Screen Printing vs DTG: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
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.
What Is Screen Printing?
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.
How Screen Printing Works
- Your artwork is separated into individual colors
- Each color is burned onto a separate mesh screen
- The garment is loaded onto the press
- Ink is pushed through each screen in sequence
- The garment passes through a conveyor dryer to cure the ink
Screen Printing Strengths
- Vibrant, opaque colors — especially on dark garments
- Incredible durability — properly cured prints last hundreds of washes
- Cost-effective at scale — the more you print, the cheaper per unit
- Special ink options — puff, glow-in-the-dark, metallic, discharge
- Pantone color matching — exact brand color reproduction
Screen Printing Limitations
- Setup costs (screens) make small runs expensive
- Each color adds cost
- Not ideal for photographic images with gradients
- Minimum orders typically start at 24 pieces
What Is DTG Printing?
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.
How DTG Works
- The garment is pre-treated with a bonding solution
- It is loaded onto the printer platen
- The design is printed directly from a digital file
- The garment is heat-pressed to cure the ink
DTG Strengths
- No color limitations — full-color prints with gradients, photos, and detail
- No setup fees — print one shirt or one hundred
- Great for small runs — economical even for single pieces
- Quick turnaround — no screens to prep
- Soft hand feel — water-based inks absorb into the fabric
DTG Limitations
- Slower production speed for large orders
- Best results on 100% cotton (ringspun preferred)
- Colors can be less vibrant on dark garments compared to screen printing
- Higher per-unit cost at larger quantities
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 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 |
When to Choose Screen Printing
Choose screen printing when:
- You are ordering 24 or more pieces
- Your design has 6 or fewer colors
- You want special effects like puff ink, metallic, or glow
- You need exact Pantone color matching for brand consistency
- You are printing on dark garments and need vibrant opacity
- Durability is critical — team uniforms, workwear, resale merch
When to Choose DTG
Choose DTG printing when:
- You need fewer than 24 pieces
- Your design has many colors, gradients, or photographic elements
- You want no minimum order — even a single shirt
- You need a fast turnaround without screen setup time
- You are printing on light-colored 100% cotton garments
- You are testing designs before committing to a large run
The French Press Custom Approach
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.
Not Sure Which to Pick?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine screen printing and DTG on the same order?
Yes. We often screen print the front (simple logo) and DTG the back (full-color design) on the same garment.
Which method is more eco-friendly?
DTG uses water-based inks with less waste. Screen printing uses more chemicals but plastisol inks are recyclable. Both have environmental trade-offs.
Does DTG work on polyester?
Standard DTG works best on cotton. For polyester, we recommend DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, which bonds to any fabric type.
How do I get started?
Contact French Press Custom at (562) 407-3800 or visit our quote page. We will walk you through your options and get you a free estimate within 24 hours.
