In this article, we explain the differences between DTG and Screen Printing. We'll cover what each method is, their best uses, look and feel, the pros and cons, and the level of detail each can achieve, helping you make an informed decision on which printing method is best for your needs.
WHAT IS DTG?
DTG is a printing method that uses inkjet technology to print designs directly onto fabric. Think of it as an industrial inkjet printer specifically for clothes. This technique is ideal for producing high-resolution, full-colour prints directly onto garments.
WHAT IS SCREEN PRINTING?
Screen printing is a traditional printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. This method is highly effective for creating vibrant, durable prints and offers greater control over the print finish, allowing for options like matte, glossy, soft, or thick ink. We can also create special effects with specialised inks, including plastisol, water-based, metallic, neon, gloss, and even glow-in-the-dark.
BEST USES FOR DTG
Best for Small Orders: DTG is ideal for smaller batches of colourful designs, without needing to meet the minimum order requirements of screen printing.
High Detail: Excellent for designs with multiple colours and photographic images that have intricate detail.
Ideal For High Quality Cotton: DTG works best on high quality, 100% cotton fabrics, providing a soft, natural feel. Lower-quality fabrics may produce sub par results.
BEST USES FOR SCREEN PRINTING
Best for Bulk Orders: Screen printing is highly economical for larger orders. The more you print, the lower the cost per item.
Simpler Designs: We offer up to 8 colours per design. While we can achieve impressive results with these 8 colours, there is a limit to the number of colours that can be used in a screen printed design.
Precise Colour Matching or Special Effects: If you need specific brand colours, we can mix screen printing inks to match exact Pantone colours. Screen printing provides greater control over colour and finish, allowing for options like matte, glossy, soft, or thick ink. We can also create special effects using specialised inks, including plastisol, waterbased, discharge, metallic, neon, gloss, and even glow-in-the-dark.
LOOK & FEEL OF DTG
Appearance: Produces prints with a matte to satin finish, a light feel that is soft to the touch, particularly on lighter-weight fabrics.
Feel: Soft and breathable, the print integrates well with the fabric for a softer look and feel.
LOOK & FEEL OF SCREEN PRINTING
Appearance: Our standard screen printing process produces a bold and vibrant matte-to-satin, smooth finish. However, this can be customized to achieve various effects, such as a soft matte or a glossy, thick finish.
Feel: Our standard screen prints are smooth and bright, but we can use different inks and techniques to create various finishes. For example, the print can be made light and breathable, blending seamlessly with the fabric, or it can be thicker for a heavier feel.
PROS OF DTG
Low Minimum Order: Ideal for smaller runs with no high minimum order requirements, starting at just 20 pieces.
Cost-Effective for Small Runs: More economical for low-quantity orders, with no restrictions on the number of print colours.
High Detail: Excellent for producing highly detailed prints, including photographic images and gradients.
CONS OF DTG
Limited Garment Options: DTG printing is best suited for higher-quality, 100% cotton garments and is limited in terms of product range and colour options. Lower quality fabrics or polyester blends may result in subpar print quality.
Special Care Needed: DTG prints require careful laundering to preserve print quality over time.
More Expensive for Bulk Orders: DTG is not as cost-effective as screen printing for larger orders.
CMYK Only: Limited colour vibrancy with no Pantone colour matching available.
PROS OF SCREEN PRINTING
Economical for Larger Runs: Cost effective for bulk orders due to lower per-unit costs.
Very Durable: Produces long lasting prints that withstand frequent washing without significant fading or cracking (as long as washing instructions are followed).
Wide Garment Choice: Compatible with a wide range of garment types & fabrics.
Vibrant Colours: Capable of producing bright, vibrant prints with Pantone colour matching.
Tailorable Look & Feel: Offers flexibility in achieving different finishes such as soft and matte or thick and glossy.
Special Effects: Allows for special effects like fluorescent, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, and puff prints.
CONS OF SCREEN PRINTING
Minimum Order Requirements: Because of the time involved in setting up screens, most screen printers have minimum order requirements. At Monster Press, our minimum order starts at 20 pieces.
Higher Cost for Low Volume: Less economical for smaller runs due to setup costs.
Less Detail Than DTG: While screen printing is great for bold, simple designs, it cannot achieve the same level of detail as DTG, particularly for photographic images or designs with high colour complexity.
COMPARING DTG & SCREEN PRINTING DETAIL
To show the difference in detail, we recently printed our Cthulhu DTG sample using screen printing for comparison. The results show that while screen printing can produce high-quality prints, DTG provides much finer detail, making it the better choice for intricate designs. Take a look at the images below.
SUMMARY
Choose DTG: If you want a cost-effective option for small orders with complex designs.
Choose Screen Printing: If you need vibrant colours, durability, and are looking to print in bulk.