As more people get access to technology, new methods of printing are being used. There are two main methods of printing: direct-to-garment and screen printing. These methods have a long history in the fashion industry and can be used for both men’s and women’s clothing.
If you are looking to print, you might want to consider these methods to design your clothing to get the highest quality. However, it can be difficult to select the right method for your business. This article illustrates the key differences between the two printing methods.
Direct to Garment Printing
Digital printing or the direct-to-garment (DTG) method is a growing printing technology in the apparel industry. DTG refers to the process of printing directly onto clothes or fabric using a computerized printer. It is well suited to small orders for full-color designs. The process is relatively quick and easy, and the print quality is high. All you need is a computer and printer.
It’s been around for decades, but it’s growing in popularity as more people discover its benefits compared with screen printing which requires more up-front investment and takes up a lot more space when compared with DTG printing. If you are looking for high-quality printed garments, then head on to this website to check out direct to garment printing with affordable pricing and great design quality.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a similar process, but it uses a screen instead of a roll of fabric to imprint designs on clothing. It is a printing process by which ink is applied directly onto the fabric using a screen.Furthermore, it involves creating a stencil of your design and then pressing ink through the stencil onto the fabric and can be done in-house or outsourced.
Distinctive Features of Direct-to-Garment Printing and Screen Printing
1. Quality and Reputation
Direct-to-garment printing is a more traditional method of printing on garments. This means it has a higher reputation for quality and durability than screen printing. However, screen prints are less expensive and an ideal choice for smaller companies that need to produce large volumes of garments quickly and at low cost.
If you are looking for a way to get your brand out there without breaking the bank, screen printing might be worth considering. This method allows you to start with marketing campaigns in small quantities or just need some additional variety in your product lineup.
2. Usability
Digital printing can be used in many ways and can be done with either a UV printer or an inkjet printer, depending on what is needed. You can also design custom shirts and other clothing items where the design and text are printed directly onto the fabric. This makes the DTG method more sustainable because there is no need for any additional work after your initial order has been placed.
Screen printing is a great option for many printers because it can be used on any material of any color, including dark fabrics. This means your design will look great on a variety of apparel, whether it’s a light or dark shirt, or even an entirely different color than what was originally chosen by the client.
3. Feel and Durability
Screen printing is a great choice for many people because it’s more durable and eco-friendly than direct to garment method. Many people prefer the feel of the fabric, which can be washed, worn, and ironed without damaging the image. It also allows you to create designs that can’t be achieved digitally or in other ways.
Direct-to-garment methods are more expensive than screen printing because they require more material to print full-color designs, but they are also easier to replicate at home on any kind of printer with inkjet technology. It also allows for more control over color and image quality.
4. Up-front Investment and Space
Screen printing has a high up-front investment and requires a lot of space. The equipment used to process the artwork must be large enough to accommodate the size of your job. This can be an expensive investment, especially if you are looking to do large quantities of work or run multiple screens at once.
Screen printing is more complicated than the direct-to-garment method. It takes several days before you are used to the new machine effectively. If you have no prior experience with exposure machines, this time commitment could be overwhelming. However, if you are skilled in using exposure equipment then this may not be as much of an issue because there’s less chance of mistakes.
Direct to Garment vs Screen Printing: Which is Better?
If you need the highest quality, the DTG method is the best choice. It is more expensive, but it produces much higher-quality print and offers an unlimited color palette in your clothing. In direct-to-garment printing, the designer places their design directly on top of the fabric. However, this printing style can be expensive as well as the ink can crack or peel over time.
On the contrary, screen printing is great for larger runs of shirts or other items, and it can be more cost-effective. The ink used in screen printing is also more durable and resistant to cracking and peeling. It is also better suited to large orders or dark fabrics that would discolor with other types of print methods. However, this print method can be more time-consuming and requires more setup.
The Bottom-line
If you are looking for the best quality designs, then DTG is the best option. It’s also great if you have a lot of colors to work with or need custom designs printed on each item. It is ideal for big brands that can afford the expense of manufacturing high-quality prints.
Screen printing is ideal for small companies, so they can print clothing in bulk orders at cost-effective rates. However, the up-front investment is high but it is more durable which increases the demand for screen printing. Both printing techniques have different benefits and usability, and the best method for your business will depend on the specific needs of your project.
