Is Screen Printing Better Than DTG? 

For designers and apparel companies, the right printing technique can be the difference between a successful or not-so-great collection. Many wonder, “Is screen printing better than DTG?” The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It is dependent on the complexity of your design, as well as the size of your order budget and your production objectives. Screen printing has been praised for its longevity, as well as its vibrancy and the cost-effectiveness of large batches. 

At Plum Industry, however, DTG printing (Direct-to-Garment) lets brands create full-color, extremely detailed designs, perfect for small runs and custom-designed clothing. However, deciding on the method to choose usually is a matter of understanding variables such as turnaround time, fabric compatibility, and production costs, as well as the cost of a full-color DTG printer. We at Plum Industry help companies through this process by guiding you to choose the best printing method for effectiveness, quality, and brand exposure.

Understanding Screen Printing vs. DTG Printing

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional printing technique used to transfer ink onto fabric through a mesh screen. A stencil (or “screen”) is created for each color in the design, and ink is pushed through the mesh onto the garment. It works best for bold designs with solid colors, and is highly durable for large production runs. Screen printing allows vibrant, long-lasting prints, but is less cost-effective for small or highly detailed designs.

What is DTG Printing?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is a modern method that prints designs directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology. It works best on cotton garments and allows for full-color, detailed, and custom designs. The process involves pre-treating, printing, and heat-curing to ensure long-lasting, high-quality prints.

Key Differences Between Screen Printing and DTG

• Setup time: Screen printing requires stencils; DTG is a digital process and is more efficient for small quantities.
• Colour Flexibility DTG allows unlimited gradients and colors: Screen printing is limited to one layer.
• Cost considerations: Screen printing is less expensive when ordering bulk quantities; DTG is perfect for small runs.
• Fabric compatibility: DTG works best on blends, and cotton screen printing is applied to a variety of fabrics.

Pros and Cons of Screen Printing vs. DTG Printing

How Much Is a DTG Printer?

At Plum Industry, our team handles every aspect of DTG printing professionally, so brands don’t need to worry about upfront equipment or maintenance costs, nor about technical knowledge. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

• Beginning-level DTG printers: $5,000 to $10,000
• Mid-range printers suitable for small businesses between $10,000 and $25,000
• Commercial printers with high-end features to produce large quantities: $25,000 – $100,000+

At Plum Industry, our team handles every aspect of DTG printing professionally, so brands don’t need to worry about upfront equipment or maintenance costs, nor about technical knowledge. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

Benefits of Choosing the Plum Industry

The partnership with Plum Industry will ensure that your clothing production is effective, high-quality, and custom-made to the needs of your company. This is why top brands and designers trust Plum Industry when deciding, screen printing is better than DTG and how much is a DTG printer costs, helping them choose the method that delivers superior results.

• Professionally trained guidance on printing methods: We assist you in determining which method of screen printing or DTG printing is best suited to your needs, design, size of batch, and budget.
• High-Tech Equipment: From sophisticated DTG printers to professional screen printing systems, we ensure accuracy and stunning outcomes.
• High-Quality Customization: Each garment is unique and comes with precise colors, sharp details, and durable prints.
• Cost Transparency: We give information on the cost of a DTG printer and the production costs, which will help you make informed choices.
• Rapid Turnaround: Streamlined workflows guarantee prompt delivery of small quantities or large-scale production.
• Sustainable Methods: Water-based inks and low waste make our processes ecologically responsible.
• A Trustworthy Partnership: From the initial consultation until the final delivery, we ensure an open and transparent communication system with committed assistance.

Choosing Plum Industry means gaining an expert partner who not only brings your designs to life perfectly but also helps you answer is screen printing is better than DTG, and how much a DTG printer costs, improving your brand’s quality, efficiency, and overall impact.

How the Plum Industry Can Help You Decide

Consultation & the Analysis

We evaluate your design, intended audience, and production objectives to recommend the most efficient printing techniques. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

Sampling & Prototype Production

Test prints let you check how your work appears on fabric before committing to full-scale production. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

Full-Scale Production

If you’re using screen printing or DTG, the same high-end quality, vibrant colors, and long-lasting results will apply to your entire collection. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

Real-Life Success Stories | Is Screen Printing Better Than DTG?

At Plum Industry, we’ve assisted a variety of companies in answering the question, Is screen printing better than DTG?, and How much is a DTG printer? By combining our expertise with the latest technology, including state-of-the-art DTG printers, we deliver results that exceed expectations.

• Startup Streetwear Brand: Leveraged DTG printing to create small, completely customized collections. The detailed graphics and vivid colors created each item as distinctive, allowing them to evaluate the market without huge costs upfront.
• A well-established apparel label: Use screen printing to print large orders while also incorporating DTG to create limited edition designs. This approach to hybridization optimized production time and cost, as well as quality.
• The Eco-conscious Boutique Brand: Depended on DTG printing using water-based inks to produce eco-friendly collections. The accuracy of our DTG printer helped ensure vibrant, durable designs while also reducing waste.
• The Emerging Designer Collection: Compare the two methods using the guidance of Plum Industry and find the optimal balance of speed, details, and budget to launch their collection.

These real-life examples show that selecting the best technique, whether screen printing, DTG, or a mix of both—can turn innovations into market-ready, top-quality clothing. Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Screen Printing

• The choice of a method is not based on the size of the batch or design complexity.
• In the absence of the fabric compatibility
• Printing samples before the mass production
• Overestimating the turnaround time or the cost per item
• The lack of consideration for the sustainability of our environment and its impact on it.

Conclusion

The decision of is screen printing is better than DTG, and how much a DTG printer depends on your company’s objectives, the design’s complexity, and the scale of production. When you partner with Plum Industry, you’ll receive professional guidance, top-quality equipment, and flawless execution regardless of the process. We turn your ideas into premium apparel that delights clients, meets deadlines, and aligns with sustainability goals. From established brands to startups, Plum Industry ensures every collection is a resounding success.

Our team blends technical expertise with creative insights to deliver results that enhance your brand’s image. Every stitch, every print, and every detail reflects our dedication to excellence and sustainable development.

Don’t Wait – Discover If Screen Printing or DTG Fits Your Needs

Are you ready to bring your ideas to life through professional printing? Is screen printing better than DTG, and how much is a DTG printer? Make contact with Plum Industry today and find out why we’re the most trusted option in screen printing as well as DTG printing. Request a quote, make samples, and start your next collection confidently.

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