Which Printing Method is Right for You?

With the different methods we have to print on garments these days, it may be hard to choose the correct method for your project. In this post we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the two most common ways of Special effects printing!

Screen Printing -

Screen printing involves creating a stencil of an image, also known as a screen. Using that stencil you apply different layers of ink to the surface you’re printing to. Each layer of ink has its own screen, and when all the layers are stacked together, they create a complete colored image.

Direct to Garment Printing -

DTG printing was just recently introduced to the U.S. in 1996, but has become a very dependable method of printing. Direct to garment (DTG) printing is a digital print method which involves your artwork being processed through a computer, then printed straight to the surface of your product. DTG doesn’t require garments to go through the drying process when inks are placed on the shirt, it’s just simply adhered to the fabric of the garment.

Each printing process has its own strengths and its weaknesses. So we’ll break it down into categories.

Screen Printing: Pros

• High level of vibrancy, which makes it good for printing on dark garments and specialty products. Screen printing inks are applied thicker than digital printing ink, which allows for brighter colors especially on darker shirts

• Unique product printing thanks to the manual labor involved

  • Printing on water bottles, mugs, beanies, lighters, etc. is totally possible

  • Printer can handle curves and uneven edges and surfaces

Screen Printing: Cons

• Usually minimum order requirements due to the labor and time involved when preparing screens, inks, and presses.

• Lesser quality images

  • Manual application of ink will have its inaccuracies

DTG (Digital Printing): Pros

• Best for projects that require high amounts of detail

• Since there is no screen set-up, photographic print is allowed, with much more detail than traditional screen printing

• Since ink is applied in a much thinner coat, DTG printing works very well with lighter color garments

• No screen or physical set-up since everything is processed digitally

DTG (Digital Printing): Cons

• Digital prints are mostly good for orders of smaller quantity

• Printing does not work as well with darker garments

• DTG printers can only print on fabric

• DTG Printer cannot handle printing on curves and uneven edges

We hope this post was helpful for you and your choice of printing as you come to a decision for your next project! Good luck and go make some shirts!