Screen Printing vs DTG Comparison: Choosing the Best Method for Your Prints

Screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) are two popular methods for customising apparel. Each has distinct advantages depending on the project.

Screen printing is more cost-effective for large orders with simple designs. DTG provides superior detail for smaller, intricate prints.

Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right technique for your needs. London screen printers can help you navigate these choices based on your specific requirements.

Screen printing uses stencils and layers of ink. This makes it ideal for bold, vibrant colours on high volumes.

DTG operates like an inkjet printer that applies ink directly onto fabric. It allows for complex colour mixing and gradients but at a higher cost per unit.

Knowing when to select screen printing or DTG hinges on factors like budget, design complexity, and order size. London screen printers frequently advise clients on these considerations for the best results.

Key Takeways

• Screen printing is economical for bulk orders with simple designs.

• DTG excels at detailed, multicolour prints in small runs.

• Choosing between methods depends on design, quantity, and cost considerations.

Screen Printing vs DTG: Key Differences

Both screen printing and DTG rely on different methods and materials. This affects their use on various fabrics and order sizes.

These differences influence the choice depending on the design complexity, fabric type, and quantity needed. London screen printers can recommend the most suitable method for your project.

Printing Techniques

Screen printing uses a stencil-based process where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each colour requires a separate screen.

This makes it efficient for simple designs with few colours but less flexible for complex or multi-colour images. London screen printers often suggest screen printing for bold, graphic designs.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing operates like an inkjet printer, spraying ink directly onto the fabric. It allows for high detail and infinite colour variations without needing screens.

This method suits intricate, colourful designs better but prints slower than screen printing.

Ink Types and Application

Screen printing primarily uses plastisol or water-based inks. Plastisol ink creates a durable, thick layer on fabric.

Water-based inks absorb more into fabric, offering a softer feel but may fade quicker. London screen printers can help you choose the right ink for your desired finish.

DTG uses specialised water-based textile inks that penetrate fibres. These inks provide photographic-quality prints with fine detail and smooth gradients.

However, DTG inks tend to be less durable on dark fabrics unless pre-treated.

Fabric Compatibility

Screen printing works best on cotton and cotton blends but can adapt to polyester and other materials with correct ink choices. Its versatility allows printing on thicker fabrics like hoodies and bags.

DTG performs optimally on 100% cotton and some cotton blends due to ink absorption requirements. It struggles with synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can affect print quality and wash fastness unless pre-treatment or special inks are used.

Order Volume Suitability

Screen printing becomes cost-effective at medium to large volumes because screens can be reused multiple times. Setup costs are higher, but unit costs drop significantly with volume.

DTG suits small batches or one-off prints because it requires no setup beyond loading the design. The printing time per garment is longer, leading to higher costs for large orders.

London screen printers can help you determine which method is better based on your order size and desired turnaround time.

Cost, Quality and Use Cases

The choice between screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing depends on factors like print quality, production speed, and cost efficiency. Each method suits different project sizes and design complexities.

Print Quality and Durability

Screen printing produces vibrant, solid colours by layering ink on fabric. It excels with simple designs using few colours.

The prints are durable and withstand repeated washing better than DTG. London screen printers often recommend this method for uniforms or event merchandise.

DTG prints allow detailed, full-colour images with smooth gradients. However, the inks sit on the fabric surface and wear faster, especially on dark garments.

DTG is ideal for photographic prints but offers less longevity compared to screen printing.

Production Speed and Scalability

Screen printing requires setup time for screens and colour alignment. It is highly efficient for large orders, as the marginal cost decreases with volume.

DTG printing has minimal setup time and can produce one-off or short runs quickly. It scales poorly for large volumes due to slower print speeds per item.

London screen printers can advise whether speed or scalability is more important for your project.

Cost Analysis and Pricing Models

Screen printing incurs high initial costs due to screen preparation. Unit costs drop significantly with orders over 50 pieces.

Pricing is influenced by the number of colours and garment complexity.

DTG has low upfront costs, making it economical for small runs or samples. However, the per-item cost remains relatively constant regardless of quantity.

DTG pricing depends mainly on print size and garment type rather than colour count. London screen printers can provide detailed quotes for both methods.

Factor	Screen Printing	DTG Printing
Setup Cost	High	Low
Cost per Unit (Large Run)	Low	Higher
Ideal Quantity	Large batches	Small to medium orders

Environmental Impact

Screen printing uses significant water and chemicals during setup and cleaning. Water-based inks can reduce harm.

Waste from screens and excess ink must be managed properly. London screen printers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices.

DTG printing uses less water and produces minimal waste since no screens are required. However, DTG inks typically rely on synthetic pigments.

Cartridge waste can also be an issue for DTG printing. Both methods benefit from eco-friendly ink options, which many london screen printers now offer.

If you're interested in broader career paths, check out our Screen Printing Jobs blog, or explore local opportunities in Screen Printing Jobs in London.