DTG printing uses water-based inks applied directly from digital files and works well for high-detail designs that require multiple colors. It’s also ideal for print-on-demand services. Screen printing is time-consuming and requires significant effort to prepare, coat, expose, and register the screens for each color in a design. Because of this, it’s inefficient for smaller print runs.
Cost
The ink used for DTG printing is water-based and soaks into the fabric, creating a soft natural feel. This technology also allows for print on demand and no minimum order. It makes it an excellent option for businesses selling custom designs to customers. Typically, DTG t-shirt printing is less expensive than screen printing. However, it requires more set-up time and additional pre-treatment of the garment. The amount of ink and pre-treatment required depends on the fabric type. For example, light-colored cotton requires pre-treatment before printing to ensure the ink’s adherence. This process is similar to adding a primer before painting. Consider all the production-related expenditures while establishing your firm. It includes retail add-ons like branded hang tags and bags. Although these characteristics increase the price of your completed product, they are crucial for establishing brand credibility. They also make your products more appealing to potential customers.
Speed
A DTG printer can print full-color, high-detail designs faster than traditional screen printing. It can also replicate photographs realistically, making it ideal for personalization and customization. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for businesses specializing in custom apparel. With DTG, printing one-off shirts without spending much money is possible. It’s also an excellent option for new businesses or entrepreneurs, as they can test designs that might sell after committing to large print runs. DTG printing also reduces the costs associated with shipping products and allows for fast fulfillment. However, if you want to use DTG printing on tough fabrics, you must pre-treat the fabric before printing. This process is typically done with a spray included with the printer or sold separately. The pre-treatment is necessary to ensure the ink adheres to the fabric. It also helps protect the color from washing out.
Durability
The DTG printer prints directly onto the garment and absorbs the ink, which gives a soft, natural feel. It is highly durable and can withstand numerous washes without losing its vibrant color and crisp detail. The printing is also heat cured, which prevents the shirt from cracking or peeling. DTG printing is a good choice for smaller orders, as it is quick and efficient. It is not as time-consuming as screen printing, which requires the creation of stencils and screens. It also allows a high level of customization, which is perfect for t-shirt businesses that offer personalized products.
With DTG printing, a single t-shirt can be printed and delivered to a customer in less than 24 hours. It is a tremendous advantage for rush orders, such as a new design that customers want to try out or a replacement for an order that was accidentally missed by the printer. Gelato enables local production of DTG-printed t-shirts and other customized products through the world’s largest network for production on demand, enabling creators and e-commerce sellers to reach their customers faster while reducing waste, costs, and carbon emissions.
Versatility
DTG printing allows for a great deal of versatility in designs and images. It can print full-color, high-detail artwork that replicates photographs with incredible accuracy. On the other hand, screen printing can only do a limited amount of colors. It’s also more expensive than DTG printing, requiring a significant investment in screens and equipment. DTG printers are also more environmentally sustainable than screen printing because they use less ink and avoid overproduction, which reduces waste and energy consumption. In addition, the technology uses toner rather than liquid ink, which reduces clogs and maintenance costs. Additionally, DTG is much more flexible than screen printing because it doesn’t have a color count or minimum order. It makes it easy for businesses to fulfill single-product orders on demand from their online stores. It opens up a wealth of new e-commerce possibilities for printing companies. Some third-party printing services have zero order minimums for DTG products.