Whether starting up a new T-shirt business or expanding an existing one, choosing the correct printing method can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of two popular approaches: DTG Shirt Printing vs. Vinyl Printing.
Both DTG and vinyl printing have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look at these factors so you can decide which is best for your business.
Cost
When designing and printing your custom shirts, you have a few options. One is DTG, which uses a printer to push ink into the fabric of the t-shirt, and the other is screen printing, which uses stencils to create a design.
Choosing the correct method is essential, depending on your budget and what kind of design you want to create. DTG can be an excellent option for small-batch orders of up to 30 t-shirts, while screen printing is better suited for larger orders.
Both methods are highly efficient and cost-effective, though their design and color options differ. The most important thing to remember is that each process will produce a unique and high-quality result.
DTG prints designs line by line, which is slower than vinyl printing. But if you can optimize your workspace, you can get up to 15 to 20 t-shirts per hour. Moreover, DTG can print multiple colors and photo-like images at the same time.
Quality
DTG printing near me is an excellent option for small-scale orders, t-shirts with complex designs and a vibrant color range. It is also more affordable than screen printing.
DTG printers use a digital print head to apply ink directly onto the fabric of your customizing shirt. This process is more environmentally friendly than screen printing, using less water.
Unlike screen printing, which applies one color at a time, DTG can print unlimited colors on a shirt. This makes it an excellent choice for full-color designs, though it may have a more faded look than screen printing.
DTG printing can also print more intricate details than screen printing, making it an excellent choice for photographers and artists. However, it can be expensive to invest in DTG printing equipment.
Time
If you want a t-shirt design printed on-demand for a customer, DTG is the way to go. It’s fast, affordable and requires little setup time.
It’s also the best choice for print-on-demand businesses, allowing them to quickly produce high-quality, personalized t-shirts without worrying about order minimums.
DTG is a fast process that can handle various designs and color palettes. This method is ideal for high-detail, high-color designs that are difficult to screen print.
It’s also an excellent option for printing t-shirts on various fabrics, including polyesters and natural fibers such as cotton. But it’s important to note that the material must be good quality (no more than 20% poly).
Flexibility
Choosing the correct printing method for your T-Shirt business can be confusing. Whether you’re a small shop or a prominent manufacturer, selecting the plan that best meets your needs is essential.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is an excellent option for one-off designs, especially with complex graphics and multiple colors. It’s also popular with small businesses since it allows for high-quality prints at a low cost.
Another advantage of DTG printing is that it is swift compared to screen printing. Depending on the machine, you can print 30 to 60 blank tees per hour.
Vinyl printing is a very durable way to print custom t-shirts, but it can be less flexible than DTG. It can be challenging to print shirts with bulky designs. In addition, the transfer film may separate in the wash or tumble dryer.
