Screen Printing vs DTG Comparing Techniques, Costs and Quality

Screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment) are two popular methods for customising clothing, but they serve different needs. Screen printing is ideal for large runs with simple designs, while DTG excels at producing detailed, colourful prints in small batches. Knowing these differences can help users choose the right technique for their project.

The choice between screen printing and DTG depends on factors like budget, design complexity, and order volume. Screen printing is generally more cost-effective for bulk orders but requires setup time. DTG allows fast production with minimal setup, making it better for customised or limited items.

Key Takeways

• Screen printing suits large orders with simple designs.

• DTG works best for small runs and complex, colourful prints.

• Cost and production speed vary between the two methods.

Comparison of Screen Printing and DTG

Screen printing and DTG differ significantly in how they apply ink, the resulting print quality and durability, and the types of materials suited for each method. These differences shape their practical uses and impact cost and design flexibility.

Printing Process Differences

Screen printing Manchester uses stencils called screens to apply layers of ink on fabric. Each colour requires a separate screen, making it ideal for designs with fewer colours and larger quantities due to setup time and costs.

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing works like an inkjet printer, spraying ink directly onto textiles. It allows for complex, multicolour designs without needing screens, making it suitable for small runs and detailed artwork.

Screen printing Manchester inks are thicker and sit on top of the fabric, while DTG inks penetrate fibres, affecting texture and feel. Screen printing involves curing ink with heat, whereas DTG prints often require pretreatment and heat setting to bind ink.

Print Quality and Durability

Screen printing Manchester delivers vibrant colours with a thicker ink layer, enhancing durability and resistance to fading and cracking after washing. It maintains sharp details on simpler designs.

DTG excels in reproducing photographic prints and complex gradients but the prints tend to be less durable over time. Colours may fade faster, especially on dark garments without proper pretreatment.

The printing's durability varies with ink type, fabric, and garment care.

Material Compatibility

Screen printing Manchester works best on cotton, polyester blends, and other natural fibres, providing consistent results. It can also be applied to synthetic fabrics but may require specialised inks.

DTG is primarily designed for 100% cotton materials due to ink absorption needs. It struggles with non-cotton textiles and may produce muted colours or poor adhesion on synthetics.

Screen printing Manchester has more versatility, accommodating thicker, heavier fabrics and different textures. DTG is constrained by fabric type but allows fast digital proofing on smaller runs without changing physical tools.

Cost, Efficiency, and Best Use Cases

Both screen printing Manchester and DTG printing have distinct costs, efficiencies, and ideal applications.

Production Costs and Scalability

Screen printing Manchester involves higher initial setup costs due to stencil creation and ink preparation. It becomes more cost-effective with larger runs, as the price per unit decreases significantly with volume. This method excels for orders over 50-100 garments, especially with simple colour designs.

DTG printing has lower upfront costs because it prints directly onto fabric without screens. However, the per-garment cost remains consistent regardless of order size. This makes it ideal for small batches or custom pieces but less economical for mass production.

Method	Setup Cost	Cost per Unit	Ideal Volume
Screen Printing	High	Low (large runs)	50+ garments
DTG Printing	Low	High (consistent)	Under 50 garments

Turnaround Times and Order Sizes

Screen printing Manchester requires more time initially for screen preparation and colour separations. Once set up, it can print large batches quickly, producing hundreds of shirts in hours.

DTG printing offers faster turnaround for single or small quantities since it skips setup steps. It is well-suited for on-demand printing with quick order fulfilment but is slower per unit across large volumes.

For expert advice and high-quality results, T shirt printing Manchester offers both screen printing Manchester and DTG services to meet your custom apparel needs. Whether you need a large batch of branded shirts or a limited run of detailed designs, T shirt printing Manchester can help you choose the best method. Contact T shirt printing Manchester to discuss your next project and experience the benefits of professional screen printing Manchester.

Looking for professional printing services? Explore our blogs on Screen Printers UK for nationwide options and Screen Printers Manchester for local expertise.

Environmental Impact

Screen printing Manchester uses plastisol or water-based inks. Plastisol ink contains PVC and phthalates, which require careful disposal, while water-based inks are more eco-friendly but less versatile.

DTG uses water-based inks, producing less waste and lower emissions. However, the machines consume more electricity. Screen printing Manchester’s impact depends on ink choice and waste management. T shirt printing Manchester offers screen printing Manchester services and can advise on the best ink options for your project. For businesses like T shirt printing Manchester, choosing the right screen printing Manchester process can help reduce environmental impact.