Screen printing VS Digital printing on textile

What is the difference between digital print and screen print?

Digital printing works like a big inkjet printer for products. Your design is uploaded to a computer that then prints directly onto your merchandise. Meanwhile, screen printing involves custom stencil (screen) creation. Each colour requires a screen and applying thicker and multiple layers of ink to achieve the artwork detail.

SO, WHICH PRINT METHOD IS THE BEST?

The best method depends on what you intend on printing and the surface. The look is different as the digital printing allows for a more precise, crisp, and detailed print while screen printing provides a more authentic, softer, and retro look. Because both methods are good and serve different purposes, here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

1. Quantity: Digital printing allows for a smaller quantity to be printed while screen printing will usually require a minimum.

2. Apparel: Screen printing has more versatility when choosing your fabric. For digital printing, it is advised to print on 100% cotton or other select cotton blends and only certain colors.

3. Design: Photographs or hyper-detailed images with a lot of colors are usually better printed digitally. However, if you have a large number of shirts you would like to print, screen printing may still be an option but it may cost you a little bit more or may require some adapting to make the design work best.