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Choosing the right printing method can make or break your custom apparel project. At French Press Custom in Santa Fe Springs, CA, we run both screen printing presses and DTG printers daily — so we know exactly when each method shines.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Screen printing (also called silk screening) is the traditional method of pushing ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric. Each color requires a separate screen, and ink is applied one layer at a time.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing works like an inkjet printer for fabric. A digital file is printed directly onto the garment using water-based textile inks.
| Factor | Screen Printing | DTG | |--------|----------------|-----| | Best for | 24+ pieces, 1-6 colors | 1-23 pieces, unlimited colors | | Color count | Each color adds cost | Unlimited, same price | | Setup cost | $25-50 per screen | None | | Per-unit cost (50 pcs) | $8-15 | $18-28 | | Per-unit cost (500 pcs) | $4-8 | $15-22 | | Durability | Excellent (50+ washes) | Very good (40+ washes) | | Print feel | On top of fabric | Absorbed into fabric | | Best fabrics | Any fabric | 100% cotton preferred | | Turnaround | 7-10 business days | 3-5 business days |
Choose screen printing when:
Choose DTG printing when:
At FPC, we do not push one method over another. We recommend what is best for your project based on quantity, design complexity, fabric, and budget. Many of our clients use both methods — screen printing for their bulk orders and DTG for limited-edition drops or samples.
Send us your artwork and project details, and we will recommend the best method with a free quote. We have been helping brands, schools, bands, and businesses in the Los Angeles area make this decision since 2010.
Yes. We often screen print the front (simple logo) and DTG the back (full-color design) on the same garment.
DTG uses water-based inks with less waste. Screen printing uses more chemicals but plastisol inks are recyclable. Both have environmental trade-offs.
Standard DTG works best on cotton. For polyester, we recommend DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, which bonds to any fabric type.
Contact French Press Custom at (562) 758-5110 or visit our quote page. We will walk you through your options and get you a free estimate within 24 hours.
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