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SCREEN PRINTING VS DTG COMPARISON

Screen Printing vs DTG (Direct to Garment)

Overview: Screen Printing vs DTG

Screen printing and DTG (Direct to Garment) are two of the most commonly used methods for custom t-shirt printing. While both produce high-quality results, they are designed for very different types of orders.

This comparison explains the key differences to help you choose the right printing method based on quantity, artwork type, and budget.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each colour in the design requires its own screen.

Best suited for:

  • Bulk orders

  • Simple logos and flat artwork

  • Designs repeated across many shirts

  • Customers looking for the lowest cost per shirt at scale

What Is DTG (Direct to Garment)?

DTG printing uses specialised inkjet printers to print designs directly onto the fabric. The ink is absorbed into the garment, allowing for detailed, full-colour prints.

Best suited for:

  • Small orders

  • One-off or short-run printing

  • Photographic images and detailed artwork

  • Multiple designs across different shirts

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Screen Printing DTG Printing
Best for quantity 20+ shirts 1–10 shirts
Cost per shirt Decreases with volume Remains similar regardless of quantity
Setup required Screens required per colour No setup
Artwork type Logos, flat colours Photos, gradients, complex images
Durability Very high High
Speed for small runs Slower Faster

Cost Comparison

Screen Printing

  • Setup costs apply

  • Cost per shirt drops as quantity increases

  • Most economical for bulk orders

DTG Printing

  • No setup costs

  • Higher cost per shirt for large quantities

  • Cost-effective for small runs

👉 For real pricing examples, see the Pricing Page.

Print Quality & Durability

Both methods produce professional results, but they differ in feel and longevity.

  • Screen printing produces a solid ink layer that is extremely durable and consistent.

  • DTG printing produces a softer print feel and excels at colour blending and detail.

For shirts that will be worn and washed frequently, screen printing is often preferred for bulk orders.

When Should You Choose Screen Printing?

Choose screen printing if:

  • You are ordering 20 or more shirts

  • The same design is used across all garments

  • You want the lowest cost per shirt

  • Durability and consistency matter

When Should You Choose DTG Printing?

Choose DTG if:

  • You need 1–10 shirts

  • Each shirt has a different design

  • The artwork contains photos or gradients

  • You want quick setup without screens

PS: You can choose digital if you have complex designs with multiple colors. Check pricing for DTF printing against DTG as sometimes you can get better pricing. Ask for a quote.

Which Method Is Better?

There is no single “better” method - the right choice depends on your order.

  • For small, detailed orders, DTG is usually the best option.

  • For bulk orders with repeated designs, screen printing offers superior value.

If you’re unsure, the best approach is to consider:

  • Quantity

  • Artwork complexity

  • Budget

  • Deadline

Next Steps

To continue exploring your options:

  • 👉 View real pricing examples & bulk savings (Pricing Page)

  • 👉 Learn more about screen printing (Screen Printing Pillar Page)

  • 👉 Request a personalised quote for your order

Choosing the right printing method ensures the best balance of quality, cost, and turnaround time for your custom t-shirts.

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