April 22, 2025 • 12 mins
This episode unpacks the pros and cons of two major printing methods: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and screen printing. Featuring insights from real-world entrepreneurs like Mo and Mark, we cover aspects like durability, cost-efficiency, customization, and order scalability to help you make informed decisions for your apparel business.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alright, picture this (00:00):
you've got an amazing shirt design,
(00:03):
right?
And now you've gotta figure out how tobring it to life.
Are you goin' old-school with screenprinting or diving into the shiny
digital world of direct-to-garmentprinting?
It's like choosing between a flip phoneand the latest iPhone.
Both work, but ooh boy,are they different.
Let me stop you right there,
(00:25):
Mo.
That's not a bad analogy, but it's notjust about old-school versus new-school.
Screen printing has been around foreverfor a reason-it's reliable,
cost-effective for bulk orders,
and man, the durability is hard to beat.
We're talking a shirt that can last foryears without peeling or fading.
Yeah,
(00:48):
but the setup, Mark!
It's like building a garage before youcan even park your car.
I mean, all those screens, mixing colors,
cleaning up-True,the setup is a commitment.
Each color needs its own screen,
and that adds up fast if you've got adetailed design.
But when you're printing hundreds ofshirts,
(01:09):
the cost per unit drops so low,
you'd swear you're committing daylightrobbery.
Okay,
sure, if you're printing shirts for like,
the next Olympic team.
But what if I just need, I dunno,
ten shirts for a pop-up event orsomething?
That's where DTG swoops in like asuperhero.
No setup headaches, just load the printer,
hit go, and bam-done.
I'll give you that.
(01:32):
DTG is unbeatable for small,customized runs.
And the level of detail-oh, it's wild.
You want photorealistic designs?
Gradients?
Shadows?
It delivers like it ate its Wheaties thismorning.
Right?
And soft prints, too.
None of that heavy ink layering you getwith screen printing.
(01:54):
It's like it's part of the fabric itself.
Super fancy, if you ask me.
Except...
durability, Mo.
DTG prints, while impressive, don't lastas long after a few dozen washes.
And if the fabric isn't mostly cotton?
Forget about it.
Okay, valid,but don't you feel like DTG makes sense
these days?
(02:14):
I mean, people want custom designs,
small batches-And they want it fast,
I know.
But like we always say, there's noone-size-fits-all solution in this
business.
It really depends on what someone'slooking for.
Are you handling bulk jobs?
High detail?
What's your budget?
(02:34):
All those factors matter.
Ugh,don't remind me about the budget part;
running a business is just deciding whichbills to prioritize.
Anyway, let's break it down for thelisteners-talk first about what exactly
DTG is, and then circle back to whyscreen printing is still holding its
(02:55):
ground.
Sound good?
Yep, let's do a deep dive.
Alright,
so DTG-Direct-to-Garment printing-this iswhat we were talking about,
right?
No messy setups, no screens to dealwith-it's just upload your design,
hit print, and you're done.
It's sleek, efficient, and honestly,
perfect for those short runs or intricatedesigns.
(03:15):
How could you not love it?
I'll give DTG props for its simplicity,
but let's not get carried away,
Mo.
It's not a magic machine.
Sure, it's great for small runs or whenyou want fine details-stuff like
gradients, shadows, even photos-but wegotta address the durability elephant
(03:36):
in the room.
Ugh, okay, fine, let's talk about it.
I admit, those crisp prints don't exactlyhold up forever,
especially after, like, what?
Twenty washes?
It depends.
If you're using high-quality inks andmostly cotton fabrics,
you can stretch the lifespan a bit.
We exclusively use Brother inks which areCPSIA rated and they are rated
(04:00):
at a minimum of 50 washes, but put thatsame print on polyester blends?
You might start seeing cracks faster thanyou'd like.
Yeah,
yeah, so it's not perfect.
But man,nothing beats the detail it pulls off.
I mean, have you seen a DTG print on ablack shirt?
The colors just pop,like they're about to leap off the fabric.
(04:20):
It's kinda mesmerizing.
True, and technically,
there's no limit on the number of colorsin one design.
You could have a full rainbow on thatshirt without worrying about all
the setup costs that come with screenprinting.
Exactly!
And let's not forget how easy it makesone-off orders.
(04:41):
Like, if someone wants a shirt with theirdog's face or a meme-Or that
one friend who always wants their name inComic Sans.
Yeah, DTG definitely shines for thoseone-and-done kind of jobs.
Plus,the turnaround time is a game changer.
No waiting on screen setup.
It's print-and-go.
Right?
(05:01):
I feel like it's tailor-made for thisinstant-gratification world we
live in.
People want custom and they want it now.
But,
uh, if you're on a tight budget or needcrazy durability,
well, maybe hold that thought...Exactly.
DTG is a tool and there are many toolsused for a specific job.
DTG's strengths are undeniable,
(05:25):
but it's not the go-to for everything.
I'd say, know your needs first,
then decide if the flexibility of smallbatches beats out the durability
concerns.
Mmhmm.
Alright, let's leave it there fornow-we'll get into why folks still
love screen printing next.
Stay tuned for the heavyweights.
Alright,
(05:45):
Mark, since we've covered DTG and itsinstant-gratification appeal,
let's bring out the big guns-screenprinting.
The OG of printing methods,the one that's been around since,
what, the caveman days or something?
Well,
not quite that old, but close.
It's been a staple for decades because itjust works.
(06:06):
Unmatched durability, vibrant colors,
and it's ridiculously efficient for largeorders.
We're talking about a method that's builtto last,
Mo.
Yeah, yeah, but you gotta admit,
the setup is a real pain.
I mean, who wants to deal with making ascreen for every single color?
Sounds like arts and crafts gone wrong.
Alright,
(06:29):
I won't lie-setup can be a beast.
Each color needs its own screen,
and if you've got a design with,
like, five colors?
Well, buckle up.
But that's why it's perfect for,
say, a 500-shirt order.
Once you're set up, it's smooth sailing,
with killer cost efficiency per unit.
Okay,
(06:50):
I'll give you that.
The bulk game is strong with screenprinting.
You print a hundred shirts,your wallet barely feels it.
But honestly, who has time for that kindof upfront hassle these days?
Businesses
that value durability, Mo.
Screen printing produces designs thatstick around.
(07:12):
I've seen shirts from years ago stillholding up with minimal fade.
You just don't get that longevity fromother methods.
Alright,
I hear you.
And those colors-those Pantone matches?
Don't get me started.
You print something bold, and it lookslike it could walk off the shirt.
The vibrancy is unreal.
Exactly.
(07:32):
The inks used in screen printing arethicker,
more opaque.
That's why you get those bold designs,
whether it's a bright red on a blackshirt or just solid whites.
And specialty inks?
Metallic,glow-in-the-dark-they shine here too.
But let's talk about the
(07:53):
details.
Screen printing isn't exactly ideal forintricate stuff,
is it?
I mean, fine lines, gradients,
photorealistic anything-it's a no-go,
right?
Unfortunately, yeah.
it can hold some detail but,if your design's got a lot of detail or
subtle transitions,screen printing struggles there.
(08:16):
You can't beat digital or DTG for thatkind of complexity.
But for bold logos or clean,solid patterns?
It's the top dog for a reason.
Fair enough.
And hey,let's not forget the screen sizes.
If your design goes beyond, like,
standard print areas?
Well, that's another headache,
huh?
It can be limiting, yeah.
(08:37):
But most designs fit within thoseconstraints,
so for the right applications-like simplebut bold designs in large
quantities-screen
printing still reigns supreme.
Alright,
fine, I guess it's earned its stripes.
I'll admit,for bulk shirts that need to last,
it's a solid choice.
(08:58):
But if I'm being honest, I kinda missjobs where I don't have to think
about things like screen setups.
Understandable.
It's all about knowing your needs andweighing pros versus cons-durability,
cost-effectiveness for bulk,versus setup and design limitations.
And
there you have it, folks.
That's screen printing-tried and true,
(09:19):
but maybe not for every job.
It's why we have both methods in ourarsenal.
Alright,
so we've talked about how screen printingholds its own for bulk and
bold designs,but here's the million-dollar question,
Mark-when should someone pick DTG overscreen printing?
Let's break it down for our listeners.
Right,
so DTG is your go-to when you're aimingfor detailed,
(09:44):
photorealistic designs,or if you're working with small,
personalized batches.
It's flexible and quick to set up-noscreens,
no hassle.
And don't forget its eco-friendly edge.
Water-based inks and print-on-demand?
It's a favorite for brands trying to gogreen.
Plus, the soft finish is a winner,
(10:05):
hands down.
True, but then you've got screen printing,
which dominates when you're dealing withbulk orders.
Corporate merch for a big event?
Screen printing's cost per unit blows DTGoutta the water.
Yeah,
yeah, and the durability too.
I mean,those prints can outlast a bad haircut.
But here's the thing-Here comes the"but."Hang on,
(10:28):
let me finish.
The setup cost!
It's like you're paying for a gymmembership,
but you only wanted one workout.
That's where it stings for smallerorders.
Fair point,
Mo.
Screen printing does need higher upfrontwork,
but once you're rolling,those prints are as dependable as...
well, let's just say they'll outlasttrends like,
(10:48):
uh, neon fanny packs.
Oof, tossin' shade at the fanny packs now.
But it's true-if you're running a bigoperation and durability's non-negotiable,
screen printing is your champ.
Still, it's not one-size-fits-all.
Exactly.
It ultimately comes down to your needs.
Ask yourself (11:09):
are you printing unique,
one-off designs?
Go DTG.
Need a thousand shirts for a fundraiser?
Screen printing is where it's at.
Right,
and let's not forget other factors-budget,
shelf-life of prints,even your brand's identity.
(11:29):
Like,are you going for that boutique feel,
or are you a powerhouse pumping out bulkorders?
Yep,
and here's the reality, Mo-our businesseshave seen shifts in demand
for both techniques.
Smaller, custom orders are trending withall this personalization hype,
(11:50):
but big brands still rely on theefficiency of screen printing.
Absolutely.
Honestly, this ain't about picking sides;it's about knowing what works
for your situation.
But hey, if you're still on the fence,
guess who's ready to help?
That'd be us.
At Contract DTG, we've got both DTG andscreen printing locked down to
(12:13):
meet whatever your project demands.
Yep,
go check out contract-dtg.
com-whether you're team DTG or rockin'screen
printing, we've got the tools to makeyour vision pop.
Seriously, don't overthink it-just getstarted and let us help you decide.
And
on that note, Mo,this has been another great chat.
Always is,
(12:33):
Mark.
Alright, folks,that's all we've got for today.
Thanks for hangin' with us on Talkin'Shirt,
and we'll catch you next time.
you've got an amazing shirt design,
(00:03):
right?
And now you've gotta figure out how tobring it to life.
Are you goin' old-school with screenprinting or diving into the shiny
digital world of direct-to-garmentprinting?
It's like choosing between a flip phoneand the latest iPhone.
Both work, but ooh boy,are they different.
Let me stop you right there,
(00:25):
Mo.
That's not a bad analogy, but it's notjust about old-school versus new-school.
Screen printing has been around foreverfor a reason-it's reliable,
cost-effective for bulk orders,
and man, the durability is hard to beat.
We're talking a shirt that can last foryears without peeling or fading.
Yeah,
(00:48):
but the setup, Mark!
It's like building a garage before youcan even park your car.
I mean, all those screens, mixing colors,
cleaning up-True,the setup is a commitment.
Each color needs its own screen,
and that adds up fast if you've got adetailed design.
But when you're printing hundreds ofshirts,
(01:09):
the cost per unit drops so low,
you'd swear you're committing daylightrobbery.
Okay,
sure, if you're printing shirts for like,
the next Olympic team.
But what if I just need, I dunno,
ten shirts for a pop-up event orsomething?
That's where DTG swoops in like asuperhero.
No setup headaches, just load the printer,
hit go, and bam-done.
I'll give you that.
(01:32):
DTG is unbeatable for small,customized runs.
And the level of detail-oh, it's wild.
You want photorealistic designs?
Gradients?
Shadows?
It delivers like it ate its Wheaties thismorning.
Right?
And soft prints, too.
None of that heavy ink layering you getwith screen printing.
(01:54):
It's like it's part of the fabric itself.
Super fancy, if you ask me.
Except...
durability, Mo.
DTG prints, while impressive, don't lastas long after a few dozen washes.
And if the fabric isn't mostly cotton?
Forget about it.
Okay, valid,but don't you feel like DTG makes sense
these days?
(02:14):
I mean, people want custom designs,
small batches-And they want it fast,
I know.
But like we always say, there's noone-size-fits-all solution in this
business.
It really depends on what someone'slooking for.
Are you handling bulk jobs?
High detail?
What's your budget?
(02:34):
All those factors matter.
Ugh,don't remind me about the budget part;
running a business is just deciding whichbills to prioritize.
Anyway, let's break it down for thelisteners-talk first about what exactly
DTG is, and then circle back to whyscreen printing is still holding its
(02:55):
ground.
Sound good?
Yep, let's do a deep dive.
Alright,
so DTG-Direct-to-Garment printing-this iswhat we were talking about,
right?
No messy setups, no screens to dealwith-it's just upload your design,
hit print, and you're done.
It's sleek, efficient, and honestly,
perfect for those short runs or intricatedesigns.
(03:15):
How could you not love it?
I'll give DTG props for its simplicity,
but let's not get carried away,
Mo.
It's not a magic machine.
Sure, it's great for small runs or whenyou want fine details-stuff like
gradients, shadows, even photos-but wegotta address the durability elephant
(03:36):
in the room.
Ugh, okay, fine, let's talk about it.
I admit, those crisp prints don't exactlyhold up forever,
especially after, like, what?
Twenty washes?
It depends.
If you're using high-quality inks andmostly cotton fabrics,
you can stretch the lifespan a bit.
We exclusively use Brother inks which areCPSIA rated and they are rated
(04:00):
at a minimum of 50 washes, but put thatsame print on polyester blends?
You might start seeing cracks faster thanyou'd like.
Yeah,
yeah, so it's not perfect.
But man,nothing beats the detail it pulls off.
I mean, have you seen a DTG print on ablack shirt?
The colors just pop,like they're about to leap off the fabric.
(04:20):
It's kinda mesmerizing.
True, and technically,
there's no limit on the number of colorsin one design.
You could have a full rainbow on thatshirt without worrying about all
the setup costs that come with screenprinting.
Exactly!
And let's not forget how easy it makesone-off orders.
(04:41):
Like, if someone wants a shirt with theirdog's face or a meme-Or that
one friend who always wants their name inComic Sans.
Yeah, DTG definitely shines for thoseone-and-done kind of jobs.
Plus,the turnaround time is a game changer.
No waiting on screen setup.
It's print-and-go.
Right?
(05:01):
I feel like it's tailor-made for thisinstant-gratification world we
live in.
People want custom and they want it now.
But,
uh, if you're on a tight budget or needcrazy durability,
well, maybe hold that thought...Exactly.
DTG is a tool and there are many toolsused for a specific job.
DTG's strengths are undeniable,
(05:25):
but it's not the go-to for everything.
I'd say, know your needs first,
then decide if the flexibility of smallbatches beats out the durability
concerns.
Mmhmm.
Alright, let's leave it there fornow-we'll get into why folks still
love screen printing next.
Stay tuned for the heavyweights.
Alright,
(05:45):
Mark, since we've covered DTG and itsinstant-gratification appeal,
let's bring out the big guns-screenprinting.
The OG of printing methods,the one that's been around since,
what, the caveman days or something?
Well,
not quite that old, but close.
It's been a staple for decades because itjust works.
(06:06):
Unmatched durability, vibrant colors,
and it's ridiculously efficient for largeorders.
We're talking about a method that's builtto last,
Mo.
Yeah, yeah, but you gotta admit,
the setup is a real pain.
I mean, who wants to deal with making ascreen for every single color?
Sounds like arts and crafts gone wrong.
Alright,
(06:29):
I won't lie-setup can be a beast.
Each color needs its own screen,
and if you've got a design with,
like, five colors?
Well, buckle up.
But that's why it's perfect for,
say, a 500-shirt order.
Once you're set up, it's smooth sailing,
with killer cost efficiency per unit.
Okay,
(06:50):
I'll give you that.
The bulk game is strong with screenprinting.
You print a hundred shirts,your wallet barely feels it.
But honestly, who has time for that kindof upfront hassle these days?
Businesses
that value durability, Mo.
Screen printing produces designs thatstick around.
(07:12):
I've seen shirts from years ago stillholding up with minimal fade.
You just don't get that longevity fromother methods.
Alright,
I hear you.
And those colors-those Pantone matches?
Don't get me started.
You print something bold, and it lookslike it could walk off the shirt.
The vibrancy is unreal.
Exactly.
(07:32):
The inks used in screen printing arethicker,
more opaque.
That's why you get those bold designs,
whether it's a bright red on a blackshirt or just solid whites.
And specialty inks?
Metallic,glow-in-the-dark-they shine here too.
But let's talk about the
(07:53):
details.
Screen printing isn't exactly ideal forintricate stuff,
is it?
I mean, fine lines, gradients,
photorealistic anything-it's a no-go,
right?
Unfortunately, yeah.
it can hold some detail but,if your design's got a lot of detail or
subtle transitions,screen printing struggles there.
(08:16):
You can't beat digital or DTG for thatkind of complexity.
But for bold logos or clean,solid patterns?
It's the top dog for a reason.
Fair enough.
And hey,let's not forget the screen sizes.
If your design goes beyond, like,
standard print areas?
Well, that's another headache,
huh?
It can be limiting, yeah.
(08:37):
But most designs fit within thoseconstraints,
so for the right applications-like simplebut bold designs in large
quantities-screen
printing still reigns supreme.
Alright,
fine, I guess it's earned its stripes.
I'll admit,for bulk shirts that need to last,
it's a solid choice.
(08:58):
But if I'm being honest, I kinda missjobs where I don't have to think
about things like screen setups.
Understandable.
It's all about knowing your needs andweighing pros versus cons-durability,
cost-effectiveness for bulk,versus setup and design limitations.
And
there you have it, folks.
That's screen printing-tried and true,
(09:19):
but maybe not for every job.
It's why we have both methods in ourarsenal.
Alright,
so we've talked about how screen printingholds its own for bulk and
bold designs,but here's the million-dollar question,
Mark-when should someone pick DTG overscreen printing?
Let's break it down for our listeners.
Right,
so DTG is your go-to when you're aimingfor detailed,
(09:44):
photorealistic designs,or if you're working with small,
personalized batches.
It's flexible and quick to set up-noscreens,
no hassle.
And don't forget its eco-friendly edge.
Water-based inks and print-on-demand?
It's a favorite for brands trying to gogreen.
Plus, the soft finish is a winner,
(10:05):
hands down.
True, but then you've got screen printing,
which dominates when you're dealing withbulk orders.
Corporate merch for a big event?
Screen printing's cost per unit blows DTGoutta the water.
Yeah,
yeah, and the durability too.
I mean,those prints can outlast a bad haircut.
But here's the thing-Here comes the"but."Hang on,
(10:28):
let me finish.
The setup cost!
It's like you're paying for a gymmembership,
but you only wanted one workout.
That's where it stings for smallerorders.
Fair point,
Mo.
Screen printing does need higher upfrontwork,
but once you're rolling,those prints are as dependable as...
well, let's just say they'll outlasttrends like,
(10:48):
uh, neon fanny packs.
Oof, tossin' shade at the fanny packs now.
But it's true-if you're running a bigoperation and durability's non-negotiable,
screen printing is your champ.
Still, it's not one-size-fits-all.
Exactly.
It ultimately comes down to your needs.
Ask yourself (11:09):
are you printing unique,
one-off designs?
Go DTG.
Need a thousand shirts for a fundraiser?
Screen printing is where it's at.
Right,
and let's not forget other factors-budget,
shelf-life of prints,even your brand's identity.
(11:29):
Like,are you going for that boutique feel,
or are you a powerhouse pumping out bulkorders?
Yep,
and here's the reality, Mo-our businesseshave seen shifts in demand
for both techniques.
Smaller, custom orders are trending withall this personalization hype,
(11:50):
but big brands still rely on theefficiency of screen printing.
Absolutely.
Honestly, this ain't about picking sides;it's about knowing what works
for your situation.
But hey, if you're still on the fence,
guess who's ready to help?
That'd be us.
At Contract DTG, we've got both DTG andscreen printing locked down to
(12:13):
meet whatever your project demands.
Yep,
go check out contract-dtg.
com-whether you're team DTG or rockin'screen
printing, we've got the tools to makeyour vision pop.
Seriously, don't overthink it-just getstarted and let us help you decide.
And
on that note, Mo,this has been another great chat.
Always is,
(12:33):
Mark.
Alright, folks,that's all we've got for today.
Thanks for hangin' with us on Talkin'Shirt,
and we'll catch you next time.
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