Screen Printing VS Direct To Garment
Garment Printing Methods Compared
There are many different methods of printing onto garments. At Merch Foundry we focus on mainly two methods. Direct To Garment (DTG) and Silkscreen printing Each has their advantages and disadvantages and in this post we will like to quickly address them so that you can get a good overview. DTG printing are generally used for 5 colours and above whilst screen printing are the best option for bulk orders as they have large volume discounts.
DTG Printing
- Requires no minimum order quantity (moq)
- Full colour and greater detailed prints
- Faster lead times at low quantities
- Softer ink feel
Silkscreen Printing
- Best for bulk orders
- Large volume discounts
- Long lasting ink that stays vibrant over time
What About Colour Reproduction?
It is important to note that colour accuracy depends on the type of printing method used and also the colour of the garment used. We are not able to guarantee 100% colour accuracy.
DTG / Digital Printing:
Colours are automatically matched after your submit your file by the printing machines’ software. All RGB files are automatically converted to the CMYK colour space. Be cautious when using bright neon and pastel RGB values in your print files as these will not appear. Examples are lime greens, hot pinks, and e.t.c.
Screen Printing:
Basic colours will be matched using pre-mixed inks. If you have a pantone requirement please specify it in your order. Pantone+ Solid Coated would be the range of pantone colours we work with. The same goes for specialty inks, aka metallic/neon/fluorescents
Materials may affect print colour reproduction
Different materials have different properties. More often, materials usually affect digital printing methods. A garment that is made out of a 100% cotton vs one that is a cotton/poly blend will turn out different. It will never be the same side by side. This is mainly caused by how white a material is, and also the absorption of ink. DTG is best used on 100% cotton garments. The lesser the content of cotton, the less opaque and vibrant your print would be
Max Print Size
Max print areas are defined on each product page when you are designing the product. For full bleed prints, always give a 3 cm bleed for important details.
Printable Areas
Most portions are printable unless they are near seams. If you require something very specific drop us an email and we will work things out.
How durable are DTG printed shirts compared to Screen printed shirts?
Based on our experience, they are mostly quite durable but the vibrancy of DTG shirts would definitely reduce over the first few washes, thereafter the print will stabilise.
For any enquiries, feel free to drop us an email at hello@mf.asia
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