Are you ready to start your own t-shirt line? Have you already begun thinking of all the designs you want to get imposed on your t-shirt? Before you do, did you decide on the method you’ll use to print your custom tees? In the t-shirt printing world, there are many different options available, each one with its advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most common printing methods for T-shirts are DTG and Screen Printing. Here is some information on both methods:

Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing :

DTG printing is the process of applying ink directly onto a t-shirt with inkjet techniques. This method is like printing on paper; a special printer is used to deposit the ink directly onto the garment to reproduce your design. The inks used in DTG printing are specialty water-based inks, which are easily absorbed by the fibers in the garment.

DTG printing allows printers to print higher detailed images and designs on clothing items because it is just as precise as your desktop printer. This also allows DTG printing to be the best option if you have multiple images or complex designs; there are endless options!

DTG is also more affordable than screen printing. Unlike Screen printing, there is no requirement to print a large quantity at once. Orders for DTG can be as little or as large as your company desires!

Screen Printing :

Screen printing describes the process of pushing ink through a mesh stencil called a screen onto fabric. In the stencil, your design is “cut out” creating small openings in the mesh where the ink will fall through to create the design only in these areas. Ink is deposited onto the screen and then pushed and pulled over the garment with a blade of a squeegee.

Unlike DTG, with Screen printing, only one color can be applied at a time. Because of this, screen printing is a good option for designs that have limited colors and are not greatly complex or detailed. Screen printing is a good choice for simple designs with one color and for large orders that are of the same design.

While the garment printing world can be a little confusing, here at Optamark we offer both services with experts in printing who can help assist in determining which method is best for your product!