Eco T shirts – Different printing techniques

David Platt • 18 March 2025

Comparing Screen Printing, Direct-to-Garment (DTG), and Transfer Printing:

Having chosen an eco-friendly T shirt (or hoodie) – the next decision is decoration. Whilst we touched on this in a previous blog (https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/which-decoration-method-for-promotional-products-is-best-for-the-environment) it is clear that a couple of the printing methods need a degree more explanation. This is because as well as eco credentials you to consider the design and, of course, costs.

So, this article explores the pros, cons, quality, cost, and durability of three major printing techniques: DTG, screen printing, and transfer printing.

Key Takeaways

• Choose DTG for small orders and intricate designs, perfect for photorealistic custom prints.

• Choose screen printing for bulk orders, as it excels in cost-effectiveness and durability.

• Choose transfer printing for versatility, allowing full-color designs on a wide range of materials with minimal setup.

• Quality and durability vary: screen printing is the most durable, DTG is great for detailed images, and transfer printing balances ease and longevity.

• Environmental impact: DTG is the most sustainable, while transfer printing can be eco-friendly with the right materials.

• Cost considerations: Screen printing is best for large orders, DTG is cost-effective for small runs, and transfer printing offers a middle-ground solution.

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What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a popular method that uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto fabric, creating vibrant and durable designs. Also known as silk screening, it requires creating a stencil for each color and pushing ink through the screen onto the garment.

Pros:

✔ Produces vibrant colours on light and dark fabrics.

✔ Extremely durable, lasting through many washes.

✔ Cost-effective for bulk orders.

✔ Suitable for high-intensity garments like sports uniforms.

Cons:

✖ Setup is labour-intensive and expensive for small orders.

✖ Each colour requires a new screen, increasing production time.

✖ Uses a lot of water and chemicals, making it less eco-friendly.

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What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?

DTG printing uses a specialized inkjet printer to spray ink directly onto fabric, allowing it to soak in. This method works best on natural fibres like cotton and is ideal for complex, multicolour designs.

Pros:

✔ Great for detailed and photorealistic images.

✔ No minimum order quantity—ideal for POD and small runs.

✔ Uses water-based inks, making it more eco-friendly.

✔ No screen setup, making it fast for single-item orders.

Cons:

✖ Less durable than screen printing; withstands about 50 washes.

✖ Works best on light-coloured, natural fabrics.

✖ Slower production time compared to screen printing.

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What is Transfer Printing?

Transfer printing involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper or vinyl and then heat-pressing it onto the fabric. This method allows full-colour designs on various materials, including polyester and blends.

Pros:

✔ Works on a wide range of fabrics, including synthetic materials.

✔ No need for screens, making setup easy and cost-effective.

✔ Can print complex, full-color designs with minimal effort.

✔ Suitable for small batches and on-demand printing.

Cons:

✖ Not as durable as screen printing; designs may crack or fade over time.

✖ Can have a ‘plasticky’ feel, depending on the transfer material used.

✖ Some types of transfer printing require additional processing steps.

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Quality Considerations

Print quality is crucial for customer satisfaction.

• Screen printing produces the most vibrant and durable prints, ideal for bulk apparel.

• DTG printing excels in detail and colour precision but works best on natural fabrics.

• Transfer printing allows full-colour designs on various fabrics but can have a different texture.

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Durability

• Screen printing is the most durable, often lasting as long as the garment itself.

• DTG prints last for around 50 washes with proper care.

• Transfer prints vary in longevity, with high-quality transfers lasting for years, but cheaper versions may fade or crack sooner.

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Environmental Impact

Sustainability is increasingly important in the apparel industry.

• DTG printing is the most eco-friendly, using water-based inks and reducing waste by printing on demand.

• Screen printing often involves plastic-based inks and significant water usage.

• Transfer printing can be sustainable if using eco-friendly transfer materials.

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Production Time

• Screen printing takes longer to set up but is the fastest for bulk orders.

• DTG printing is slower but perfect for small orders.

• Transfer printing has a moderate speed, as designs need to be printed and heat-pressed.

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Cost Considerations

Choosing the most cost-effective method depends on order size.

• Screen printing is best for bulk orders due to its high setup costs.

• DTG printing is the most affordable for small batches.

• Transfer printing falls in between, offering low setup costs but variable durability.

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FAQs: Screen Printing, DTG, and Transfer Printing

Which is better: DTG, screen printing, or transfer printing?

It depends on your needs. DTG is best for small, detailed prints, screen printing is ideal for bulk durable prints, and transfer printing offers flexibility across materials.

What lasts longer, screen printing, DTG, or transfer printing?

Screen printing lasts the longest, followed by high-quality transfer prints, with DTG being the least durable.

Which is the most eco-friendly printing method?

DTG printing is the most sustainable, as it uses water-based inks and minimizes waste.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.