Screen printing uses a mesh screen, ink, and a rubber blade to create a stencil design. Then, the ink is pushed through the mesh and onto a garment. This technique allows for a wide range of colors and prints on a variety of surfaces and fabrics. The versatility of screen printing is ideal for merchants who want to print designs on different kinds of clothing and materials.

What kind of designs are best for screen printing? Generally, solid graphics without small details work well for the screen printing process. This is partially because making the stencils for more intricate designs can be very time-consuming. Also, since each color requires a separate screen, screen printing can be a more inefficient option than DTG.

Despite this, the quality of screen printed garments is unmatched. The ability to achieve truer, brighter colors with screen printing is a significant advantage over other printing methods. This makes it the method of choice for many high-quality fashion brands.

The main disadvantage of screen printing is that it’s more expensive for smaller orders. The setup costs associated with each individual screen prevent the process from being efficient for smaller quantities of shirts. This is especially true if you need to produce a large number of shirts with the same design. It is also difficult to make changes in design if you decide to go with screen printing, as you must create a new screen for each color change.

DTG offers the best value for small-order printing. Its outstanding color blending capabilities and precise blends of shades allow it to print a wider range of colors with minimal overlap. In addition, it can print on a wide variety of fabrics including cotton, cotton-blends, performance fabrics that wick away moisture, denim, canvas, and even fluorescent hues.

Its main drawback is that it does not produce the same level of durability as plastisol ink. It may be able to handle dozens of washes, but the colors can start to fade after about 30 washes.

Regardless of this, the DTG printing method is rapidly gaining popularity with consumers and businesses alike. There are several reasons for this, ranging from the fact that DTG can print photos with exceptional clarity and detail to its cost-effectiveness on small-orders.

DTG excels at reproducing complex gradients and intricate details, but it does not excel at reproducing Pantones. While some printing company in Minneapolis claim they can match Pantones, this usually only applies to those colors within the CMYK gamut. If you need to match a specific Pantone, screen printing is still your best bet. This is particularly important for apparel designers who want to ensure their prints will match their company’s branding guidelines.