![silkscreen vs screen print silkscreen vs screen print](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Use-of-Silk-Screen-Technology-in-Printed-Circuit-Board-PCB.png)
Recently it's gotten better, which is why it's gained traction, but it's still not perfect. DTG has been around for a while but the technology was lacking. Otherwise, for bulk orders screen printing makes more sense, and ends up being far cheaper and more durable.I know there’s a lot of information online about these two production methods, but I at least found it initially a little confusing so decided to do a write-up in the hopes that it can ease the process for someone else in the community. Moreover, if your designs are close to the seams/go over seams or are photorealistic/highly detailed, DTG is the route to go. For samples, DTG is far more cost effective, quicker, and easier. Overall, I’d say DTG should be used for samples, and when the design calls for it. DTG needs to be thick for dark fabrics.ĭurability – screen printed designs tend to hold up far better than DTG in the long run (15 + washes), where DTG begins to fade at this point.
![silkscreen vs screen print silkscreen vs screen print](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVGR6y7FVhI/UEyyxnPB_JI/AAAAAAAAAB8/FOQY6d9wRf0/s1600/Heat_press_advantages.jpg)
Screen printing works far better when printing light colors on dark fabrics. Ideal for simple designs and bold graphic designs. Although the initial upfront fee (for screens and such) for screen printing may be more expensive, after about 10 pcs per item screen printing becomes the better price choice. Screen printing is far cheaper for bulk orders. What are the advantages of screen printing?ĭTG may seem like an obvious choice from the above, but screen printing has been the favorite for brands for so long for many reasons. Right now, our brand is working on pant designs that go over seams (crotch print, rear print going over back pockets) and every single shop we reached out to (20+) informed us that these designs would have to be printed using DTG. This is a key differentiating factor between the two. You do not need to vectorize your designs for the most part.ĭTG is not as limited in terms of print location. This is because screen printing requires the shop to set up the screens and the mesh, which can be problematic for smaller orders. A stencil applies each layer/color of ink at a time, and the ink is pulled across the stencil with a blade.ĭTG has a faster turnaround time – for us, we were most often quoted 2 week turnaround for our garments to be screen printer, whereas DTG was 2-3 business days.ĭTG does not require an upfront investment. The design is broken down into individual colors, by layer (photoshop). Screen printing instead used thick inks that layer on top of the blank canvas instead of soaking into the fabric. The ink is water based, and a single layer is absorbed in the fibers of the t-shirt. Because of this, for the most part, you do not need to vectorize your design for printing. It essentially works like a printer you have at home – transferring the digital image onto the blank canvas (your garment). It utilizes a digital printer to directly spray the ink into the fabric, and has gained popularity in recent years.