Two printing methods, very different results. Here's how to choose the right one for your budget, quantity, and design.
When you walk into a print shop and ask for custom t-shirts, you'll usually be offered two options: screen printing or DTG (Direct-to-Garment). Both produce great results, but they're suited for different situations.
How it works: Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each color requires a separate screen. Best for: Orders of 25+ shirts with 1–4 colors. Cost: Higher setup cost ($50–$100 per screen), but the per-shirt cost drops dramatically at volume. 50 shirts might cost $6–$8 each. Pros: Vibrant colors, durable prints that last 100+ washes, fast production for large orders. Cons: Not cost-effective for small orders or designs with many colors/gradients.
How it works: A specialized inkjet printer prints directly onto the garment, like a paper printer but for fabric. Best for: Orders of 1–24 shirts, or designs with photos, gradients, or unlimited colors. Cost: No setup fees, but per-shirt cost is higher ($12–$18 each). Pros: No minimums, unlimited colors, photo-quality prints, fast turnaround. Cons: Higher per-unit cost at volume, works best on 100% cotton.
Under 25 shirts → DTG wins. Over 25 shirts with simple design → Screen printing wins. Photo or full-color design → DTG wins. 1–3 color logo → Screen printing wins. Need it tomorrow → DTG wins (no screen setup required).
At Arif Printing, we offer both methods and will recommend the best option based on your design, quantity, and budget. Most customers don't need to choose — just tell us what you need and we'll handle the rest.
Get a free quote: call (720) 296-2191 or submit your design online.
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