Contents
Both artisans and entrepreneurs want to find the most effective methods to bring their designs to life on fabric, so the battle between DTG and screen printing has been ringing for some time now. DTG is the best for precision and versatility, while screen printing is great for durability…Yet, which method is the best?
In this article, we’ll explore detailed information on both direct-to-garment printing (also known as DTG) and screen printing. We’ll analyze all differences: quality, cost, durability, and other features.
I. What is DTG?
DTG (Direct to Garment) is a relatively modern method of printing designs onto garments, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items. Unlike traditional printing methods that involve transferring ink onto a substrate through a stencil or screen, DTG printing applies ink directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet technology.
In DTG printing, the garment is loaded onto a flatbed printer, similar to the setup of a typical desktop inkjet printer. Then, the design is printed directly onto the fabric using water-based textile inks. These inks are specifically formulated to go through to the fabric’s fibers, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting prints.
II. What is screen printing?
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a surface. A stencil blocks the ink from reaching certain areas, creating the desired design. This process is often used for printing on fabric and paper.
This method also requires the thickness of inks, which might cause a thick layer of ink to sit on the top of the material. If you want to create a multiple-color design, you must add multiple layers of ink, each layer for each ink color.
III. DTG vs Screen Printing: What is better?
DTG uses specialized technology to apply ink into garments, screen printing only layers ink on the surface. Both of them have pros and cons!
So, deciding the best choice when running your own business is quite hard. Now it’s time to decide which one is more suitable for you. Below we’ll dive into each of the elements. Let’s start right now!
3.1. Quick View
| Feature | DTG | Screen Printing |
| Quality | Good for detailed designs, decent overall quality | Excellent for vibrant colors and durability |
| Durability | Less durable compared to screen printing | Highly durable, prints last longer |
| Design complexity | Handles details well | Limited for complex designs |
| Sustainability | Can be more sustainable with eco-friendly inks and energy-efficient processes | Can have higher environmental impact as screen printing usually releases harmful chemicals and uses a lot of water during the process |
| Minimum order quantity | No minimum quantity required. | May have minimums due to a higher setup costs |
| Average cost | Generally more expensive per garment | Cost-effective for bulk orders, higher upfront cost for screens |
| Production time | Slower but more efficient and profitable | It’s perfect for bulk order While the setup can take up a lot of time, once it’s done, the printing process is fast. |
3.2. Quality
Screen printing is suitable for producing vibrant and high-quality prints, but it has some limitations. These include restrictions on color options, a time-consuming process, and high labor costs.
On the other hand, DTG (Direct Garment) printing offers the same high-quality prints at a lower cost. This method allows for the creation of highly detailed designs that often look better than those produced by screen printing.
3.3. Durability
Once printing products, the owner’s business needs to consider durability carefully. One product that is used longer can increase its value and also become rarer than ever.
DTG is lower in durability compared to screen printing. It can over 50 washes and remain based on the preservation of customers. However, screen printing is more durable from 25 to 50% longer, and is the best choice for sports or business uniforms. But if you want a custom t-shirt, you need to use DTG printing.
3.4. Design Complexity
When comparing the design complexity such as textures, fine lines, or tiny elements, the DTG printing is the champion. It’s usually recommended for color design with lots of detail elements like illustration, photographs…Unlike screen printing, DTG can use as many colors as you want.
However, with the screen printing method, you can easily see them with the naked eye, while with DTG printing you can’t see them at all. Here is our catalog of DTG printing methods where you can find, pick, choose, and also see how it will look in real life:
3.5. Sustainability
Once green living awareness is increased, the sustainability of products is so important. According to BBC News, published in 2020 by Abigail Beall said that “And globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles waste… by 2030, we are expected as a whole to be discarding more than 134 million tonnes of textiles a year”. So, what is the method? Well, the only and the best way is POD (Print-on-demand). It is one of the best sustainable business models and it also helps in saving money, avoiding overproduction…
When compared to its counterpart, why DTG is better? While DTG uses water-based inks which are less harmful to the environment and also a digital process that reduces to minimal waste, screen printing uses solvent-based inks which release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air, make hazardous, and also use more water for cleansing screen and equipment, adding to its environmental impact.
3.6. Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
One of the reasons why users usually choose DTG printing as their favorite on-demand printing is that there’s no minimum order. You can choose any quantity you want so it’s suitable for both small and larger businesses. Besides, this price is also reasonable and the process is hassle-free and also easy.
Screen printing completely contracts with DTG. If DTG doesn’t have any quantity of minimal order, a lot of third-party print services require customers to have from 5 to 100 items on screen printing. Additionally, you must spend a lot of time because it’s quite difficult. That’s why if your business has just started or just wants to experiment with new design, it makes you become stressed and overwhelmed by the manufacturing cost, and so on.
3.7. Average cost
Every business needs to consider carefully on budget. The more cost you spend to manufacture, the more you’ll charge your customer to make profits.
There are a few things you need to consider. If you want to choose screen printing to proceed, let’s order in bulk. Because the setup to make this method is too expensive and ineffective for those who just start or run a small business.
By the way, DTG printing reduces costs and an affordable production process, so this method makes it easier to make a profit.
3.6. Production time
In this sector, screen printing is the winner. If you want to use this method, you must set up a time that offsets its speed. That’s why it’s the best choice for bulk orders- once setup is done, the production happens quickly.
Although DTG printing is slower than other printing methods, it’s really the best option for POD. With the DTG method, you can only print just one, and if it can’t sell or discontinue without worrying about costs…, DTG is great for those who want to run a business with a low budget.
IV. Case Study
Below are some case studies for each business. Let’s dive into it!
4.1. Small-scale POD business
Your business is a small-scale business in custom services and your customers order a unique design that includes a high level of detail and multicolor design, DTG printing would be the greater choice. The average cost of DTG is lower making it perfectly suited for small businesses. With this low budget, you don’t worry about its capability to accurately print complex, multi-colored designs…
4.2. Large-scale POD business with simple design
On the other hand, if you have a large-scale business that specializes in bulk orders of simple, just one or 2 color designs, screen printing can bring you more benefits. The cost per unit of screen printing decreases with larger orders. This method also makes your product more durable, and long-lasting that matches the needs of businesses producing large quantities.
V. Sum Up
As eCommerce and POD become increasingly popular, it’s very worthwhile to find which print method is the right one for your business!
So if you’re interested in opening your own POD store, let’s connect with Merchize right now. We’re confident to help you enter a new market or scale your existing business!
