Printing 101 · May 2025 · 6 min read

DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Right for Your Order?

Two great methods. Very different use cases. Here's the honest breakdown — when to use each, what drives the cost, and how to decide without guessing.

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Every week we get some version of this question: “Should I use DTG or screen printing?” The honest answer depends on quantity, design complexity, budget, and timeline.

What is DTG printing?

Direct-to-garment printing works like a high-precision inkjet on fabric — soft, breathable, full-color output with no screen setup. It's ideal for small runs, photo prints, and designs with gradients.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing presses ink through mesh screens — one per color. Setup adds fixed cost, but per-unit price drops sharply at volume. Bold colors on dark garments look especially crisp.

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	DTG No minimum	Screen Print From 12 pcs
Minimum order Basics	1 piece	12 pieces
Cost at 100+ pieces Basics	Higher per unit	Lower per unit
Color range Design	Unlimited (full color)	Up to 8 spot colors
Setup fee Basics	None	Per screen, per color
Photo / gradient designs Design	✓	—
Turnaround Speed	3–5 business days	5–7 business days
Vibrancy on dark shirts Quality	Good (white underbase)	Excellent
Long-term durability Quality	Good with proper care	Excellent

Decision guide

Fewer than 50 pieces

DTG — no minimum and no setup fees make it significantly cheaper at low quantities.

100+ pieces

Screen printing — per-unit cost drops well below DTG once setup amortizes across the run.

Gradients or photography

DTG — full-color output without separating into spot inks.

Test before committing

DTG — order one shirt, approve in hand, then scale up.

Maximum vibrancy on black

Screen printing — opaque inks produce a crisper result on dark backgrounds.

Simple logo, 1–3 colors

Either works — under 24 pieces DTG wins on cost; over 24, screen print wins.

FAQ

Quick answers

DTG is usually cheaper below ~24–50 pieces because there's no setup. Screen printing becomes more economical at volume as the setup cost spreads across the run.

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