{"id":44990,"title":"What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?","description":"Discover the difference between screenprinting and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and why SKUAH uses the latter to create their eco-conscious clothing range.","content":"

Traditional printing methods<\/strong><\/h3>

For years, the classic screen printing method has been the go-to for printing designs on garments. In this process, ink is pushed through a mesh screen, one color at a time, until the full design is applied. The result? Bold, vibrant, and long-lasting prints that have stood the test of time. However, screen printing is best suited for bulk orders, as there are significant setup costs. Creating screens, coating them with emulsion, and exposing them to UV light and chemicals can be time-consuming and expensive\u2014especially when you factor in the additional costs for each color (and screen) used in the design.<\/p>

\"Above:Above: a screen covered ink in showing the screenprinting process<\/em><\/p>

Given the high setup costs, screen printing is not the most cost-effective option for small batches, like printing just one t-shirt. That\u2019s where direct-to-garment (DTG) printing<\/strong> comes in. DTG works similarly to a digital home printer, but on fabric instead of paper, using specialized inkjet technology. For a while, the quality of DTG prints couldn\u2019t quite match the durability or quality of screen printing. However, recent technological advances have dramatically improved DTG quality, making it a popular and reliable choice for custom printing services\u2014especially for small runs or one-off designs.<\/p>

\"manAbove: prepping a t-shirt ready for DTG printing at the Teemill Headquarters<\/em><\/p>

No chemicals, less waste<\/strong><\/h3>

The <\/span>water-based inks<\/span><\/strong> used in DTG printing are <\/span>free of toxic chemicals<\/span><\/strong>. And because designs are printed directly onto the fabric, there is no need for additional materials like screens or paper, <\/span>reducing the amount of waste<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

Print on demand<\/h3>

Overall, DTG is considered the most environmentally friendly printing method which is why we utilise it for all SKUAH clothing. A garment is only printed when you order it from our website (\u2018print on demand\u2019) which means no bulk printing in advance. We only print what you need - so much better for the planet!<\/span><\/p>

High quality and detailed designs<\/h3>

Direct-to-garment printing can handle highly complex designs which screenprinting sometimes cannot.<\/span><\/p>

Is screenprinting dead?<\/h3>

No, not at all! Screenprinting is still the best method for printing large quantities of one design. It can also achieve zingy, <\/span>fluorescent colours which can\u2019t be achieved with DTG printing. But at SKUAH, only printing when a customer places an order fits with our with eco-conscious values. DTG enables is to offer <\/span>high-quality, custom prints with the flexibility and efficiency of modern digital technology. It\u2019s the way forwards!<\/span><\/p>

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