Direct to garment printing, also known as DTG is a somewhat new printing technology that is becoming increasingly popular. As with any printing method, it has its advantages and disadvantages, but what is direct to garment printing?
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The DTG process is pretty much exactly what it says. The inks are applied directly to the garment, which results in bright, full-color designs. There are limitations though, as DTG all-over printing is time consuming and often not a possibility. But when it is possible, DTG on t-shirts and hoodies produces great results, especially on 100% cotton products.
Direct to garment printing requires a specialist DTG printer, however, the setup cost after that is pretty small. The DTG printers work in a very similar way to your home printer, except you feed the clothing in rather than a sheet of paper. This means that beyond the garment and the ink, the set-up costs per item of clothing are very low. Same-day DTG printing is highly achievable as it’s pretty much a one-step process once the artwork is approved. One of the major plus points of direct to garment printing is that white inks are used. With many alternative methods, the white areas of a design are left unprinted. This is fine for white fabric, but a little less than ideal when using a different color.
Compared to other methods, direct to garment printing requires a little more aftercare. Clothing needs to be turned inside out before washing and requires a cold wash. You also shouldn’t add extra spins to your wash cycle. It isn’t recommended that you use a tumble dryer, and you ideally need to avoid ironing the printed area.
To summarize, DTG prints directly onto the fabric itself. It’s superb for natural fabrics, but it’s recommended to use a fabric of no more than 20% poly. It does use white inks, which is great for printing on darker colors. Low setup costs mean that small runs are a breeze. But the aftercare is arduous and not ideal, and if you don’t follow the strict guidelines you could ruin your print. Plus the images can become pixelated when printed.
Photo Credit: The photo shown above is by Shout Out Loud Prints. The shirt on the left shows DTG Printing, the shirt on the right shows screen printing.
In the fast-paced world of modern printing techniques, two methods stand out: traditional screen printing and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) digital printing. While DTG printing has gained popularity due to its convenience, traditional screen printing holds its ground with a range of benefits that cater to durability, vibrant colors, cost-effectiveness for bulk orders, and versatility.
Both printing methods have their place in the world of textile printing, and the choice between them depends on the specific needs of the project. In this blog post we will look at the distinct benefits that traditional screen printing offers over its digital counterpart.
While DTG digital printing may be a good option for one-off orders and sample runs, it's important to recognize and appreciate the value that traditional screen printing brings to the table for long runs and cost savings. Here are the top six benefits of traditional screen printing over DTG printing.
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One of the most significant advantages of traditional screen printing is its durability. The ink used in screen printing is thicker and more substantial than the ink used in DTG printing. This results in designs that stand up well to repeated washing and wear, making screen printed garments ideal for items like team jerseys, work uniforms, and promotional merchandise. In contrast, DTG prints may fade or crack over time, particularly after multiple washes.
Traditional screen printing allows for vibrant and opaque colors to be achieved effortlessly. The thick layers of ink penetrate the fabric deeply, creating bold and eye-catching designs even on dark-colored garments. This level of color vibrancy can be challenging to replicate with DTG printing, especially on darker fabrics, where the ink tends to be more translucent.
When it comes to producing large quantities of printed items, traditional screen printing shines. Once the screens are prepared, the cost per unit decreases significantly for each additional item printed. This makes screen printing a cost-effective choice for bulk orders, such as promotional merchandise or team uniforms. On the other hand, DTG printing might be more cost-efficient for small runs or one-off pieces but can become expensive when producing in large volumes. For example, you can print about 20 shirts per hour with a DTG printer, and you can print 200-300 shirts per hour with screen printing (number of shirts will depend on the design, number of colors, and your shop setup).
If you're not sure which emulsion to use for your long screen printing runs, check out our blog post, Choosing An Emulsion System.
Screen printing isn't limited to fabric alone; it can be used on a wide range of substrates, including paper, plastic, metal, and wood. This versatility makes screen printing a preferred choice for creating items like posters, signs, promotional products, and packaging materials. DTG printing, while excellent for textiles, may not offer the same level of versatility across different substrates.
Traditional screen printing allows for a variety of artistic effects and textures to be incorporated into designs. Specialty inks, such as metallic or glitter inks, can be used to create unique and visually appealing effects. Additionally, different screen meshes can be employed to create varying levels of texture in the print, adding depth and interest to the design. While DTG printing can achieve intricate details, it may not replicate the textural possibilities that can be achieved by building up layers of emulsion on a screen or using a product like Chromaline's Super PHAT Film.
There's a certain charm and authenticity associated with traditional screen printing. It's a craft that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the printing process. Screen printers often take pride in their work, treating each item as a canvas for their artistry. This craftsmanship and attention to detail can be felt in the final product, creating a unique connection between the printed piece and its recipient.
Chromaline's line of premium screen printing emulsions and products stands out as the top choice for screen printers seeking exceptional results. If you have any further questions about the benefits of screen printing over DTG printing or any of our Chromaline screen printing products, please contact us today.
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