For getting a customised hoodie, sweatshirt, t-shirt, or any garment, two types of printing methods are the most common: DTG vs Screen Printing. This step is quite crucial because the printing method is different for each fabric so choosing the right method is important to sustain the beauty and feel of the product. In this blog, we will discuss the two types of printing methods offered by East London Printer. We will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and costs of both the methods so that it becomes easier for you to decide which option is best for your design.

What is Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing?

In this method of printing, a high quality inkjet printer is used to apply water based ink onto the fabric in order to create different designs. DTG printing in London is quite popular among businesses and brand owners who wish to get customised clothes. At East London Printer, you can get this printing method done on your fabric.

Let us now discuss some of the advantages of the DTG printing method.

Features of Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing 

Good Quality Prints

Direct to Garment (DTG) printing provides high quality prints which are graphic, colourful, and it can also print complex designs. 

Economical

As opposed to Screen Printing which requires a stencil, DTG printing London does not require any set up. Hence it is the best option for small orders like even article order and custom designs which require intricate details and colours. 

Multiple colours

DTG printing London can print different colours and shades onto the fabric. Hence it can make the most graphic designs.

Environment friendly

Direct to Garment printing London is eco friendly as it uses water based inks. It is considered harmless for the environment. On the other hand, screen printing uses plastisol for its printing which is harmful for the environment. 

Smooth print

The water colour ink seeps in the fabric creating a smooth design. It does not sit on the surface and hence it is durable; the print does not crack open over time.

Durable

DTG printing can stand wear and tear. It will not go away with washing or cleaning. The design holds onto the fabric for as long as can be. 

Disadvantages of Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing 

Cotton fabric only

DTG printing best produces results on cotton fabric. If a blended material is used, then the design will not be durable. Hence, it’s a limitation that only cotton fabric can be used for this printing method.

Time Taking

Each article of DTG printing requires a lot of time. Therefore, this printing method is best suited for small orders. 

DTG printing on dark material

Dark material requires a white base for DTG printing to be done on it. Hence it becomes less durable and there are chances the design might wear away after a few washes. 

What is Screen Printing?

East London Printer offers high quality screen printing for its clients business and personal needs. In this type of printing method, a stencil is used to press ink onto the fabric. You can find screen printing near you at East London Printer. We have all the screen printing supplies to cater to the demands on designs, colours, and graphics.

Advantages of Screen Printing

Durable

Screen printing is more durable than Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing. It provides a thick base on the garment which can stand wear and tear and maintain its quality even after multiple washes. 

Economical

The screen printing itself is a hard core task and it requires a lot of time and effort. However, it becomes economical when we receive bulk orders at East London Printer.

Multiple materials

Screen printing can be done on cotton, polyester, and on fabric which is blended. Hence it provides a range of possibilities to print different designs on the type of fabric being used.

Graphic

It produces intricate graphic details beautifully. Especially, on dark colours it brings about a great effect. 

Customisation

Screen printing at East London Printer offers various customization hence providing different ideas for each occasion. 

Durable

Screen printing supplies provide a thick layer on the fabric thus providing durability and long lasting effect. It can withstand wear and tear and won’t go away with the washes.

Disadvantages of Screen Printing

Expensive

The screen printing supplies are very costly. Screen printing operates on a grand scale and requires a big set up. That is why it is not feasible for small orders. Bulk orders of screen printing allow to cover the cost. 

Time-taking

Screen printing is a time taking process because each colour to be printed on the fabric requires a different screen. 

Non Eco-friendly

Screen Printing uses a lot of chemicals and water hence it is not environment friendly. 

What’s the Best Option for your Design: Direct to Garment (DTG) printing vs  Screen Printing?

Choosing which printing method is best for you depends on a few things like order quantity, your budget, type of design etc. Following is a guide which can help you in choosing which printing method you should go for: 

Order Quantity: DTG vs Screen Printing

DTG printing London should be selected if you want to place small orders. If you run a print on demand business, DTG printing London is the best option. However, it is not the best option for bulk orders.

East London Printer offers screen printing near you which is the type of printing method for bulk orders. If you plan to order 50+ articles with the same design on them, then you should definitely go for screen printing. Moreover, screen printing is also a good option because it helps you minimize per unit cost. 

For Example, if you want to order uniforms for 100 employees, screen printing is a good option. However, if you are running an instagram page or Tiktok shop where you sell personalized t-shirts, then Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is ideal. 

Design Type: DTG vs Screen Printing

If your design is complex, contains many colours, and other graphic details, DTG printing is the best option. Also, if you want different designs on all articles, choose DTG printing method.

Go for the screen printing method if you want dark and deep coloured graphics; and same prints on a large number of articles. This will be quite economical. 

Fabric: DTG vs Screen Printing

DTG printing method works best on 100% cotton. Screen printing can work on blended material as well.

Durability: DTG vs Screen Printing

If you are looking for water-based ink prints that are soft to feel, do not sit on the surface,  and are not that durable, go for the DTG printing method.

Choose a screen printing method for long laying results as it uses bold colours and graphics that sit on the surface of the fabric which don’t wear off that easily.

Economical: DTG vs Screen Printing

Choose DTG printing method for cost-effective small order placements. Go for screen printing near you if you want to place bulk orders with minimum cost per unit. 

Conclusion

If you’re still confused between DTG vs Screen Printing, which is best for your needs, East London Printer has got you covered. If you are a small business selling customized articles, go for the DTG printing method. If you are a large scale business/brand, who prints thousands of articles on a daily basis, choose screen printing near you. DTG is a better option for detailed complex designs. Screen printing is best for durable results. 

FAQ’s

Which printing method, DTG vs Screen Printing, should we choose for bulk orders?

Choose a screen printing method for bulk orders.

When can East London Printer deliver the order?

We offer same day t-shirt printing at East London Printer with fast turnaround. 

Which printing method is more durable?

Screen printing method is more durable than the DTG printing method.

What is the minimum MOQ at East London Printer?

There is no minimum MOQ at East London Printer. You can order as small as one article and as large as 500 articles.

Which method is best for complex designs?

DTG printing method is best for complex designs.