Choosing between screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing? Both produce great custom t-shirts, but they're built for different situations. Here's an honest breakdown from a shop that does both every day.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric. Each color in your design needs its own screen, so it's most cost-effective for larger orders (24+ pieces) with 1-6 colors. The ink sits on top of the fabric, creating bold, vibrant colors that last hundreds of washes.
Best for: Team uniforms, company merch, event shirts, bulk orders, simple bold designs.
What Is DTG Printing?
DTG works like an inkjet printer, it sprays water-based ink directly into the fabric fibers. There are no screens, no setup fees, and no color limits. The ink absorbs into the fabric for a soft, breathable finish.
Best for: Small orders (1-23 pieces), photo-quality designs, unlimited colors, samples, custom gifts.
Not sure which method to choose? Get a free quote or call (714) 766-4601
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Screen Printing | DTG Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best quantity | 24+ pieces | 1-23 pieces |
| Colors | 1-6 colors typical | Unlimited (full CMYK) |
| Setup fees | Yes (screen creation) | None |
| Feel | Slightly raised ink | Soft, breathable |
| Durability | Excellent (200+ washes) | Very good (50+ washes) |
| Best fabric | Any fabric | 100% cotton best |
| Turnaround | 5-7 days | 5-7 days |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose screen printing if: You're ordering 24+ pieces, your design has 1-6 solid colors, you want the most durable print possible, or you're printing on dark garments.
Choose DTG if: You need fewer than 24 pieces, your design has many colors or photo elements, you want a soft feel, or you're printing one-off custom pieces.
Not sure? That's what we're here for. Call or text us at (714) 766-4601, we'll recommend the best method for your project, budget, and timeline.
Both Methods Under One Roof
Some shops only own screen printing presses, so every job gets quoted as screen printing whether it fits or not. We run screen printing, DTG, DTF transfers and embroidery in the same building in Garden Grove, so we can tell you honestly which one gives you the best result for your budget, and switch methods mid-quote if it saves you money.
If your design has a lot of colors but you still need a bulk quantity, ask us about DTF transfers. It is a third option that sits between the two, and we break it down in screen printing vs DTG vs DTF.
Common Questions
Can you screen print a photograph? Not cleanly. Photographs need continuous tones and gradients, which is exactly what DTG and DTF handle well. If you love a photo design, plan on DTG for small runs or DTF for larger ones.
Will DTG work on a black shirt? Yes. A white underbase is printed first so the colors stay bright. It works best on 100% cotton, blends will look slightly softer and more faded, which some brands actually prefer.
Does screen printing feel stiff? It does not have to. Ask for a soft-hand plastisol and the ink lays much flatter and softer than a standard print, at no real added cost.
Which lasts longer? Screen printing, by a wide margin, when it is cured properly. DTG holds up well but fades gradually with washing since the ink lives in the fibers rather than on top of them.
Do you have a minimum? No. One shirt or one thousand, we will run it. Call or text (714) 766-4601.
Ready to Get Started?
No minimums. 5-7 day turnaround. Family-owned in Garden Grove, CA.
Written by Daniel & Leticia Campero
Owners of The Printing Needle, family-owned custom printing in Garden Grove, CA since day one.
