When it comes to printing your t-shirts, there are really only two options that are going to give you a professional result – screen printing or digital direct to garment printing. When it comes to picking which method is going to be best for you and your brand, there are a few factors you need to consider. This article will go through the pros and cons of both printing methods to help you work out what’s best for you.
SCREEN PRINTING
Screen printing is the method of applying ink directly onto t-shirts. Using a photo sensitive emulsion, a digital image is transferred onto a screen and the ink is then passed through the empty spaces in the emulsion to print onto the fabric.
Pros:
- Screen printing is king when it comes to durability, quality and colour
- This is the most cost effective option for larger runs (20 +)
- Inks are mixed by the printer to match the colour in the designs – there’s a huge range of colour possibilities
- Speciailty inks can be used such as puff (a little retro, but still possible), foils and glow in the dark
- The print can barely be felt on the garment (especially when using discharge and waterbased inks)
- Longevity and durability are key – the ink will often outlive the t-shirt
- This process is quick for longer runs – as you can print multiple shirts at once
Cons:
- Be prepared to be hit up with expensive set-up fees
- The process is expensive for short runs and virtually impossible for one offs (although you can find printers who will do a one-offs, it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg)
- Charges are based on a per colour basis so multi-coloured designs can become expensive
- If you’re planning on printing yourself, a decent set-up will set you back a minimum of $10,000 and a pretty big skill set is needed
DIRECT TO GARMENT PRINTING (DTG)
DTG is a relatively new technology that basically uses inkjet printers with specialty formulated inks to print directly from the computer to your t-shirt.
Pros:
- Cheap set-up fees
- This method is perfect for one offs or small runs
- Great for high-colour or photographic designs
- Prints straight from the computer, no need for separate screen set-ups
- The printer automatically matches the colours with those in the design – there won’t be any colour mistakes
Cons:
- The quality can be a little shady – especially with fine lines
- The ink tends to fade over time
- Designs can look very digitalised and pixelated up close
- Printing onto black requires a white underbase, and the colour doesn’t “pop” compared to screen printing ink
As you can see, there are plenty of good and bad things about both methods. Basically it all comes down to the needs of your brand. If you are planning on printing small runs of highly detailed images – then I would definitely be leaning towards DTG. However, nothing can beat screen printing and if you have the need for larger runs, you should definitely head down this path. Although digital printing has come a long way in a relatively short time, the technology is still far from perfect. Although I am a screen printer, and therefore a little bias, screen printing has been around for thousands of years and is hands down the king for quality and affordability for larger runs.
I hope this article helps clear up your mind a little and will help you make a decision!
Peace + Love
7 comments
Jun 6, 2011
Due to time and monetary constraints, it seems (sadly) that DTG printing for my initial prototyping phase is the way to go, do you have any suggestions/recommendations for a good one? Is there a smaller one (other than cafepress) I might want to look into? Do any of these do side printing, like having the design bleed front to back on the side of the shirt? Long shot I know but just asking, any help appreciated. Thanks!
Jun 6, 2011
Hey Abel,
The fulfilment sites such as CafePress and Zazzle work well for those who can afford to compromise on printing quality (for example, novelty tees, or merchandise that doesn’t rely on the quality of the print). The downside is the quality of the printing is usually pretty dodgy. If you don’t want to worry about the hassle of handling orders and storing stock – those are the real positives of using these sites. However, if you’re planning on selling t-shirts for a decent price and start a brand per say, I would really recommend steering clear of those sites. If it was me I would do a quick google search for printing shops that offer DTG printing in your local area and hit them up for a quote. The quality will be a whole lot better and you’ll have a lot more control over the product that goes out to your customers.
Hope that’s of assistance. If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at threadbusiness@gmail.com
Jul 24, 2011
This is an amazing website. Keep up the good work!!! This website is so helpful. You should definitely try some t-shirt reviews or interviews. I’m afraid you will run out of topics to talk about. But all of these are SO helpful. Thank you!
Jul 24, 2011
Thanks Andy. There’ll be a new section on the site soon featuring interviews with label owners, guest posts and reviews. Glad you’re enjoying the site.
Jul 27, 2011
I have used DTG a few times & I am not impressed on how it prints on Dark garments. The printer told me its soft ink and will come out nicer than plastisol, but when I got the tee it was no better than a thick plastisol print with base. DTG on light garments has proved to work well for short run projects. Of course this works best on white shirts.
I agree with Georgie that for higher volumes, screen printing is the best method.
Also, stay away from the design-it-yourself websites if you are looking to start a brand. Creativity is limited and they don’t know whats cool. You will be disappointed and stuck with inventory.
Jan 13, 2012
i run http://www.merchy.co.uk & find your points on DTG print Higly incorrect
Jan 14, 2012
That’s cool, I’m just writing from my own experiences. I would love to hear yours and why you disagree. By the way, your Original Crest sweatshirt is dope – have to get my hands on one of those bad boys!