When Should I Use Screen Printing?

Choosing the right printing method for your project can depend on the fabric, design, and the desired look and feel of the finished product. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide between Screen Printing, Direct-to-Film (DTF) and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing.

Written by Print Your Cause

Updated 1 week ago

Screen Printing

How It Works: Screen printing involves printing your design onto a screen treated with special emulsion. Your artwork is burned into the emulsion, creating a stencil of the artwork. Ink is pushed through the stencil onto the garment.

Read more about our artwork requirements for screen printing here.

Best For:

High Print Quality: Screen printing produces high-quality, vibrant prints that are durable and resist fading.
High Volume Designs: Screen print orders must be done in bulk, so they are a cost effective option for high volume designs, for example, school events.

Considerations:

Charged Per Color: Unlike our print-on-demand decoration methods, screen print orders are charged per color, as well as per print location.
Must be Purchased in Bulk: Screen print orders can only be purchased in bulk. The minimum order for screen print orders is 24.
No Transparencies or Gradients: Screen printing is not ideal for designs with transparencies or gradients.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

How It Works: DTF involves printing your design onto a special film, which is then transferred to the garment using a heat press.

Read more about our artwork requirements for DTF printing here.

Best For:

Vibrant Colors: DTF printing produces brighter, more saturated colors compared to DTG.
Blended or Polyester Fabrics: DTF works well with blended fabrics and polyester garments, offering more versatility in fabric choices.

Considerations:

Heavier Feel: Large, solid designs printed with DTF may feel heavier on the garment.
No Transparencies or Opacities: DTF is not ideal for designs with transparencies or opacities.
Line Weight Minimums: Ensure your design has at least a one-point line weight throughout for the best results. For textured items or items that do not lay flat (like hats), use at least a two-point line weight throughout your design to ensure proper adhesion.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

How It Works: DTG printing sprays water-based ink directly onto the fabric, allowing the ink to soak into the garment's fibers.

Read more about our artwork requirements for DTG printing here.

Best For:

Cotton Fabrics: DTG works best on 100% cotton garments. However, some cotton blends are also suitable, depending on the fabric.
Fine Details: DTG does not have line weight minimums, making it ideal for intricate designs with fine details.
Softer Feel: DTG prints have a softer feel compared to DTF.

Considerations:

Faded Appearance on Dark Fabrics: DTG prints may appear less vibrant on dark garments and are generally better suited for white or light-colored fabrics.

Summary

Use Screen Printing for: High quality prints, bulk orders, and designs without transparencies or gradients.
Use DTF for: Vibrant colors, blended or polyester fabrics, and designs with at least a one-point line weight.
Use DTG for: Softer prints, intricate designs, designs with transparencies or opacities, and 100% cotton fabrics.

For more information, read more about our artwork requirements and common artwork mistakes.

If you’re still unsure which method is right for your project, feel free to reach out to your dedicated account manager for guidance!

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