DTG Print vs Screen Print Comparison: Key Differences and Benefits Explained

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and screen printing are two popular methods for applying designs to fabric, each with distinct advantages. DTG print is best for detailed, colourful designs and small runs, while screen print works well for large orders and simple colour schemes.

Choosing the right method depends largely on the project’s size, complexity, and budget.

DTG uses specialised inkjet technology to print directly onto garments, allowing for vibrant images with many colours and fine details. In contrast, screen printing involves pushing ink through stencils on screens, which is more cost-effective for bulk orders but less flexible for intricate designs.

Key Takeaways

• DTG is ideal for complex, multi-colour designs in small quantities.

• Screen printing is cost-effective for large volumes with fewer colours.

• Production time and environmental factors vary between the two methods.

Comparing DTG Print and Screen Print

DTG and screen printing differ significantly in how they apply ink, the types of fabrics they suit, and their longevity after washing. These differences affect the choice depending on design complexity, material, and intended usage.

Print Quality and Detail

Direct to garment printing excels at reproducing detailed, multi-colour designs with smooth gradients and photographic quality. It applies ink directly onto fabric with inkjet technology, allowing for fine lines and subtle shading. Complex artworks with many colours benefit from DTG’s precision.

Screen printing delivers vibrant, solid colours but struggles with fine details and gradients, especially in multi-colour prints. It relies on layers of ink pushed through screens, making it ideal for bold designs with fewer colours.

Material Compatibility

Direct to garment printing works best on 100% cotton garments due to the water-based inks bonding directly with natural fibres. It can be used on some cotton blends but may produce less vivid colours and lower durability on synthetic fabrics.

Screen printing is versatile and can be applied to a range of fabrics including cotton, polyester, and blends. It uses thicker plastisol inks that adhere well to synthetic fibres, making it preferable for materials where direct to garment printing has limited effectiveness.

Durability and Washability

Screen prints tend to be more durable over time with higher resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling after repeated washing. The thicker ink layers create a robust finish that withstands industrial laundering.

DTG prints are generally less durable due to thinner ink application. Without proper pre-treatment and care, DTG prints can fade or degrade faster after multiple washes. However, advancements in direct to garment printing inks and techniques have improved their washability significantly in recent years.

Cost, Production, and Environmental Impact

DTG and screen printing differ significantly in cost factors, production speed, and their impact on the environment.

Setup Costs and Order Size

Screen printing involves high setup costs due to the creation of screens for each colour. These costs can range from £20 to £50 per screen. The method is more cost-effective with large orders, typically over 50 pieces, where setup costs are spread across many items.

Direct to garment printing has minimal setup costs, mainly the digital file preparation and garment loading. This makes it ideal for small orders or customised prints, even down to a single piece. However, the cost per unit for direct to garment printing remains relatively high compared to screen printing for large volumes.

Speed of Production

Screen printing is faster for bulk orders as multiple garments can be printed simultaneously using automated presses. It can produce hundreds of items per hour once set up.

Direct to garment printing is slower since it prints directly onto each garment one at a time. Typical printing time ranges from 2 to 5 minutes per item. This slower speed limits direct to garment printing’s efficiency in handling high-volume orders, but it excels in rapid turnaround for small batches or on-demand printing.

For businesses like screen 27, offering both screen printing and direct to garment printing allows customers to choose the best option for their needs. Screen 27 can advise whether direct to garment printing or screen printing will be most suitable for your project, ensuring the best results for your garments. By leveraging the strengths of both methods, screen 27 provides flexibility, quality, and value for every order. If you need vibrant, complex prints in small quantities, direct to garment printing from screen 27 is an excellent choice. For large runs with bold designs, screen 27’s screen printing services deliver outstanding durability and cost efficiency.

To learn more about this printing method, explore our blogs “DTG Printing” and “DTG Printing London” for expert insights and location-specific services.

Environmental Considerations

Screen printing often uses plastisol inks, which contain PVC and phthalates, raising environmental concerns unless water-based or eco-friendly inks are used. The process generates waste from excess ink and film positives.

Direct to garment printing utilises water-based inks that are less harmful and biodegradable. Direct to garment printing produces less waste since it prints directly without screens, reducing material use and ink wastage. However, direct to garment printing machines consume electricity continuously, which adds to environmental impact depending on the power source. Screen 27 is committed to adopting sustainable practices in both screen printing and direct to garment printing to minimize their environmental footprint.