DTG or Screen Printing - Which Printing Method Should You Choose

If you have creative ideas that you want to see come to life, then one thing you can consider doing is making shirts out of it. Even if you’re just getting started, it will help to look into the future and think of other designs you can consider that would look good on fabric. You can even try selling them if you think people will like your art.

But you might be wondering what’s the best printing method to utilize that can perfectly portray your design ideas. With an array of printing options to choose from, you can start by narrowing it down to two of the best methods: direct-to-garment (DTG) and screen printing.

It’s essential to rely on an effective printing method so that your designs aren’t compromised. Keep reading below to find out the best printing method to suit your needs.

 

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is an approach that incorporates the use of ink driven through a woven screen and applied onto a fabric material. The process keeps the ink from soaking through the cloth and ruining the inside of the shirt. Take note that each portion of the design requires the use of a specific screen.

The colors and features that make up your design are attached to the garment per layer intricately. With more layers you tend to add, the longer the process will take to finish, and the thicker the pattern will seem on the shirt.

 

Common Designs That Work Well on Screen Printing

With custom screen printing, the best kinds of designs that work well involve solid graphics that lack the need for accurate details. Some sample styles involve the use of straightforward typography, shapes, symbols, and patterns.

Since screen printing involves using stencils for more complicated designs that can only accommodate a handful of colors, it will become challenging to get the exact design right. And the fact that colors are pressed into the fabric one by one, it will be time-consuming to consider aiming for excessively colorful designs.

 

What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?

DTG printing is established by spraying ink over the chosen fabric that will uphold your design. Once the ink is applied, it will soak into the material until it settles and creates the final output. One good thing about DTG printing is that it’s a simple method because it doesn’t require an elaborate arrangement to accomplish what you want.

If you’re planning to make shirts either by batches or by single orders based on your potential customers’ needs, DTG printing is a method that can easily accommodate requests efficiently. You don’t have to spend too much time perfecting the design process to achieve the results you’re aiming for. 

 

Common Designs That Work Well on DTG Printing

If you’re looking to provide a variety of shirt designs for your future clients and you want them to have endless colors to choose from, DTG printing delivers detailed designs with no limits. It would be best to request the manufacturer to use an sRGB color profile to optimize vibrant colors. 

The only thing you need to watch out for is transparent styles. If you make use of design elements that are more “clear” than colored, they won’t appear well during the finished product. The printer used for a DTG method will mistake your decision for a missing color, so they will avoid that portion and make the shirt’s design appear incomplete.

 

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding which is the better printing method, it’s essential to remember your goals and requirements. With screen printing, you can save a lot of money producing bulk designs made up of simple graphics that don’t need too many colors. Meanwhile, DTG printing offers fast results and has no limits to orders because of its easy setup and unlimited use of colors.

Are you looking for custom screen printing with no minimums in Spencerport, NY, to accommodate your t-shirt printing needs? Bauers Boutique is a premium screen printing shop that accepts custom orders with no required minimum purchases; we also provide fast turnaround times—just send a request! Get in touch with us today to find out more information about our services.