Compare · print methods
Digital vs screen printing
Comparison of two main textile printing methods: digital printing (DTG) vs screen printing. Quality, price, MOQ, suitability.
Czech & EU context
Digital printing (DTG — Direct To Garment) and screen printing are the two most commonly used textile printing methods in the Czech B2B merch environment. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on order volume, number of colours, motif complexity, textile type and quality and price requirements. DTG is suitable for low volumes (from 1 piece), multicolour motifs (photographic quality), custom programs and personalised products. Screen printing is suitable for high volumes (50+ pieces), one-colour and two-colour motifs, large surfaces and economical solutions for large series.
Digital printing (DTG) uses an inkjet printer that applies water-based pigment inks directly to textile fibres. The advantage is high image quality (up to 1,440 dpi, photographic quality), ability to print any number of colours without surcharge, low MOQ (from 1 piece), no screen preparation and flexibility for personalisation. The disadvantages are slower printing (1–3 minutes per piece), limitation to 100% cotton (or blends with high cotton content), higher per-piece price for small volumes and lower wash resistance compared to screen printing. Typical price: CZK 120–280 per piece (1 area 280 × 280 mm, 1–4 colours).
Screen printing uses templates (screens) with passages for each colour. Ink is pressed through the screen onto the textile using a squeegee. The advantages are high print speed (500–3,000 pieces per hour depending on number of colours), low per-piece price for large volumes, high wash resistance (100+ wash cycles), ability to print on various textiles (cotton, polyester, blends, nylon). The disadvantages are higher MOQ (typically 50+ pieces), higher costs for screen preparation (CZK 1,500–3,000 per colour), longer preparation time (1–2 weeks for new motifs) and limitation on number of colours (each colour = separate screen). Typical price: CZK 25–80 per piece (1 area 280 × 280 mm, 1–3 colours, 100+ pieces).
Operational tactics and steps
Operational procedure for DTG: (1) preparation of graphic files (resolution 300+ dpi, PNG/TIFF format with transparent background, RGB or CMYK), (2) upload to printer, (3) textile pre-treatment (steaming or spraying with fixative solution), (4) printing, (5) ink fixation (heat fixation at 160–180 °C for 90–180 seconds), (6) quality control, (7) packaging. Total time: 1–2 weeks for 100 pcs (including preparation and fixation). DTG is ideal for quick orders and personalisation.
Operational procedure for screen printing: (1) preparation of graphic files (vector format AI/EPS/SVG, colour separation per Pantone), (2) screen manufacture (CZK 1,500–3,000 per colour, production time 2–5 working days), (3) textile preparation (textile quality check, pallet preparation), (4) printing (on automated line, 500–3,000 pcs/hour), (5) drying and fixation (160–180 °C for 60–90 seconds), (6) quality control (check first 10 and every 50th piece), (7) packaging. Total time: 2–4 weeks for 100+ pcs (including screen preparation). Screen printing is ideal for large series.
When choosing a method, it is key to consider: (a) order volume (up to 30 pcs = DTG, 50+ pcs = screen printing), (b) number of colours (1–4 colours = both methods, 5+ colours = DTG more advantageous), (c) textile type (100% cotton = both methods, blends and synthetics = screen printing more advantageous), (d) resistance requirements (high resistance = screen printing, standard = DTG), (e) speed requirements (urgent = DTG, planned = screen printing). For orders of 30–50 pieces it is advisable to compare prices of both methods, as DTG may be more economical due to absence of screen preparation.
Product and printing selection
The product mix fundamentally affects method choice. DTG is suitable for: 100% cotton products (T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, bags, children's clothing) where high image quality is required (photographic motifs, logos with fine details, gradients) and where MOQ is low (personalised products, test samples, limited editions). DTG is not suitable for: polyester (ink does not hold on synthetic fibres), water-repellent textiles, silk (too fine fibre), reflective materials. For blends with high polyester content (50%+) DTG is of lower quality.
Screen printing is suitable for: a wide range of textiles (100% cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, fleece, softshell) where high resistance is required (work uniforms, sportswear, outdoor programs) and where volume is high (50+ pieces). Screen printing is not suitable for: custom personalised products (each piece with different motif), products with photographic quality (complex gradients, fine details), very small series (up to 20 pieces where screen preparation does not pay off). For screen printing it is recommended to limit to 1–4 colours (each additional colour increases the cost by CZK 1,500–3,000 for screen preparation).
A combination of both methods (DTG + screen printing) is possible for premium programs: screen printing for the main motif (buyer logo, simple graphic elements), DTG for personalised additions (name, number, unique code). The hybrid approach combines the advantage of both methods: economical screen printing for large areas and DTG for fine details. Hybrid price: CZK 60–150 per piece (DTG CZK 50–100 + screen printing CZK 30–50 for pre-made screens) at 100+ pieces.
Logistics and VAT / e-Invoicing
Logistics for both methods does not differ significantly, but preparation and dispatch time does. DTG: typical delivery time is 1–2 weeks for 100 pcs (including graphics preparation and printing), suitable for urgent orders. Screen printing: typical delivery time is 2–4 weeks for 100 pcs (including screen preparation and printing), suitable for planned orders. Both methods allow printing on pre-purchased buyer textiles (e.g. own T-shirts with logo from previous campaign) or on supplier textiles (recommended for new programs).
Transport and storage: DTG-printed textiles require gentler storage (no direct sunlight, temperature 18–22 °C, relative humidity below 65%), screen-printed textiles are more resistant to storage conditions. Both should be stored in dry and protected from moths. For long-term storage (3+ months) regular airing and condition check is recommended.
VAT and invoicing: both methods follow standard rules (CZK with 21% VAT for domestic, reverse charge for EU). Invoice maturity 30 days. Supplier invoices in CZK with the option of e-Invoice (UBL 2.1 or ISDOC). A retention of 5–10% of the price for 30–60 days after acceptance is recommended for any complaints (e.g. colour deviation, mechanical damage, print defect).
KPI and success measurement
Print success measurement is based on four KPI groups: print quality, schedule adherence, complaint rate and commercial impact. Print quality is measured by 100% control (for screen printing control of first 10 and every 50th piece, for DTG control of every piece). The control includes: (a) colour accuracy (ΔE < 3, measured by spectrophotometer), (b) print position (tolerance ±2 mm), (c) edge cleanness (no smudging), (d) wash resistance (test 5 cycles at 40 °C, no visible change).
Schedule adherence: DTG 1–2 weeks, screen printing 2–4 weeks. Planned completion is specified in the trade contract. Complaints in the 60-day period: DTG typically 1–3% (higher due to more complex process), screen printing typically 0.5–1.5%. Main complaint categories for both methods: colour deviation, mechanical damage, print defect, incorrect position.
Commercial impact: measured through internal buyer data (customer retention, NPS) and recipient feedback. Target: 80–90% recipient satisfaction with print quality. Key satisfaction factors: colour fastness (especially for dark motifs on light textile or vice versa), wash resistance, logo position accuracy, delivery speed. Attributable merch effect (including other marketing activities) accounts for 10–18% of total commercial impact.
What it is
Digital printing (DTG) and screen printing are the two main textile printing methods in the B2B merch environment. DTG uses an inkjet printer for direct printing on textile, suitable for low volumes and photographic quality. Screen printing uses templates (screens) for each colour, suitable for high volumes and high resistance. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on volume, quality requirements and price.
When to use it
Use DTG for low volumes (1–30 pieces), personalised products, photographic quality (gradients, fine details), 100% cotton textiles, urgent orders and test samples. Use screen printing for high volumes (50+ pieces), one-colour and two-colour motifs, high resistance (work uniforms, sportswear), wide range of textiles (cotton, polyester, blends), economical solution for large series. The hybrid approach (DTG + screen printing) is suitable for premium programs that combine both methods.
Specifications
Print specifications include: textile type (material, weight, colour), print size (e.g. 280 × 280 mm, 380 × 380 mm, full print), print position (front, back, sleeve), number of colours (1–4 for screen printing, unlimited for DTG), colour palette (Pantone codes), resistance (number of wash cycles), delivery time, MOQ, price per piece. For DTG, graphics resolution (300+ dpi), format (PNG, TIFF), colour space (RGB or CMYK) is additionally specified. For screen printing, screen type (110–150 mesh), ink type (plastisol, water-based, dispersion) is additionally specified.
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistakes when choosing a print method are: (1) using DTG on polyester (poor quality result), (2) using screen printing for 5+ colours (high screen preparation costs), (3) absence of pilot test (it is recommended to produce 5–10 pcs and test 14 days before full production), (4) poor print position choice (e.g. over a seam), (5) insufficient colour specification (always use Pantone codes, not verbal description), (6) absence of graphics resolution check (300 dpi minimum for DTG, vector is sufficient for screen printing), (7) underestimating preparation time (screen printing requires 1–2 weeks for screen preparation).
Briefing process
The print method selection process includes: (1) requirements definition (volume, number of colours, textile type, resistance), (2) method choice (DTG vs screen printing vs hybrid), (3) supplier selection, (4) graphics file preparation, (5) sample collection, (6) colour and position approval, (7) pilot test (5–10 pcs), (8) approval, (9) serial production, (10) quality control, (11) dispatch and distribution. Thorough verification of supplier references is recommended, including a facility visit and print quality check.
Case example
The specific case study involved a mid-sized Czech technology firm, which in 2024 implemented a merch program for 600 employees and 200 business partners. For 600 T-shirts (employees) it used screen printing (2 colours, simple logo), for 200 sweatshirts (business partners) a hybrid approach (DTG for name on chest, screen printing for logo on back). Result: T-shirt price CZK 65 (screen printing), sweatshirt price CZK 240 (hybrid). Invoice maturity 30 days. Complaints: 4 T-shirts (0.7%), 2 sweatshirts (1%). Recipient satisfaction: 88% for T-shirts, 92% for sweatshirts. Commercial impact: 12% employee retention growth, 8% business partner retention growth.
Regulatory compliance
Textile printing is subject to the following regulations: REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (restrictions on chemicals in inks), Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety (for finished products), Regulation (EU) No. 1007/2011 on textile fibre names (mandatory composition marking), Act No. 121/2000 Coll. on Copyright (use of buyer logos and photographs requires owner's consent), Act No. 634/1992 Coll. on Consumer Protection, Act No. 477/2001 Coll. on Packaging, Regulation (EU) No. 2016/679 (GDPR). It is recommended to verify that inks comply with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (for direct skin contact) and GOTS (for organic textiles).
Alternative comparison
Alternatives to DTG and screen printing are: (a) sublimation (suitable for polyester, photographic quality, low resistance), (b) embroidery (high resistance, premium appearance, higher price), (c) transfer (suitable for small series, lower quality), (d) DTF (Direct To Film, new technology, combines advantages of DTG and screen printing), (e) vinyl (flex, flock, suitable for one-colour motifs and names). The choice of a suitable alternative depends on volume, textile type, quality and price. For most B2B merch programs DTG and screen printing are sufficient.
Lifecycle
The print lifecycle includes four phases: (1) Preparation (1–2 weeks, requirements definition, method selection), (2) Realisation (1–4 weeks, production, quality control, dispatch), (3) Acceptance (4–8 weeks, complaint monitoring, feedback), (4) Evaluation (1–2 weeks, KPI analysis, planning of next cycle). It is recommended to plan the merch program as an annual cycle, with ongoing optimisation of print method and suppliers.
Role note
This page describes a general comparison of the two main textile printing methods in the B2B merch environment. It does not contain any claim of preferred method or recommendation for a specific situation. The specific choice depends on volume, textile type, number of colours, quality requirements and budget. For large programs, consultation with a print specialist and requesting samples from the supplier before final decision is recommended.