DTG T-Shirt Printers vs. Screen Printing- Which is Better？

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printers and screen printing are two of the most popular methods for creating custom t-shirts. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.

DTG Printing: The Pros

Quick and easy setup: DTG printers are easy to set up and use, even for beginners. You can start printing t-shirts right out of the box.

Full-color printing: DTG printers can print full-color images, including gradients and fine details. This gives you more flexibility in terms of design.

No minimum order quantity: DTG printers allow you to print single t-shirts or small batches, which is great for small businesses or individuals who need custom t-shirts for a special event.

DTG Printing: The Cons

Higher cost per print: DTG printing is more expensive than screen printing, especially for large orders.

Can only print on light-colored fabrics: DTG printers can only print on light-colored fabrics. If you want to print on dark-colored fabrics, you will need to use a different method such as screen printing.

Less durable than screen printing: DTG prints are not as durable as screen prints. They can fade or crack over time, especially if they are not properly cared for.

Screen Printing: The Pros

Lower cost per print: Screen printing is less expensive than DTG printing, especially for large orders.

More durable than DTG printing: Screen prints are more durable than DTG prints. They are less likely to fade or crack, even after multiple washes.

Can print on dark-colored fabrics: Screen printing can print on both light-colored and dark-colored fabrics. This gives you more flexibility in terms of design.

Screen Printing: The Cons

More complex setup: Screen printing is more complex to set up than DTG printing. You will need to create a screen for each color in your design, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Minimum order quantity: Screen printing typically requires a minimum order quantity, which can be a disadvantage if you only need a few custom t-shirts.

Limited color options: Screen printing is limited to a few colors. If you want to print a full-color image, you will need to use a different method such as DTG printing.

Which Method Is Better?

The best method for creating custom t-shirts depends on your specific needs. If you need a quick and easy way to print small batches of t-shirts, DTG printing is a good option. If you need to print large orders of t-shirts or you want a more durable print, screen printing is a better choice.