Digital Print vs. Screen Print

Digital Print vs. Screen Print: Which Is Best for Your Custom Shirts?

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The choice of a decoration method is crucial, but making the right one shouldn't be a gamble. At KDI, we've invested in the industry-leading Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology to deliver unparalleled quality on every single project. 🚀

While other methods have their place, our state-of-the-art DTG printing offers a level of detail, color vibrancy, and soft-hand feel that's simply unmatched, especially for complex, multi-color designs. We believe that your brand deserves the best, and that's why we've committed to using the top equipment in the USA.

Don't settle for less than perfect. Let our team of experts guide you to a solution that will make your custom apparel stand out. Contact KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing today to get a professional recommendation and see why we're the clear choice for quality.

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DTG: The Modern Solution

Choosing Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing means embracing a superior, modern technology that overcomes these challenges. DTG printing is like a high-tech inkjet printer for textiles, applying ink directly to the fabric to create a design that feels like part of the garment itself. This method allows for a virtually unlimited color palette, capturing intricate details, gradients, and photorealistic images with stunning accuracy—something that's nearly impossible with screen printing.

With DTG, there are no screens to create, which means no minimum order quantities and a much faster setup time. This makes it perfect for everything from small-batch custom projects to on-demand retail. Our state-of-the-art DTG technology provides exceptional vibrancy and a soft, comfortable finish that will make your apparel stand out.

Don't compromise on quality or speed. Contact KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing today and discover the DTG difference.

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What is Digital Printing (DTG)?

Digital printing, also known as Direct-to-Garment (DTG), functions much like a standard inkjet printer but for fabric. It applies water-based inks directly onto the shirt, allowing for highly detailed, full-color designs with millions of potential shades. This modern technique is perfect for reproducing photographs or complex graphics with intricate details and gradients.

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The DTG Difference: Unlocking a World of Color

While screen printing is known for its classic, bold colors, this comes with a significant drawback: a heavy, thick layer of ink that sits on top of the fabric. This can lead to a "stiff" feeling and a less-than-premium finish. Furthermore, the reliance on a limited number of screens and specific Pantone inks can restrict your design's complexity and color range.

At KDI, we've chosen to master Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology because we believe it represents the future of custom apparel. Our state-of-the-art DTG printers use a cutting-edge process that injects ink directly into the fibers of the garment, creating an incredibly soft, breathable, and high-quality feel.

The result is a different kind of vibrancy—one that screen printing simply can't match. DTG allows for an unlimited color palette, reproducing intricate details, smooth gradients, and photorealistic images with stunning accuracy. Instead of being limited to a few solid, flat colors, DTG brings your design to life with rich depth and a full spectrum of color that is both vivid and true to your original vision.

Don't let the limitations of traditional screen printing hold your brand back. Contact KDI today to see how our superior DTG technology can deliver the vibrant, high-detail apparel your project deserves.

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Unlock Your Design’s Full Potential with DTG

For designs with photorealism, intricate details, and subtle color gradients, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) is the definitive choice. Unlike screen printing, which is limited by the number of screens and solid colors, DTG technology prints directly onto the fabric, capturing every nuance and shade of your artwork. This means you get a vibrant, detailed print that is true to your original design, with a soft feel that screen printing can't match.

Don't let the constraints of an old technology compromise your vision. Choose DTG for your complex, photographic designs and see every detail brought to life with stunning clarity. Contact KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing today to explore our digital printing options and get a professional recommendation.

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Durability and Longevity

Both methods produce durable prints, but screen printing holds the edge for ultimate longevity. The ink deeply bonds with the fabric, creating a finish that withstands countless washes without fading. While high-quality DTG prints are also long-lasting with proper care, their ink sits more on the surface of the material.

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DTG: The Future of Fabric Printing

Modern Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology has evolved beyond its origins. While it delivers its most stunning and vibrant results on 100% cotton—making it the top choice for premium tees—advances in ink and pre-treatment have significantly expanded its capabilities. We now get exceptional, soft-hand results on a wide variety of poly-blends and even some specialty fabrics. This allows you to achieve the photo-realistic details and vibrant colors of DTG on a much broader range of apparel.

Don't settle for a heavy, cracking print on your favorite garments. Choose DTG for a breathable, premium feel on a growing range of fabrics. We're here to help you find the perfect pairing of fabric and printing method for your project. Contact KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing today to discuss your specific needs and discover the modern solution.

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The Smarter, More Flexible Solution: DTG

With Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, we've eliminated the outdated cost model of screen printing. DTG has virtually no setup costs, allowing you to order a single custom t-shirt or a small batch for a team without an astronomical price tag. This isn't just about small orders, though—it's about flexibility. Our DTG process allows for on-demand printing, enabling you to test new designs, reduce inventory waste, and scale your production with unmatched efficiency.

DTG gives you the freedom to print exactly what you need, when you need it, all while delivering a superior level of detail and color accuracy that screen printing can't match.

Don't let rigid order minimums and high setup costs dictate your project. Contact KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing today to discover how the flexibility and quality of DTG can optimize your budget and bring your designs to life.

Get Started!

Ultimately, the best printing method depends on your unique design, desired quantity, and fabric choice. The expert team at KDI Print & Embroidery Marketing is here to guide you to the perfect solution for your custom apparel needs. Get in touch with us to start your order today!