In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Direct to Garment (DTG) printing and screen printing and compare the benefits. DTG Printing is a more durable and washable option than screen printing, but it’s more expensive and takes longer to produce. It’s easier to print items. Despite this, some people may ask, is DTG printing good quality?
Screen printing is more washable than DTG printing
When it comes to washability, screen printing wins hands down. Unlike DTG printing, which may fade after a couple of washing, screen prints last much longer. This makes them ideal for business and sports uniforms. Screen-printed shirts and hats are also more durable.
A key difference between screen-printed and DTG prints is the type of ink used. In screen printing, the ink is heat-treated, so it will remain washable after washing. In contrast, DTG printing uses water-based inks, which do not have the same opaqueness and vibrancy as Plastisol inks. As a result, even with a decent underbase, the final product will not be as bright and vivid as that of screen-printed designs.
Another difference between screen-printed and DTG printing is the color range. Screen-printed designs are typically limited to a limited palette of colors. DTG prints are available in unlimited colors and are ideal for testing your design in the market. In addition, DTG printing is faster and easier to produce. The downside is that DTG does not print on other materials like paper or fabric. The turnaround time for DTG printing is 15 days to three weeks.
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is more durable than DTG printing
If you’re interested in printing on fabrics, DTF printing is a better choice than DTG printing. This method is more durable, lasts longer, and is more versatile. For example, DTF printing can print multiple designs on a single sheet or roll. In addition, DTF printing is faster. Some printers can print 300 12″ x 12″ images per hour.
Another advantage of DTF printing is that it uses less ink, and there is no need for pre-treatment. However, DTG printing requires a lot of time and maintenance, including cleaning the printhead and capping station. In addition, DTG has a poor hand feel, while DTF feels plastic and soft.
It’s easier to print one-offs with DTG printing
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to print one-offs, DTG is a great choice. The process allows you to create one-off designs on demand without minimum order requirements. If you want your designs to be durable and long-lasting, you’ll want to print on 100% cotton. Cotton has a higher bonding strength than tri-blends or polyester, so you’ll get better print quality. It’s also important to choose a quality supplier for the fabric.
However, you should remember that DTG printing is not suitable for every shop, and you should be aware of your business model before purchasing a DTG machine. For example, if you plan to print small quantities of one-offs and have a small budget, a DTG printer may be worth a small investment, while for high-volume shops, it might be a bank-breaking headache. There are many different DTG printers on the market, and some are better than others.
It takes longer to print
The durability of DTG printing is dependent on several factors. These include the type of printer and its parameters, the fabric to be printed on, and the ink. It also depends on how well the print is cured and pretreated. If these factors are met, the print will last longer. However, it is important to remember that it will be less durable if the printed fabric is washed frequently or exposed to hot water or harsh detergents.
The good news for users is that DTG is compatible with a wider range of fabrics. While the number-one choice is still 100% cotton, newer systems claim to work well on most types of fabric. However, these technologies are still not widely used in the industry and have limitations. For example, they don’t work well on 50% cotton or polyester fabrics. Similarly, they don’t work well on moisture-wicking fabrics with many colors. Another issue with DTG printing is that the dyes can migrate from the fabric to the digital print, discoloring the finished product. In addition, fluorescent colors aren’t compatible with DTG printing.
It doesn’t require project preparation
DTG Printing is an excellent option for smaller print jobs and has a low set-up time. It is also perfect for one-off or limited-release designs because it requires little time investment and little labor expense. This procedure also yields excellent results and enables quick turnaround of smaller orders. People are consequently more prepared to pay for high-quality goods.
While DTG Printing is highly efficient and virtually mess-free, the process can be time-consuming.