What is the difference between direct-to-garment and screen printing? Choosing the right method is essential for your apparel business, whether you’re into dropshipping or Print on Demand (POD).

This article explores the pros, cons, quality, cost, and durability of DTG vs screen printing. Let’s find out which is the better printing option for your business needs.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is one of the most popular printing methods. It uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto fabric, producing vibrant t-shirt designs.

Previously known as silk screening, the printer creates a stencil on a fine mesh screen and then pushes the ink through it to achieve the desired outcome, imprinting the final design on the garment.

This printing method uses thick inks that lay on top of the material rather than soaking into the fabric. Multiple colors require several layers of ink, with a different stencil for each ink. More colors and layers mean a longer setup and printing time for smaller batches.

What is DTG printing?

Direct-to-garment printing is a newer printing process that uses a specialized DTG printer to spray ink onto a garment to soak into the fabric. It works best with natural fibers like cotton.

DTG printing uses an inkjet printer to print a digital image directly onto the fabric. The process begins by pre-treating the garment, which is especially important for darker fabrics, to prepare the surface for better ink adhesion.

After printing, the ink needs to cure under heat, making the final design washable and durable. This method requires minimal setup time, ideal for custom-printing multicolor and detailed designs on demand.

DTG vs screen printing: Which is better?

DTG and screen printing are two of the most popular methods for custom apparel printing. Both techniques offer high-quality results, but each has its own advantages and drawbacks. 

The best choice depends on your budget, the complexity of your designs, and the quantity of products you need for your custom apparel business.

Let’s explore the differences between a DTG print and a screen print to see how they compare.

Quality

Print quality is fundamental to meeting your customer’s expectations, especially when printing personalized apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, or custom sweatshirts.

The screen printing process delivers vibrant, saturated, durable prints on various fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends. Unfortunately, each color requires a separate screen, requiring more time and effort to set up.

DTG printing produces high-quality results but on specific garments. It’s best for lighter-colored, natural fabrics like cotton, while darker fabrics require pre-treatment. This lets you print highly detailed, photorealistic images.

When it comes to printing for profit, quality DTG printing is the go-to printing technique for designers, creatives, and other print-on-demand entrepreneurs needing small-batch solutions.

Durability

Many consumers look for well-made products that are built to last and can stand the test of time.

With proper care, DTG prints can withstand over 50 washes. Screen printing is generally more durable and can last the garment’s lifetime, making it ideal for high-intensity garments like sports or business uniforms.

But if you’re looking to sell everyday items like custom t-shirts or other custom apparel, DTG prints provide sufficient durability.

Design complexity

When it comes to intricate details, DTG printing work is the clear winner. A DTG machine is best for full-color, intricate design illustrations, photographs, or gradients.

Depending on the design and application, the screen-printing process can leave visible dots on the garment. Although it’s great for solid colors, this risk occurs when simulating gradients or complex designs.

Meanwhile, DTG printers provide phenomenal resolution as inks absorb directly into the fabric, giving a soft and detailed finish.

Sustainability

Around 92 million tons of textiles go to waste every year, which means sustainability is crucial – particularly when selling to environmentally conscious consumers.

When comparing the two printing methods, DTG is more sustainable. DTG machines are energy-efficient and typically use environmentally friendly, water-based inks.

Using a print-on-demand service makes DTG even more sustainable because printing occurs after a customer makes a purchase, saving money and reducing waste.

With screen printing, overproduction is a common risk. It’s a cost-effective solution when printing in bulk quantities, but unless sold, products may end up in landfills. Plus, most screen printing techniques still use plastic-based inks called plastisol, requiring solvents for proper disposal.

Minimum order quantity

Many choose DTG as their favorite on-demand printing method because there’s no minimum order quantity. This makes DTG printing an excellent solution for producing one-off t-shirt designs. The process is also hassle-free when using a POD service like Printify.

Things are a little more difficult with screen printing. A lot of third-party print services have  minimum order requirements. If you’re just starting out or simply want to experiment with new designs, screen printing can get costly and time-consuming.

Production time

Screen printing involves a longer setup time, but once the stencils are created, production moves quickly. That’s why it works best for bulk orders – some screen printing presses can produce up to 1,000 pieces an hour.

DTG printing is slower, but it’s perfect for on-demand production. Print just one item, and if the product does not sell, replace it or discontinue without worrying about inventory. It’s great for those who want to enter a new market with a limited budget.

Average cost

Whether you’re just starting a clothing line or thinking about scaling your existing business, choose a printing method that will meet your business goals in the most cost-effective way.

If you prefer the look of screen printing, be ready to order in bulk. The setup makes screen printing too expensive and inefficient for low-quantity orders and complex designs. The number of colors and screens you need also impacts the final price.

DTG printing reduces the setup costs for a single garment. With this method and the right print-on-demand partner, you can print a single product and still make a profit.

FAQ – Direct-to-garment or screen printing?

In summary: Direct-to-garment printing vs screen printing

As eCommerce continues to surge and Print on Demand becomes increasingly profitable, it’s worth find If you’re just starting out, DTG printing is your best bet. It’s perfect for introducing new designs to the market with little cost. Here’s why:

• Photorealistic image quality on natural fibers.
• No upfront investment with Print on Demand.
• No minimum order quantity.
• Environmentally friendly.

Screen printing, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are ready to order in bulk and have a bigger startup budget. Here are its main advantages:

• Durable, high-quality prints on various fabrics.
• Cost-effective for large-scale printing.
• Produces vivid colors.
• High production speed after initial setup.

Whether you’re new to direct-to-garment (DTG) technology or have been wearing DTG-printed clothing for a while, understanding this innovative printing method can be highly beneficial – especially when starting a print-on-demand business.

In this article, we take a closer look at direct-to-garment printing – its strengths and weaknesses, how it works, and which fabric is the best to print on.

We also provide some practical tips for creating a successful direct-to-garment design and explore some of the best print-on-demand products that are the perfect canvas for DTG printing.

What is DTG printing?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) is a printing process that uses modified inkjet technology to spray water-based inks onto apparel. It allows for intricate full-color designs with minimal setup. Unlike screen printing, the DTG process requires minimal setup time and is less labor-intensive, making it ideal for small-quantity orders.

As a cost-effective way to create detailed designs, DTG is a go-to printing method for many businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.

The cherry on top? There are no order minimums, allowing people to order as few or as many products as they like. 

How does DTG printing work?

Although DTG printers and their models may vary, a few basic steps should always be followed when it comes to the DTG printing process.

Pre-Treatment Process

Pretreatment for DTG shirt printing is essential. With it, multi color designs in DTG inks are going to adhere better to the garment. On top of that, it’ll prevent the ink from washing off and enhance the vibrancy of colors.

Here are two ways it’s applied:

• Hand spraying. Involves manually pre-treating with a sprayer, which should be done as evenly as possible, using a smooth back-and-forth motion. 
• Pre-treatment machine. A device that you put your shirt into and have it pre-treated automatically.

Printing Process

After the pre-treatment has dried, it’s time to place the garment in the DTG printer and begin the digital printing.

All garments – except white ones – have a white underbase applied first to enhance the vibrancy of the final print.

As soon as the underbase is printed, the DTG printer adds the rest of the colors. Like an inkjet printer, it uses a mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

Curing Process

When the DTG shirt is printed, it needs to dry for the final time to cure the ink. This helps the garments resist washing and prevent dulling after just a few washes.

Here are two ways DTG-printed apparel can be cured:

• Conveyor dryer. Typically, most industrial manufacturers cure ink using a conveyor dryer.
• Heat press. A good option for small businesses with only a few products to cure. If there are more, it becomes a rather labor-intensive and time-consuming endeavor.

DTG printing: Pros and cons

When it comes to printing for profit, it’s no surprise that DTG has become the preferred choice among entrepreneurs, artists, and other creatives.

However, to get the full picture and better understand digital printing, let’s look at some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Although DTG machines have revolutionized the apparel industry, they also have some disadvantages.

Best fabrics for DTG printing (with product examples)

Since DTG printers use water-based ink, natural fabrics produce the best results. They absorb ink well, creating vivid colors printed directly onto the garment.

These are the most suitable textiles for DTG:

• Cotton
• Ring-spun cotton
• Combed and ring-spun cotton
• Organic cotton
• Linen, other natural textiles

Unleash your creativity with the power of direct-to-garment t-shirt printing. Browse our wide range of products below and see how your designs can come to life on various apparel and accessories. From classic t-shirts to cozy custom hoodies, the possibilities are endless.

Unisex Ultra Cotton Tee

By Gildan · 2000

From $9.88 From $7.63 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 61 colors 15 print providers

Unisex Jersey Long Sleeve Tee

By Bella+Canvas · 3501

From $15.95 From $12.33 with Printify Premium

6 sizes 17 colors 7 print providers

Unisex 3\4 Sleeve Baseball Tee

By Bella+Canvas · 3200

From $18.11 From $13.32 with Printify Premium

5 sizes 7 colors 4 print providers

Unisex Supply Hoodie

By AS Colour · 5101

From $34.19 From $25.92 with Printify Premium

7 sizes 14 colors 3 print providers

Champion Hoodie

By Champion · S700

From $33.52 From $25.82 with Printify Premium

6 sizes 10 colors 4 print providers

Unisex Zip Hoodie

By Lane Seven · LS14003

From $29.00 From $21.33 with Printify Premium

7 sizes 9 colors 5 print providers

DTG vs screen printing

Choosing the right printing methods for your custom apparel can be tricky. Here’s a quick breakdown of DTG and Screen Printing to help you decide.

Consider these factors before making your choice:

• Upfront investment
• Design complexity
• Product quantity
• Brand image

Here’s a table comparing DTG and Screen Printing:

Key takeaways:

• DTG excels in high-quality, small-batch, detailed designs.
• Screen Printing is perfect for bulk orders, simpler designs, and maximum garment longevity.

Choose the printing method that best suits your business by considering your specific needs.

Tips for your first DTG design

DTG printing allows great precision in image reproduction, meaning you can go as complex as you like regarding colors and details in your designs.

To create a great design, you should:

• Search for inspiration online. Draw inspiration from Amazon, Etsy, Pinterest, and many other sites to see what designs other people are selling.
• Provide high-resolution image quality. When creating designs for shirts or any other apparel, make sure you have a high-resolution image. This way, the DTG printer can create a clear, sharp, and colorful print.

The key is to make sure your designs are saved in the highest resolution possible for the best print quality.

• Ensure you follow the print file requirements to achieve the best DTG prints possible.

In the side panel of our Product Creator (formerly known as the Mockup Generator), view specific file requirements for each design area of the garment. Click here to learn more.

• Create mockups to view how your printed garments will look in real life.

After you’ve finished your design, our Product Creator allows you to preview the final product and create realistic mockups that you can use on your digital storefront.

Whatever your goals, always strive to connect your brand and your customers. If you’re interested in tips, tricks, and resources on how to create your first design, our recent article will come in handy.

Printify has created a library of free and print-ready designs to make it easier for you. These designs range from Mother’s Day to Halloween and include the most popular sale seasons, such as Christmas and St. Valentine’s day.

The best part is that these designs can be used on products immediately because they’re under a Creative Commons license for commercial use.

Frequently asked questions

Closing thoughts

In the world of on-demand manufacturing, DTG printing remains unrivaled. If you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey, DTG printing offers a hassle-free way to easily print one-of-a-kind products for your customers.

With many strengths, it’s the go-to printing method for print-on-demand entrepreneurs of all calibers. Here’s why:

• Cost-effective. No investment is required, and anyone can start printing today.
• High-detail print quality. With DTG, the entire design looks photorealistic.
• No minimum order quantity. Order as few or as many products as you wish.
• Environmentally-friendly. With eco-friendly inks, printing is more sustainable.

Whether you want to start a print on demand business, simply print something for yourself, or scale your existing venture, DTG printing offers something for everyone.