If you are trying to print out a custom garment, you have a lot of different options. There are a number of different ways to print a garment, but two of the most popular are digital printing and screen printing. If you are looking to print custom garments to support your business, which of the two printing methods is best? Below, we compare digital printing vs. screen printing for a garment to help you make the best decision for your brand.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a fairly new technology, only having been popularized in the 21st century. However, in the last 15 years, the technology has been on a steep upward trajectory, gaining popularity and prominence. Digital printing is more affordable and faster than screen printing, and digital printi9ng is also capable of higher-quality prints.

The main downside of digital printing is that the printers themselves are very expensive, so it requires a huge initial investment to experience the long-term benefits of a digital printer. However, the simplicity and ease of use of a digital printer make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about expanding their brand.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is the old-school tried and true method of printing custom garments. While screen printing is a method that has been used for hundreds of years, it really exploded in popularity during the 1960s with the invention of the multi-color screen printing machine. This allowed you to use a rotating screen printing method that provided garments with vibrant colors and designs. 

The technology has only continued to improve in the last 60 years, as the quality and efficiency of screen printing have been on a steady upward trajectory over the last few decades. However, despite all of these advances, the general idea behind screen printing has remained the same, and it remains the most popular way to print garments like T-shirts.

Which Method of Printing is Better?

Screen printing definitely has a few benefits, as it provides deeper and more vibrant colors than digital printing and the design will last longer. However, the consistency, low price point, and ease of use for digital printing make it the favorite of most experts in the industry. 

However, there is no right or wrong answer, because the right printer may depend on the type of printing job you are undertaking. If you are looking to print a small batch of beautiful and bright garments, you might want to use screen printing. On the other hand, if you are looking to print out thousands of garments in a compressed time frame, digital printing would be the obvious choice. That is why it is important to talk to a printing expert who can suggest the best garment printing method for your specific needs.

Digital Printing or Screen Printing at L+L Printers in San Diego

If you are interested in creating custom printed garments, L+L Printers can help you decide which printing method is best for you. We have experience and expertise with both digital printing and screen printing, and we will help you make the best decision for your printing needs.

If you are interested in talking with a printing expert or would like a quote on the cost of a custom printing job, contact L+L Printers today by calling (858) 859-9044 for our San Diego office or (760) 477-0321 for our Carlsbad office.