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Screen Printing Showdown: How It Stacks Up Against DTG and DTF
Meta Description with a focus on transfer techniques.: Not sure how to print shirts? Learn if screen printing, DTG, or DTF is best for you. We compare cost, durability, and more, including the type of emulsion used!
Introduction
Picking the right way to print shirts can save time and money!
- People want to know:
- Which method is cheapest?
- Which lasts the longest?
- Which works on different fabrics?
- Quick answer:
- Screen printing = Best for big orders with high-quality plastisol ink.
- DTG = Best for photos on light shirts.
- DTF = Best for polyester or mixed fabrics.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing uses screens to put ink on shirts.
- How it works:
- A screen with a design holds ink.
- Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the shirt using a squeegee.
- Good things:
- Very strong (lasts 50+ washes).
- Cheap for big orders (like 100+ shirts).
- Bad things:
- Expensive setup ($100-$500) for the transfer process.
- Hard to do gradients (like sunsets).
- Best for: Big orders of cotton shirts with simple designs.
What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG)?
DTG prints like an office printer but on shirts!
- How it works:
- A printer sprays ink directly on the shirt.
- Good things:
- No setup cost ($0).
- Great for photos (like faces or art).
- Bad things:
- Costs more per shirt when using plastisol ink. ($8-$15 each).
- Not good on dark shirts (ink fades).
- Best for: Small orders (1-20 shirts) with detailed art.
What is Direct-to-Film (DTF)?
DTF uses sticky film and a press to add designs to shirts.
- How it works:
- Print design on film.
- Stick film to shirt with heat.
- Good things:
- Works on any fabric with a mesh screen. (cotton, polyester).
- Bright colors (no fading).
- Bad things:
- Feels stiff after washing.
- Moderate cost ($4-$8 per shirt) when using a squeegee method.
- Best for: Medium orders (20-100 shirts) on mixed fabrics using a transfer method.
Screen Printing vs DTG vs DTF: The Big Showdown
| Category | Screen Printing | DTG | DTF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for 50 shirts | $1.50-$3 each | $8-$15 each | $4-$8 each |
| Durability | 50+ washes (best) | 20-30 washes | 30-40 washes |
| Speed | 100 shirts/hour (fast for bulk) | 20 shirts/hour (slow) | 50 shirts/hour (medium) |
| Fabric | Cotton only | Pre-treated cotton | Any fabric! |
| Designs | Simple shapes, text, and emulsion techniques. | Photos, art | Bright colors, no fine details |
Key facts:
- Screen printing is cheapest for big orders.
- DTG is best for photos on light shirts.
- DTF works on polyester and cotton.
Real-Life Examples
Case Study 1: 500 Cotton Shirts for a School Event
- Winner: Screen printing.
- Why: Saved 80% vs. DTG.
Case Study 2: 10 Hoodies with a Sunset Design
- Winner: DTG.
- Why: Printed gradients perfectly.
Case Study 3: 50 Polyester Hats for a Soccer Team
- Winner: DTF.
- Why: Stuck to polyester better than screen printing.
Answers to Common Questions
1. Which method lasts the longest?
- Screen printing > DTF > DTG.
2. Can DTF replace screen printing?
- Yes, we can press designs onto various materials., for mixed fabrics or medium orders.
3. Is DTG eco-friendly?
- Yes, uses water-based inks (less waste) and plastisol for durability.
How to Choose: Simple Checklist
- How many shirts?
- Big order (>50) → Screen printing.
- Small order (<20) → DTG.
- Medium order (20-100) → DTF.
- What fabric?
- Cotton → Screen printing or DTG.
- Polyester → DTF.
- What design options do you supply?
- Simple → Screen printing.
- Complex → DTG or DTF.
Final Thoughts
Screen printing, DTG, and DTF all have pros and cons. Use this guide to pick the best one for your project!
Remember:
- Big cotton orders → Screen printing.
- Photo prints → DTG.
- Polyester/mixed fabrics → DTF.
