DTG Printing vs Screen Printing — Which One Fits Your Business?

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 6, 2025

9 minutes read

12 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on Nov. 05, 2025

Table of Contents

DTG Printing vs Screen Printing — Which One Fits Your Business?
The Market Shift: Why the Screen-and-Print Industry Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Anymore
DTG versus Screen Printing: Two Printing Worlds, Two Mindsets
The DTG Entrepreneur Mindset
The Screen-Print Manufacturer Mindset
Match Your Printing Tech to What Your Customers Want
The Creative Freedom Test
What DTG Printing Lets Artists Do That Screen Printing Can’t
What Screen Printing Brings to the Table That DTG Can’t Replicate Yet
The Operational Reality Check — The Part Most Businesses Overlook
What It’s Like Running a DTG Printer
What Goes On Behind the Scenes with Screen Printing
The Money Question: Which One Actually Makes You More Profit?
How DTG Printing Brings in Profit
How Screen Printing Brings in Profit
Technology Forecast — What the Next 5 Years Mean for Your Choice
DTG is Growing Up—And Quick
Screen Printing’s Not Going Anywhere
What’s Next: Not a Battle, But a Blend
Decision Map — 10-Point Checklist to Know Your Best Fit
1. Your Budget
2. What Kind of Orders?
3. Who’s Buying?
4. Print Style
5. Your Workspace
6. Who’s Running the Show?
7. Speed
8. Design Variety
9. Long-Term Plans
10. Maintenance
Conclusion — Your Printing Technology Should Match Your Vision, Not the Other Way Around

Title

The world of printing is changing fast, and honestly, it’s not about one method beating the other. The real shift is in what people want.

Now, customers expect quick drops, custom designs, limited runs, and those tiny batches that can blow up overnight. Fast fashion, print-on-demand shops, YouTuber merch, and all these micro-brands have totally redefined what “flexible” means for making clothes.

Because of that, companies have to rethink if their trusty old screen printing machines can really keep up with wild order swings, last-minute design swaps, and all this low-volume customization. Sure, screen printing still rules when you need huge quantities, but let’s be real—it just can’t match the speed and creative freedom that everyone’s after these days.

Meanwhile, DTG printing is reaching new heights. New direct to garment printers are smaller, smarter, and way more efficient than before. With DTG printer, you can print one shirt or a hundred without wasting time on setup. That’s a game-changer for creators, indie brands, and any business that needs to react fast. Stuff that used to take hours fiddling with screens now happens with a single click.

Trends move at lightning speed, and everyone’s used to getting what they want, right now. So, the question isn’t really “Which tech is better?” It’s about which one actually fits how your business runs today—and how you want to grow tomorrow.

DTG versus Screen Printing: Two Printing Worlds, Two Mindsets

When you look at apparel production, the real difference between DTG printing versus screen printing isn’t just about the machines—it’s about how people think.

Each approach attracts its own kind of business owner, each with a different creative vibe and a unique vision for growth. If you understand these mindsets, it gets a lot easier to figure out which one fits your brand’s future.

The DTG Entrepreneur Mindset

DTG people live in the digital world. They move fast, stay flexible, and aren’t afraid to experiment. If you’re the type who loves turning ideas into products right away, this is your lane.

You’ll find DTG brands everywhere—home studios, Etsy shops, indie clothing labels. They use direct to garment printers to catch trends as they happen and launch fresh designs on the fly. No screens to burn, no setup headaches, no minimum orders.

With just one DTG printer—a digital garment printer designed for flexibility—you can roll out micro-collections, try new styles, make custom merch, and handle single orders without wasting materials or time. It fits perfectly with how people shop now—everyone wants shirts with their name, custom art, pet portraits, whatever makes it feel personal.

DTG printing gives you something you can’t buy: the power to react instantly. If a new trend pops up overnight, you can print it, post it, and start selling before most people have had coffee.

It’s all about speed, creativity, and having the freedom to do your thing.

Direct to Transfer Film Ink —— Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black + White Ink)

The Screen-Print Manufacturer Mindset

Then you’ve got the screen-print crowd. They care about craft, consistency, and cranking out big orders with precision.

Screen printers think in bulk—big runs, big orders, repeatable systems. Their shops are filled with people who geek out over mesh counts, ink chemistry, curing temps, and getting every print just right, even when they’re making thousands.

The screen printing press is the engine of their workflow, built to handle massive jobs with colors that last and prints that look sharp, wash after wash. For these businesses, it’s not about chasing the latest trend—it’s about reliable output, steady growth, and keeping margins tight.

Screen printers shine in places where you need the same thing, over and over: uniforms, team jerseys, event swag, big brand orders. They depend on steady demand and high-volume runs to get the most out of every print.

This mindset is all about structure, process, and serious production power.

Match Your Printing Tech to What Your Customers Want

Don’t pick your printing method just because it’s popular or because everyone else is doing it. Go with what your customers want from you. The way people shop for apparel now—fast, personal, always changing—should shape whether you invest in DTG printing or stick with screen printing.

If your crowd loves custom stuff, limited releases, or one-off designs, a DTG printer is a game changer. With a direct to garment printer, you can handle small orders without extra costs or hassle.

Somebody wants a single birthday tee? No problem. An influencer asks for a tiny run of a special design? You can do it, no sweat, and still make money. That kind of flexibility is exactly what today’s customers expect—they want unique pieces, right now.

But when your customers care more about consistency—same logo, same color, same placement, and lots of it—screen printing wins, hands down. Screen printers crush big jobs fast, and the prints last. Schools, companies, sports teams, merch brands—they all need bulk orders and steady pricing. For them, reliability beats customization every time.

So, modern buyers have really drawn the line: trend-driven people lead you straight to DTG printers, while big institutional clients pull you toward screen printing.

The Creative Freedom Test

When you’re deciding between DTG printing vs screen printing, creativity isn’t just a nice extra—it’s everything. Both methods give artists different ways to show off their style, but knowing what each one does best helps you choose the right fit for your brand.

What DTG Printing Lets Artists Do That Screen Printing Can’t

DTG printing is a game changer. It works more like a digital art studio than an old-school print shop. Designers aren’t boxed in—they can just go for it. With DTG printing machines, you get:

●Photorealistic images that nail skin tones, shadows, and depth
●Smooth gradients and soft color transitions
●Artwork bursting with color, with basically no limits
●Freedom to test out small batches without paying for extra setup

Since you don’t have to mess with screens, emulsions, or lining up colors, you can turn out five different versions of a design without breaking a sweat or your budget.

If you love details, wild colors, and pushing boundaries, DTG printing puts you fully in charge.

What Screen Printing Brings to the Table That DTG Can’t Replicate Yet

Screen printing has its own magic—some of it DTG just can’t pull off (at least not yet). There’s something about the way screen printing feels and looks that stands out. Here’s what you get:

●Thick, raised textures thanks to plastisol inks
●Super bold, solid prints that pop on dark shirts
●Special effects—think puff, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, neon
●Colors that don’t fade, even after years of wear

Screen printed designs feel alive—thick, bright, and packed with attitude. That’s why streetwear labels, sports gear, and most merch brands keep coming back to screen printing for their biggest, boldest graphics.

DTG’s catching up, but those deep textures and wild finishes you get from screen printing? Still in a league of their own.

The Operational Reality Check — The Part Most Businesses Overlook

Picking between DTG and screen printing isn’t just about how your shirts look or what designs you can do. It comes down to how your business actually works every day. If you really get what’s involved, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress—and cash—before you drop money on new equipment.

What It’s Like Running a DTG Printer

Honestly, using a DTG printer is pretty simple, but there are a few things you have to keep in mind.

●Workflow: It’s fast. From your artwork upload to finished DTG print, all it takes in just a few minutes. That speed is a lifesaver for small runs or on-demand orders.

●Ink & Pretreatment: People worry about ink costs, but modern DTG printers use good, efficient ink. Pretreating the shirts? Most setups automate that now, so it’s not a big deal.

●Maintenance Myths: People think these printer DTG need a ton of upkeep. Really, if you clean them regularly and store things right, they keep working—even if your shop is busy.

For small brands or anyone doing on-demand printing, DTG print operation gives you quick turnaround and low overhead. Just make sure you’ve got your ink and pretreatment routine figured out.

What Goes On Behind the Scenes with Screen Printing

Screen printing is a different operational workflow. It takes more planning, more space, and skilled labor..

●Labor & Workflow: Every color gets its own screen, and lining everything up just right is huge. You’ll need either a few people working together or one person who’s really skilled.

●Space: You need a decent amount of room—for drying racks, curing, cleaning screens. How you set up your space can make or break your efficiency.

●Team & Training: Speed and quality depend on your crew. If people aren’t trained well, you make mistakes and waste time.

Screen printing is perfect when you’re doing big runs—hundreds or thousands of shirts. But you need the right setup and a solid team to keep things running smoothly. In the end, it’s not just about great DTG prints. Your workflow matters just as much.

The Money Question: Which One Actually Makes You More Profit?

At the end of the day, every printing business faces the same question: Which makes you more money—DTG printing or screen printing?

Honestly, both can be real money-makers. But they don’t do it the same way.

How DTG Printing Brings in Profit

DTG printing really shines when it comes to custom orders. Since there’s almost no setup, you can charge a premium for even tiny jobs.

Why do creatives, online shops, and niche brands love DTG printers? Simple:

●You can sell custom stuff—like personalized tees or pet portraits—for two to five times what it costs you to make them.
●There’s no minimum order. Every single shirt makes you money.
●People will pay more when you offer a quick turnaround. That speed and convenience? It fattens your margins.
●You waste less. No ruined screens, no headaches over misaligned prints. Less waste means more profit.

This approach fits perfectly for Etsy sellers, influencers, small fashion lines, or anyone running print-on-demand. If you’re selling creativity, DTG gives you the highest profit per piece.

How Screen Printing Brings in Profit

Screen printing works on a different model. Instead of scoring big margins on every shirt, you make your money on big batches.

Once you’ve set up the screens, a screen printer can crank out shirts like nobody’s business:

●The more you print, the less each shirt costs you.
●Take on bulk orders—say, 50 to 5,000 shirts—and you take in a lot from one job.
●Corporate clients, schools, sports teams—they all want big orders at a good price.
●You can reuse a single screen setup for repeat jobs, sometimes for years.

Screen printing is built for businesses with regular, high-volume clients. Setup takes a while, but once you’re rolling, your cost per print drops fast. That’s where the long-term profits come from.

Technology Forecast — What the Next 5 Years Mean for Your Choice

The print world’s moving fast, and honestly, the next five years are about to shake things up for everyone—creators, brands, print shops. Forget picking just DTG printing or screen printing. That black-and-white choice? It’s fading out.

DTG is Growing Up—And Quick

DTG printing isn’t just catching up; it’s about to leap ahead. We’re talking:

●Print speeds that don’t just shave off a few minutes—they cut production time in half.
●Bold, bright underbases that make every design stand out, no matter the fabric.
●Inks that cost less and work better, so people finally stop complaining about price.

Long story short, DTG printing is getting cheaper, faster, and way easier for newcomers. Suddenly, small studios and creative brands can play in the big leagues.

Screen Printing’s Not Going Anywhere

Screen printing’s not stuck in the past—it’s getting smarter. Automation is shaking up everything:

●Auto-presses mean you don’t need a giant team anymore.
●Machines deliver the same pressure and placement every time—no human mistakes.
●Faster curing and screen-making tools keep things moving. No more endless waiting.

So, what used to need a whole crew of pros is now doable for even smaller shops.

What’s Next: Not a Battle, But a Blend

Here’s the real twist—it’s not DTG versus screen printing anymore. It’s both. Shops are going hybrid.

●DTG printers handle those custom, last-minute, high-profit jobs.
●Screen printing’s still king for big batches—think sports teams, events, uniforms, subscription boxes.
●And now there are hybrid machines that do both, right on the same line.

Bottom line? Most businesses won’t pick just one side. They’ll build a setup that lets them say yes to any customer that walks in.

Decision Map — 10-Point Checklist to Know Your Best Fit

Picking between DTG printing and screen printing shouldn’t leave you guessing. This quick checklist lays it all out—just run through these 10 points, and you’ll see which printing style lines up with your needs, budget, and customers.

1. Your Budget

●Tight funds? DTG printing is your friend. No screens, no big setup, less equipment to buy.
●Got more to spend upfront? Screen printing costs more at first, but the savings kick in fast when you print in bulk.

2. What Kind of Orders?

●Mostly custom orders, one-offs, lots of variety? DTG printer wins
●Printing big batches—50, 100, or more? Nothing beats screen printing for volume.

3. Who’s Buying?

●Artists, indie brands, online shoppers, or people after unique designs? DTG feels right.
●Schools, companies, uniforms, events? Screen printing delivers fast, consistent results.

4. Print Style

●Want photorealistic prints, smooth gradients, or that soft, vintage feel? The DTG printing machine—a detail-focused garment printer—does it best.
●After bold, punchy colors, raised prints, or special inks that really last? Screen printing’s the way to go.

5. Your Workspace

●Just a small room or home office? DTG fits right in.
●Have a full shop or warehouse? That’s what you need for screen printing gear.

6. Who’s Running the Show?

●Flying solo or just starting out? DTG printing is simple—plug in and print.
●Got a team, or planning to grow one? Screen printing shines when people can work together.

7. Speed

●Need to print a shirt fast, with no setup time? DTG gets it done in minutes.
●Need to pump out hundreds an hour? Screen printing crushes high-volume jobs.

8. Design Variety

●Does every job look different? Printer DTG handles endless variety with no sweat.
●Mostly repeating the same few designs? Screen printing makes those runs super cost-effective.

9. Long-Term Plans

●Dreaming up your own custom apparel brand? DTG printer lets you launch fast and change things up whenever you want.
●Aiming to serve schools, businesses, events, or merch companies? Screen printing is built for steady, high-volume work.

10. Maintenance

●Want low-fuss upkeep? DTG just needs routine care—easy for small setups.
●Don’t mind rolling up your sleeves for cleaning screens and managing inks? Screen printing won’t slow you down.

Conclusion — Your Printing Technology Should Match Your Vision, Not the Other Way Around

At the end of the day, there’s no “better” or “worse” method. It’s really about what fits the kind of business you want to run. DTG printing and screen printing work best in different situations, and the smart move is to pick with purpose, not just go with the flow.

If your brand is all about creativity, personalization, and quick turnarounds, DTG printers give you the freedom to experiment and expand. But if you rely on volume, consistency, and big repeat orders, screen printing is the workhorse that’ll help you grow.

So focus on what really matters:

●Who are you trying to reach?
●What do your customers care about?
●Where do you want to take your business?

When you’re clear on those things, the right method stands out. Pick the one that fits your goals now and leaves space for you to grow later.

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