Apparel Decoration: Screen Print vs DTG T-Shirts
You have finalized your logo and picked out the perfect blank t-shirts. The next major decision is figuring out how to actually get your design onto the fabric. The two dominant methods in the custom apparel industry are traditional Screen Printing and Direct to Garment (DTG) printing. Understanding the difference will save you money and ensure your design looks spectacular.
The Power of Screen Printing
Screen printing is the traditional, time-tested method of pushing thick, durable ink through a mesh stencil directly onto your shirt. It has been the industry standard for decades for a very good reason.
- Vibrant Colors: The ink used in screen printing is highly opaque, resulting in bright, bold colors that stand out perfectly on dark garments.
- High Volume Efficiency: This method is best for 24+ items and solid colors. Because a physical screen must be burned for every single color in your design, it is not cost-effective for tiny orders.
- Durability: A high-quality screen print will outlast the fabric of the shirt itself.
The Flexibility of Direct to Garment (DTG)
Direct to Garment printing works exactly like your office inkjet printer, but it is built for clothing. A specialized printer sprays water-based ink directly into the fibers of the shirt.
- Infinite Detail: DTG is best for under 24 items and full-color photos. If your logo has gradients, shadows, or millions of colors, DTG can handle it flawlessly.
- No Setup Costs: Because there are no physical screens to burn, you can order a single shirt without paying massive setup fees.
- The Feel: The ink soaks into the fabric rather than sitting on top, creating a very soft, breathable print.
The Raven32 Recommendation
Many local print shops only offer one method and will try to force your artwork to fit their machines. At Raven32, we do not have that limitation. We route your job to the right machine automatically to save you setup fees. If you have a massive order, we send it to our screen presses. If you need a complex colorful design for a small team, we run it through our DTG machines. Reach out to Raven32 to get your custom apparel started the smart way.