Companies and small businesses are always looking for the best way to give their customers what they want while also pushing the envelope in their respective fields.
Direct-to-garment printing is one of the newest technological achievements, allowing for interesting and unique designs to find their owners on clothing items.
However, direct-to-garment printing isn’t reserved only for businesses. Even individuals can get their favorite design printed on a T-shirt or a cap and sport a unique garment around town.
But how cost-effective is direct-to-garment printing? Is it worth investing in, or are there better ways to get what you want for a fraction of the money?
We’re here to answer all your questions and give you the rundown on direct-to-garment printing costs.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Direct-to-Garment Printing?
Direct-to-garment printing uses a modified inkjet printer that functions the same as a regular printing machine. The only difference is that you’re printing on shirts instead of on paper.
What’s great about it is that it uses specialized ink that doesn’t crack or wear, ensuring that your shirt continues looking fresh no matter how much you wear it.
What Makes DTG Printing So Good?
We’re all looking to stand out from a crowd and express our style and values. Clothing is one of the best ways to do so without saying a word.
However, thanks to the fast fashion industry, individuality has become increasingly difficult.
That’s why having the chance to completely customize the print and design of your clothes has become such a game changer.
DTG printing allows you to choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs to achieve just the look you want.
On the other hand, small businesses that want to put out unique items of clothing without breaking the bank can do just that with direct-to-garment printing.
How Expensive Is Direct-to-Garment Printing?
Truth be told, DTG printing is not cheap. Almost every part of it is costly - from the machines and ink to the laborious process of printing.
What’s more, garments that are used for DTG printing need to be pre-treated, which takes time, materials, and effort.
So how can you calculate the cost of DTS printing? A DTG pricing formula is typically simple, and it goes something like this: cost of labor + cost of ink and pre-treat over the area printed + cost of garment = total cost.
This will vary from printer to printer, depending on what materials and machines they use.
Is DTG Printing More Expensive Than Screen Printing
Both screen printing and DTG printing are quite popular choices but they do differ in cost, especially when comparing smaller and larger orders.
For smaller orders, meaning less than 24 pieces, DTG printing is less expensive. However, for larger orders exceeding 24 pieces, the cost of screen printing becomes more appealing.
So why is that?
Well, DTG printing cannot keep up with a large number of orders and stay on the same level of productivity as with smaller orders.
When it comes to screen printing, it becomes much more efficient and cost-effective for big orders, as it’s the only way that the high cost of making screens and setting them up on a press can pay off.
Direct-to-Garment Printing - Benefits
Here are some of the things that make DTG printing worth the cost:
- Good flexibility of colors and patterns. You can freely choose the patterns and colors without worrying about many limitations.
- You can use multiple colors. There is no set limit on the number of colors you can use on your shirts or other garments. You can make them as colorful or as subdued as you’d like.
- Good for both light and dark fabrics. Regardless of how light or dark your fabric might be, DTG printing guarantees you great results. Just keep your expectations realistic when it comes to light-on-light or dark-on-dark printing - the print won’t stand out as much.
- No cracking or fading over time. Thanks to the supreme quality of the ink that’s used for DTG printing, your prints are guaranteed to remain as fresh and vibrant as the day they came out of the printer.
- Low-waste process. All that’s needed for the process of DTG printing is your garment, the printer, the ink, and your design files. Combined with the quality of clothes and the print, you’ll also be wearing your DTG-printed clothes for years to come.
So, is Direct-to-Garment Printing Worth The Investment?
Considering the cost of DTG printing, this method is particularly advantageous for those needing small volumes, offering affordability without hefty initial expenses. It's ideal for small businesses and individuals, thanks to its scalability and lower costs for limited runs.
For larger businesses that need bulk quantities, screen printing might be more economically viable. Ultimately, the choice between DTG and screen printing depends on your project's size and needs.
Whatever your requirements, AA Custom T-Shirt Printing has you covered with the fastest screen and DTG printing services in town, perfect for any company or event.
Browse our collection today!
