Screen printing vs DTG: which print method should you choose?
Screen printing is usually the best method for larger runs of the same design in a few colours, while DTG (direct-to-garment) is best for small runs and designs with many colours, gradients or photos. Transfer is the flexible choice for names and numbers, and embroidery gives a premium, hard-wearing logo.
Marmalade Co. offers screen printing, DTG, transfer, sublimation and embroidery, all from 10 pieces. This guide explains when each method fits best, so you know what to ask for.
| Screen printing | DTG | Transfer | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Larger runs of the same design | Small runs and detailed designs | Names, numbers and individual prints | Logos on polos, sweatshirts, hoodies and caps |
| Colours | A few solid colours, each printed separately | Many colours and gradients | Depends on the transfer type | A few colours, no gradients |
| Photos | Not suitable | Well suited | Possible with some transfer types | Not suitable |
| Durability | Very hard-wearing | Lasts well when washed as instructed | Lasts well when washed as instructed | Very hard-wearing |
| Feel | A strong layer of ink on the fabric | Soft, the ink soaks into the fabric | A thin layer on the fabric | Stitched in, with a clear texture |
What is the difference between screen printing and DTG?
Screen printing pushes ink through a screen, with one stencil per colour, while DTG prints the design digitally straight onto the fabric, much like an inkjet printer on paper.
Because screen printing needs a screen for every colour, there is more set-up, but once the screens are ready the printing itself is fast. DTG needs almost no set-up, but every T-shirt is printed one at a time. That is why quantity and colours usually decide which method is best.
When should you choose screen printing?
Choose screen printing when many people need the same design in a few colours, such as a logo for a company event, a club or a festival.
Screen printing gives strong, opaque colours that also stand out on dark T-shirts, and the print is very hard-wearing. The set-up is spread across every piece, so screen printing usually gets cheaper per piece as the run gets bigger.
Screen printing is not suited to photos or soft gradients, and every extra colour needs another screen.
When should you choose DTG?
Choose DTG when your design has many colours, gradients or photos, or when the run is small.
DTG reproduces detail and colour accurately, and the print feels soft because the ink soaks into the fabric. As there are no screens to make, extra colours rarely cost extra.
DTG usually gives the best result on cotton. Our Valueweight T is 100% cotton in most colours, and the Iconic 195 is made from combed ringspun cotton.
When do transfer and sublimation fit?
Transfer fits best for names, numbers and prints that change from shirt to shirt, such as team shirts or leavers' hoodies with names.
With transfer the design is first printed onto a sheet and then applied to the garment with heat. That makes the method flexible and well suited to special materials.
Sublimation dyes the fibres of polyester, so it is mainly used for polyester garments in light colours. For cotton T-shirts, screen printing, DTG or transfer is almost always the right choice.
When is embroidery the right choice?
Embroidery is the right choice when a logo should look premium and last a long time, for example on staff polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and caps.
Embroidery is stitched into the fabric and has a clear texture. It works best for logos with a few colours and no very fine details, and it looks best on heavier fabric.
Which method lasts longest?
Screen printing and embroidery are the most hard-wearing methods, but every method lasts well when the garment is washed as instructed.
Turn the garment inside out before washing and avoid ironing directly on the print, and the print will last longer.
How to choose a print method
- Choose screen printing for larger runs of the same design in a few colours.
- Choose DTG for small runs and designs with many colours or photos.
- Choose transfer for names, numbers and individual prints.
- Choose embroidery for logos on staff wear, polo shirts and caps.
- Not sure? We recommend the right method in your quote.
Frequently asked questions about screen printing and DTG
Is screen printing or DTG cheaper?
It depends on quantity and colours. Screen printing is usually cheaper for larger runs with few colours, while DTG is often cheaper for small runs and designs with many colours. You get the exact price in a personal quote.
Can photos be screen printed?
Not well. Screen printing is best for solid areas of colour. Photos and gradients are best printed with DTG.
Which method is best for names and numbers?
Transfer is best for names and numbers, because every piece can have its own print.
Do I need to choose the print method myself?
No. Tell us about your design and quantity and we will recommend the method in your quote. You get a free digital mock-up before we print.
How many pieces do I need to order?
We print and embroider from 10 pieces, whatever the method.
Get a quote with the right print method
Send us your design and quantity, and we will recommend the method and send a personal quote within 24 hours on weekdays, with a free digital mock-up.
Get a printing quote