Comparison Guide

Screen Printing vs DTG Printing — Which Is Right for You?

Screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing are the two most popular methods for custom apparel. Each has clear strengths depending on your order size, design complexity, budget, and timeline. This guide breaks down every difference so you can choose with confidence.

Quick Answer

Choose screen printing if you need 24+ shirts with a simple 1–4 color design — it is cheaper per unit and extremely durable. Choose DTG printing if you need fewer than 24 shirts, full-color photographic artwork, or a fast turnaround with no minimums.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureScreen PrintingDTG Printing
Cost per unit$4–$10 (at 50+ pieces)$10–$25 (any quantity)
Minimum order12–24 pieces typicalNo minimum — even 1 shirt
ColorsBest with 1–6 spot colorsUnlimited colors, full CMYK
Best forBulk orders, simple logos, uniformsSmall batches, photos, complex art
DurabilityExcellent — ink bonds into fabricVery good — similar to screen on cotton
Setup timeLonger — screens must be preparedMinimal — print directly from file
Turnaround5–10 business days1–5 business days
Fabric typesWorks on almost any fabricBest on 100% cotton or cotton-rich blends
Feel on fabricSlightly raised, smooth finishSoft hand feel, ink absorbs into fibers
Eco-friendlinessUses more water and chemicalsWater-based inks, less waste overall

When to Choose Screen Printing

  • You are ordering 24 or more pieces and want the lowest per-unit cost.
  • Your design uses 1–4 solid colors (logos, text, simple graphics).
  • You need prints on a variety of fabric types, including polyester and nylon.
  • Durability is critical — uniforms, workwear, and merchandise that must survive heavy washing.
  • You want specialty inks such as metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or puff ink finishes.

When to Choose DTG Printing

  • You need a small batch — even a single custom shirt — without paying setup fees.
  • Your design is full-color, photographic, or has complex gradients and shading.
  • You want a soft hand feel where the ink absorbs into the fabric instead of sitting on top.
  • Speed matters — DTG requires almost no setup time and can print same-day.
  • You are testing designs or running a print-on-demand business with many variations.

Can You Combine Both?

Absolutely. Many print shops offer both screen printing and DTG under one roof. A common strategy is to use screen printing for your core bulk order (e.g., 200 event shirts in one design) and DTG for limited-edition variants, individual name customization, or sample runs before committing to a full screen print production. Ask your printer about hybrid pricing — shops that handle both methods in-house often provide discounts when you bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is screen printing cheaper than DTG?
Yes, for large orders. Screen printing becomes significantly cheaper per unit once you order 24 or more pieces because the setup cost is spread across more shirts. For orders under 12 pieces, DTG is almost always more affordable since there are no screen setup fees.
Which lasts longer, screen printing or DTG?
Both methods produce durable prints when done correctly. Screen printing has a slight edge in longevity because the ink sits on top of the fabric in a thicker layer. DTG prints hold up very well on 100% cotton when properly pretreated and cured. Both can last 50+ washes with proper care.
Can DTG print white on dark shirts?
Yes. Modern DTG printers lay down a white ink underbase before printing colors on dark garments. This allows full-color prints on black, navy, and other dark fabrics. The white underbase adds a slight hand feel but ensures vibrant colors.
What is the minimum order for screen printing vs DTG?
Screen printing typically requires a minimum of 12–24 pieces because each color needs a separate screen to be created. DTG has no minimum order — you can print a single shirt economically. Some screen printers accept smaller runs but charge higher per-unit prices to cover setup.
Which is better for photos and complex designs?
DTG printing is the clear winner for photographic and highly detailed designs. It prints in full CMYK color with no limit on gradients, shading, or color count. Screen printing requires color separations and is limited to spot colors, making it impractical for photo-realistic artwork.

Ready to print?

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