The selection of the printing technique that you will employ on your custom T-shirt matters a lot as it determines its quality, durability, and cost. At Yoode, we strive to meet the needs of our clients, and this usually takes us to two widely used methods: Screen Printing and Direct-to-Garment or DTG printing. The guide below takes you through each of these methods to know which suits your custom T-shirt needs the best.
How Each Method Works
Screen Printing
This ancient method uses a meshed stencil in which ink is pushed through onto the fabric of choice. This technique is ideal for simple designs with fewer colours because each colour must be printed using a separate screen. A cannot be beaten for orders of copious quantities when colour brilliance and wear resistance is needed.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG Printing is a more modern garment printing method that uses inkjet technology to print directly onto the fabric, like a scanner. This means artwork can have many colours, gradients, and details, making it best for intricate graphics and low quantities. While the per unit cost might be slightly higher, the scope of the design is endless with DTG.
Key Factors to Consider
To make the right decision, it is essential to consider the print's design, order size, cost and expected quality. Let us explore all these within the context of screen printing and DTG.
How Complex is the Design
Screen Printing
With screens for every colour involved, the screen-printing process may be more suitable for simpler designs with few colours. Complex designs that require different coloured prints become more expensive since they require a different setup for assorted colours.
DTG Printing
On the other hand, DTG is perfect for printing detailed artwork featuring many colours, gradients, and photo-like images. This means that graphics that require assorted colours can easily be printed, making it ideal for custom designs and artistic prints.
Best Choice
Use DTG printing for complex multi-coloured designs and screen printing for big, straightforward designs.
Order Volume and Lead Time
Screen Printing
Due to the initial configuration required, screen printing is most productive for bulk requirements, as mass production usually maintains a consistent finish post-screen preparation. However, such an initial configuration can render it less preferable for small batch requirements.
DTG Printing
BIG is best suited for bulk order requirements because it has little to no configuration, which allows on-demand requirements with fast supply. This is ideal for limited or single print runs.
Best Choice
Screen printing is effective for bulk orders, while digital printing is ideal for medium to small or unique designs.
Lifespan and Quality of Print
Screen Printing
What customers appreciate about foil screen printed designs is that they are durable and are less susceptible to loss in colour or soundness through repeated washes. The vast amount of ink applied onto the fabric surfaces gives it a vivid look, adding a layer that renders the fabric slightly texturized while remaining radiant even after years of use and washing.
DTG Printing
DTG prints tend to be softer than their screen-printed counterparts, but they are less durable and can fade over time, especially after several washes. Still, improvements in digital printing technology have allowed prints to last longer to make them a good fit for casual clothing.
Best Choice
For lasting and durable prints, screen printing is the best choice, and it has good prints with design. Digital printing is suitable for this as well
Cost Considerations
Screen Printing
When done in bulk, screen printing is much cheaper overall as the mass production compensates for the initial setup cost. However, there are instances where the individual cost of the item is higher when doing small orders due to the individual labour on each setup.
DTG Printing
While DTG can be more expensive for bulk orders, it is excellent for low volume, custom orders and designs that require a variety of colours. The lack of setup fees for digital orders makes it possible to order customized prints while being slightly more expensive.
The most suitable option is bulk orders, and basic designs should be screen printed, while small and intricate or one-of-a-kind designs best use DTG printing.
In what situations should a particular method of printing be used?
Use general screen printing to spare money by making a larger order and for essential looks. Due to its excellent reliability, robust colours, and overall durability, this screen-printing technique is vastly applicable for use in the production of bulk orders, team t-shirts, and corporate branding items that will have to be used frequently without getting worn out.
In instances where a small number of T-shirt batches need to be produced but have intricate designs, DTG printing should be used. This is especially helpful in getting personalized T-shirts and custom-designed shirts, as well as during the phase of testing innovative ideas.
Yoode's Quality and Commitment of Various Services Offered by Them
Whether the design or the number of pieces of a Yoode T-shirt does not matter, we are here to make your vision of how your brand should look through our shirts a reality. Our assistance ensures that you get distinctive prints that suit your branding core while maintaining the durability and vibrancy of the print cuts across all projects. And keeping in mind any wigs or events, Yoode promises excellent quality pieces to fulfil your dreams of customization.
