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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.

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Which T-Shirt Printing Method Saves You Money?

Screen printing and DTG (Direct to Garment) printing are popular custom t-shirt methods, each excelling in different scenarios based on quantity, artwork, and budget. Screen printing pushes ink through mesh screens, ideal for 20+ shirts with simple logos and flat colors, offering decreasing per-shirt costs, very high durability, and preference for frequent washing, though slower for small runs (around 3 weeks). DTG uses inkjet printers for direct fabric printing, perfect for 1-20 shirts with photos, gradients, or complex images, with no setup, high durability, consistent costs, and faster turnaround like same-day options. No method is superior; choose by order needs, and consider DTF for complex designs. Professional results vary in feel and longevity.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen printing suits orders of 20+ shirts, with the cost per unit decreasing as quantity increases.
  • DTG is ideal for 1–20 shirts, offering consistent pricing.
  • Screen printing requires screens for each colour, while DTG requires none.
  • Screen printing works best for logos and flat colours, whereas DTG handles photos and gradients better.
  • Screen printing offers very high durability, while DTG provides high durability.
  • DTG is faster for small runs (same-day possible), while screen printing is slower (up to 3 weeks).

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 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 1–20 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 (generaly takes 3 weeks)     Faster ( same day printing available if needed)

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 creates a solid ink layer that is highly durable and consistently vibrant.
  • DTG printing produces a softer print feel and is ideal for colour blending and fine 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 1–20 shirts
  • Each shirt has a different design
  • The artwork contains photos or gradients
  • You want quick setup without screens
  • You need printed shirts as soon as possible.

PS: Choose digital printing if your design is complex and includes multiple colours. Compare DTF and DTG pricing, as DTF can sometimes be more affordable. 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:

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

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