Screen Print or Digital Printing?

When considering ways to add artwork to a garment, there are multiple processes to choose from. Two common processes are digital printing and screen printing. But what are the differences between the two?

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is the more traditional process because it has been around for a longer period of time. This process involves utilizing a screen, you could think of it as a stencil, to apply layers of ink to the garment. Each color is applied using a different screen to achieve the end result. Thus, the more colors you choose for your screen print artwork the more it would cost.

Digital printing:

With the introduction of computer generated graphics came the ability to digitally print those graphics onto apparel. In this process, the artwork is created and processed on the computer then printed directly on the product. It is very similar to a traditional inkjet printer in the way the ink is applied directly to the surface. A digital printer can achieve greater amounts of detail because the ink coverage is thinner than traditional screen print. Thus, it allows for almost any image to be applied to a garment with wider ranges of color. Because the process requires less setup time, it allows for lower quantities to be produced in a more cost-effective way.

Which one do I choose?

There are a lot of factors in making this decision, including: budget, detail of artwork, product choice, number of colors, and personal preference. Whatever you choose, we stand behind the quality of both processes. We’ve researched and tested the best methods to ensure you’re receiving the best product possible. If you’re ordering with a rep, they can guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you’re getting the look you want. If you’re creating a TeamStore or Coach’s Assistant online store, we typically print those orders with digital printing. Sometimes exceptions are made depending on the color of the garment or color of the artwork, but we monitor each and every order to ensure the highest quality standards are achieved.