can vary significantly depending on the print provider.

Specialty Inks and Effects

One significant advantage of screen printing is the ability to use specialty inks, such as glitter, puffy inks, and glow-in-the-dark inks. These can add unique effects to your designs, something DTG printing cannot offer.

Cost Considerations

Screen printing requires a higher initial investment due to setup costs and minimum order requirements. This makes it less suitable for beginners or those testing new designs. On the other hand, DTG printing is more affordable upfront, with no minimum order quantities, making it a better choice for small runs and startups.

Sublimation and Cut and Sew Methods

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing allows for all-over prints by using chemicals to transfer designs onto polyester garments. While this method can produce vibrant, seamless designs, it is limited to polyester fabrics, which may not be comfortable for everyone and are less environmentally friendly.

Cut and Sew Process

The cut and sew process involves printing on rolls of fabric before cutting and sewing them into garments. This method offers the best quality for all-over prints without the issues seen with sublimation, but it is extremely expensive and typically used by high-end streetwear brands.

Conclusion

Choosing between DTG and screen printing depends on your specific needs and resources. Screen printing offers superior durability and vibrant colors but comes with higher costs and minimum order requirements. DTG printing, while less vibrant and durable, is more flexible and affordable for small orders and beginners. By understanding the pros and cons of each method, you can make an informed decision that best suits your artistic and business goals.

Takeaways

1. Screen Printing: Best for large orders, vibrant colors, and durability.
2. DTG Printing: Ideal for small runs, detailed designs, and lower upfront costs.
3. Cost: Screen printing has high setup costs; DTG is more budget-friendly.
4. Durability: Screen prints last longer and withstand more washes.
5. Print Size: Screen prints can cover larger areas; DTG prints are typically smaller.
6. Specialty Inks: Only available with screen printing, offering unique design options.
7. Sublimation: Good for all-over prints but limited to polyester fabrics.
8. Cut and Sew: Offers high-quality all-over prints but is very expensive.
9. Maintenance: DTG prints last longer when washed inside out.
10. Color Fidelity: DTG prints can suffer from color fading, especially on dark fabrics.