Choosing a print method for your custom clothing can seem daunting, and we are frequently asked about the differences between DTG printing and screen printing. If you are new to garment printing, it's best to keep an open mind and ask your printer which method is best for you based on your requirements, as there are several factors that go into choosing the best print method. But if you are interested in learning more about the differences between them, let’s dig a little deeper.

Is DTG printing or Screen Printing Better?

The simple answer is that neither option is generally 'better' than the other. When done correctly, both DTG and screen printing produce vibrant and durable results. However, one option may prove to be more suitable than the other depending on your requirements, such as order quantity, garment type, the number of colors in your design, and your budget.

What is the difference between the DTG and screen printing process?

Both screen printing and DTG printing are popular methods for applying designs to garments, but they achieve this in distinctly different ways.

Screen printing is a traditional method that uses stencils and ink. Each color in the design requires a separate stencil, which is used to push ink through a screen and onto the fabric, building up the design one layer at a time.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, on the other hand, is a digital method. It works similarly to a standard inkjet printer, though on a much larger scale, by directly spraying ink onto the garment. It applies the entire design all at once based on your digital file.

Which is cheaper – screen printing or DTG?

Both print options can be economical, as the choice ultimately depends on your order quantity and design.

For smaller orders (generally under 100 units), DTG printing is often the most cost-effective method because the price is not dependent on the number of colors in your design. This means that a one-color design costs the same per unit as a full photographic print. At SERAND MIDO, we have no minimum order quantity (MOQ) for DTG printing, making it perfect for small or sample orders.

If you are placing a large order with a simple design, screen printing will likely be more economical. However, each color in a screen-printed design requires a separate screen, which can significantly increase the cost for complex designs. Due to economies of scale, screen printing becomes very economical for large orders, as the initial screen cost is spread across the entire run. Additionally, screen printing inks are generally cheaper than DTG inks, further reducing the cost for bulk orders.

Is screen printing or DTG printing more versatile?

Versatility in print placement and available colors can be a deciding factor between DTG and screen printing.

DTG printing is excellent for complex, multi-colored prints. However, it is not suitable for metallic or neon inks. Screen printing, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of inks, including these unique colors, and allows for precise Pantone matching. This makes it ideal for branded merchandise that requires specific colors.

Some clients worry that DTG printing only works on light-colored garments. At SERAND MIDO, we address this by using a base coat on darker garments, which ensures that your prints stay vibrant and clear even on black t-shirts.

Does screen print or DTG printing produce larger prints?

Screen printing offers more versatile placement options, including on sleeves and inside necklines, in addition to the standard front and back. DTG printing, on the other hand, is generally only suitable for front and back prints. Additionally, neither method is suitable for printing across garment seams.

While both screen printing and DTG can accommodate print areas up to 40x50cm, sublimation printing may be a more suitable option if you require even larger prints or all-over, seam-to-seam coverage.

Which fabrics work best for screen printing and DTG printing?

Screen printing is a versatile option, suitable for a wide range of fabrics including cotton, polyester, bamboo, and spandex. It produces high-quality, durable results on all of them.

In contrast, DTG printing is primarily suitable for garments with a high cotton content. We recommend a minimum of 80% cotton for optimal results. However, some printers are now experimenting with DTG machinery capable of printing on polyester, which may expand the range of suitable fabrics in the near future.

With proper care, both DTG and screen prints can last for the lifetime of the garment.

Is Screen printing or DTG more sustainable?

At SERAND MIDO, both our screen printing and DTG inks are vegan-friendly.

For DTG printing, we use water-based inks that are free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and APEs. This makes them non-toxic and biodegradable. Furthermore, our DTG process is significantly less water-intensive than many traditional methods, with zero wastewater produced.

For screen printing, you can choose between water-based or plastisol inks. With our plastisol inks, we collect and reuse any excess, minimizing waste. It's important to note that many cheaper, solvent-based inks contain harmful compounds and endocrine disruptors like phthalates. Therefore, we are committed to using only 100% phthalate-free screen printing inks.

You can be confident that whether you choose screen printing or DTG with SERAND MIDO, your prints are produced to the highest achievable environmental standards.

Summary – which process should you choose?

Unless you have a specific finish in mind or are a print expert yourself, we recommend leaving the choice of print method to our expert team.

Ultimately, both DTG and screen printing are excellent methods for transferring your design onto a garment. Neither is inherently 'better'—they are simply suited to different circumstances.

If you place an order with us, our professional sales team will recommend the best printing method based on your requirements.

Still unsure which print method is right for you? Contact us today, and one of our dedicated account managers will be happy to assist.