DTG vs Screen Printing: Cost, Quality and When Each Wins
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Short answer: screen printing pushes thick ink through a stencil, one screen per color, so it is the cheapest and most durable option once you order about 24 or more of the same design. DTG (direct to garment) is an inkjet printer for shirts: no screens and unlimited colors, which suits one-offs and photos, but it costs more per shirt and looks best on 100% cotton. For short runs on any fabric, we usually recommend DTF instead.
Side-by-Side
| Screen printing | DTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | One screen per color ($20 each at our shop) | None |
| Best quantity | 24 and up | 1 to about 20 |
| Colors | Spot colors; full color via simulated process | Unlimited, including photos |
| Look and feel | Bold, opaque, vibrant; soft with water-based ink | Soft, ink sits in the fibers; less vivid on darks |
| Fabrics | Cotton, poly, blends (with the right ink) | Best on 100% cotton |
| Durability | Excellent, often outlasts the shirt | Good; fades faster than screen print |
Cost Example
Fifty shirts with a one-color logo: screen printing is $3.79 per print plus a $20 screen, so the decoration is about $4.19 a shirt. A full-color design on 50 shirts may be cheaper with simulated process or DTF. For fewer than 24 shirts, DTF avoids screen fees entirely. See how much screen printing costs.
Why We Lean on DTF for Short Runs
DTF gives DTG-like full color with no minimum, but it also works on polyester, blends, dark shirts and hats, and it prints a true white. Read DTF vs screen printing for short runs and DTF vs sublimation.
What Customers Say
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“Great to work with and awesome availability of products. I was able to get my exact same work shirts that I use but with my logo printed through Battle Born Clothing.”
David Avila · Google★★★★★
“Robert has done a great job getting all our new merchandise logo up and ready for sale. Good guy too. Highly recommend him.”
Mark Johnson · Google★★★★★
“High quality, good prices, great people. Thanks for the great products!”
Anthony F. · Verified PurchaseRead all 45 reviews (4.6 average across Google, Etsy and our store)
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Get the Right Method for Your Run
Tell us the garment, quantity and colors and attach your art. We will recommend the right method and send pricing and a mockup.
Logo files: .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg or a high-res .png. Prefer to talk it through? Call 775-230-0211 or email sales@battlebornclothing.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DTG or screen printing better?
Screen printing is better and cheaper for 24+ shirts with a few colors. DTG suits one-offs and photographic art on cotton.
Does DTG last as long as screen printing?
Usually not. Screen-printed ink is thicker and often outlasts the shirt; DTG prints fade sooner, especially on dark shirts.
What is the cheapest way to print 10 shirts?
DTF, because there are no screens to pay for and it works on any color shirt.
Ready to order? Request a quote or see pricing.