What is the difference between screen printing and DTG?

Screen printing uses prepared screens and is strong for controlled repeat production and specialty inks. DTG prints digitally and can suit detailed, multi-color art and smaller runs on compatible garments.

Can you print over seams or pockets?

Some methods and placements allow it, but height changes can interrupt pressure and coverage. Panel printing before assembly is often the cleaner route for engineered placements.

Can I get a soft-hand print?

Yes, depending on fabric and color. Water-based or discharge routes can feel softer on suitable garments, while opacity on dark fabrics may require tradeoffs or testing.

Will I approve the print before bulk?

Yes. A strike-off or decorated sample confirms actual size, placement, color, opacity, texture, and garment response before the production run.

Apparel print development

Choose the print by fabric and effect.

The artwork is only one part of a successful print. Fabric composition, color, surface, quantity, size range, placement, hand feel, durability, and budget determine the right method.

Get a printing recommendation WhatsApp Schedule a meeting

C07 New photography brief is embedded in this slot

Method-fitselected for art and substrate

Actual sizeplacement and scale documented

Strike-offfinish approved before bulk

The production decision

There is no single "best" apparel printing method.

Screen print can be efficient and controlled for repeated artwork; DTG supports detailed small runs on suitable garments; sublimation becomes part of compatible synthetic fabric; transfers handle certain details and placements. Specialty inks add dimension, texture, sheen, or light response.

We review the exact artwork on the proposed garment, select a workable route, then create a strike-off or sample so color, placement, scale, opacity, hand feel, and cure can be approved before bulk.

Available directions

Print methods and specialty finishes

Exact capability is confirmed against the garment, artwork, color count, dimensions, quantity, and expected care performance.

Screen & water-based printing

A versatile production route for bold artwork and repeat quantities, with ink systems selected around color, hand feel, and substrate.

Strong for repeatable graphics

Discharge printing

Removes and replaces color in suitable dyed cotton fabric for a softer result; compatibility and shade response must be tested.

Not suitable for every dye lot

Puff & high-density effects

Build raised areas through controlled ink, screen, artwork spacing, cure, and layer height.

Dimension needs bold artwork

Foil, flock & specialty surfaces

Add reflective metallic, velvet-like, cracked, or glow effects where the material and care expectations allow.

Use for intentional accents

Dye sublimation

Transfer color into compatible polyester-based fabric for all-over, panel, or performance graphics with minimal surface hand.

Plan artwork around panels

DTG & digital printing

Produce detailed, multi-color artwork on suitable garments with pretreatment, white ink, and cure tuned to the fabric.

Useful for detailed smaller runs

Heat-transfer applications

Apply printed or cut transfers for names, numbers, fine detail, short runs, or placements suited to transfer construction.

Film and adhesive affect feel

The working sequence

From artwork file to approved print standard

Placement is specified from stable garment points so the result remains intentional across sizes.

01
Review artwork & garment
Confirm file quality, dimensions, color, fabric composition, garment shade, seams, quantity, and intended finish.
02
Select the method
Balance detail, opacity, color count, hand feel, durability, setup, order size, and substrate compatibility.
03
Prepare production art
Create separations, underbase, trapping, halftones, panel layout, or transfer-ready files as the method requires.
04
Run a strike-off
Print at actual size on matching fabric or the garment, then review color, feel, placement, and surface response.
05
Approve & produce
Record the accepted reference and run under controlled setup, ink, pressure, temperature, and cure conditions.
06
Inspect & finish
Check registration, coverage, defects, cure, placement, and garment condition before folding and packing.

Your side

What to provide

Production artworkVector artwork where possible, with fonts outlined and any raster details at final-use resolution.
Dimensions & placementFinal width/height and measurement from stable garment reference points.
Color & effectPantone references where suitable plus a visual sample of texture, sheen, height, or hand feel.
Garment & orderFabric composition, garment color, size range, quantity, colorways, and intended care.

Our checkpoint

Quality considerations

Registration & detailColors, outlines, halftones, edges, and fine elements are checked against the approved artwork.
Placement & scalePosition is checked from consistent reference points with size-specific rules where needed.
Coverage & hand feelOpacity, texture, surface consistency, color, and garment show-through are assessed.
Cure & durabilityProcess controls and relevant wash or adhesion checks help confirm the print has set correctly.

The approved reference

A specification becomes useful when you can compare production against it.

Words such as "premium," "soft," "vintage," or "large" are open to interpretation. A physical sample, exact measurement, approved swatch, artwork size, or signed proof gives the team a shared standard.

01 Define the decision
02 Review a physical result
03 Record the approval
04 Inspect bulk against it

Before you enquire

Questions buyers ask about printing.

Have a more specific product question? Send the brief and we will answer it in the context of your material, quantity, and intended result.

Ask about your product

It depends on the artwork, fabric, garment color, quantity, desired feel, placement, and care needs. Send those details and we will compare practical methods for the exact product.

Ready for a useful production conversation?

Bring the artwork. We will match it to the method.

Send the file, final dimensions, placement, garment fabric and color, quantity, and a reference for the finish you want.

Get a printing recommendation Send artwork on WhatsApp info@wearitinternational.com