It seems like we get asked this question everyday…How does the cost of Screen Printing compare to the cost of Direct to Garment Printing? So I finally decided to put together a graphic showing the difference.
Click here for a larger view.
One thing to remember is that screen printing is really based on the number of colors in the print and there is a setup cost per color, whereas DTG printing the number of colors do not matter in the price. Example: A DTG print that is black only is the same cost as a photograph print would be.
The chart take in account the setup cost of screen printing and is based on a 6 color print. The reason for this is that when comparing a 1 or 2 color print it is rare that it makes financial sense to print with the DTG method.
DTG has it place in the garment printing world but usually is not an economical alternative to screen printing when only a few colors are needed. This process really needs a design with a lot of colors to shine.
As you can see from the chart above a design with 6 or more colors but low quanity is best suited for Direct to Garment Printing, but when you need more than say 40 pieces then the cost of screen printing begins to make financial sense.