Custom Screen Printing vs Direct to Garment Printing

Two of the most common methods of printing Custom T Shirts, as well as other apparel, is screen printing and direct to garment printing. There are many debates that have raged over which process is better, so below we’ll discuss the differences between the 2 and let you make your own decisions.
Screen printing is the most common method having been perfected over 100 years ago. Best used for larger orders because of there being set-up fees. This method is also better for t shirt designs that don’t need a lot of detail and intricacy.  The set-up fees are needed because each color that is used in the printing process needs its own screen. The results are excellent with this process and usually look very professional, and the print itself is resilient and will last a long time.

Screen Printing Positives
•    High quality professional prints
•    Resilient colors
•    Very Durable Print
•    Cheaper price point
•    The choice for larger quantity orders

Screen Printing Negatives
•    Set-up fees
•    Minimum order of 6 pieces
•    Photos and highly detailed artwork do not print in great detail

Direct to Garment Printing is the newer of the 2 types of printing and can be used for Custom T-shirts and just about anything else.  There are no set-up fees with this type of printing and thus small orders or even a single Custom T-shirt can be printed using the process. You also have a much wider choice of colors with direct to garment printing and so can print even vivid photographs this way.  The time to print is a little bit longer but unless you have a rush order shouldn’t be a problem and the color white is difficult to get printed as most machines don’t do it.

Direct to Garment Printing Positives
•    Small orders or even printing 1 Custom T-shirt is possible
•    Full color spectrum is available
•    Great for detailed and full color artwork
•    T-Shirt Design printed is soft to the hand
•    No set-up fees

Direct to Garment Printing Negatives
•    There is no savings on larger quantity t shirt orders
•    The color white is difficult and usually not available
•    The time to print is slightly longer
•    Since using CMYK color matching it is hard to match colors accurately
•    Can only be printed on 100% cotton custom t-shirts for the best results

We hope that this was helpful.  At Ink Imprints we take every Custom T-shirt order very seriously and do our very best for every customer so that you are always completely satisfied with your new Custom T-shirts. See us online and let us show you how easy it can be to design your own Custom T-shirt today!