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DTG Printing vs Screen Printing | The Winner is Announced

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Advantages of DTG Printing

When printing designs onto t-shirts, DTG (direct-to-garment) printing is better than screen printing. This may seem like a bold claim, but it is true. If you were to visit a screen printing shop, you would likely notice disorganization and untidiness. On the other hand, if you see a DTG printing shop, you will find a clean and organized workspace free of any mess or filth.

A bustling DTG printing workshop showcasing the modern and clean setup of direct-to-garment technology. Multiple DTG printers are actively processing vibrant t-shirt orders. The array of finished shirts with sharp, detailed designs lays out on a table, highlighting the precision and efficiency of the DTG printing process. The environment reflects the ease and cleanliness of the DTG method, as compared to traditional screen printing, with no visible mess or waste, epitomizing the streamlined workflow of a Kornit and NW Custom Apparel partnership.
Kornit and NW Custom Apparel partnership since 2011

Review of the DTG facts

Let’s take a closer look at screen printing and DTG printing. Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages, and by understanding these, you can make an informed decision. It’s important to keep in mind that while screen printing has been around for centuries, technology continues to evolve, and being open-minded to new technologies can help grow your t-shirt business.

Setting Up For DTG Printing

The process of direct-to-garment printing is much simpler than screen printing. With direct-to-garment printing, you only need to scan the design into the computer and transfer it to the printer, which takes less than 15 minutes. In contrast, screen printing requires a separate screen for each color in the design, meaning that a 6-color print would take six screens for each color and the white under the base. As a result, the screen printing process takes at least 2 hours.

Cleanup

Cleaning up after using screens can be a tiresome and time-consuming task. With traditional printing methods, it can take up to an hour to complete the cleanup process. However, with DTG printing, the cleanup is very efficient, and only takes about 5 minutes to wipe the print heads with a clean, lint-free cloth. This type of cloth is commonly used in clean rooms to work on microchips and computer parts. Once the print heads are cleaned, the printer can be easily shut down.

DTG Printing is Environmentally friendly

DTG uses inks that are water-based and environmentally friendly. They meet all the requirements of consumer protection laws. Screen printing uses plastisol inks, which contain carcinogenic materials. These materials have been known to cause cancer if breathed in for any period. Water-based inks produce a soft hand and smooth finish. The fabric has no stiffness as water-based ink is absorbed by the material and not painted on.

Re-orders are a big problem with screen printing. For example, a customer wants a 6-piece fill-in order with six colors. The time to do this is at least 2 hours. If you do it with the DTG method, it takes about 6 minutes. Again, there is no mess to clean up.

Samples

"High-quality DTG printed t-shirt featuring a vivid, photorealistic image of oversized trucks with the bold text 'Machine Carriers' overhead. The print showcases a red truck hauling a massive blue load, emphasizing the DTG's capability to produce intricate designs and rich colors on apparel. This shirt is a prime example of DTG's ability to transfer complex images directly onto fabric, resulting in a durable and detailed print.
Photographs of trucks can be printed via DTG.

Direct-to-garment printing produces superior samples compared to screen printing. It’s a hassle-free process for introducing new decorated apparel lines. With DTG, the design goes directly from the artist to the garment, making the process quicker and more efficient. You can produce a sample run in just a day and send it as a gift or WOW to your top customers. This cost-effective WOW marketing builds up deposits into your customers’ happiness accounts, ensuring a smooth stream of DTG orders throughout the year. Start WOWing your customers with DTG prints today!

The Winner Is!

The winner for the best t-shirt printing method is DTG printing. This is because of its easy setup, low minimums, and most importantly, the ability to provide samples to customers. It is crucial to give printed t-shirt samples to your customers so that they can feel the print, wear the shirt, and get others excited about it. This will help bring in potential future orders. DTG printing is a marketing essential that can increase revenue, smooth out the peaks and valleys of orders, and most importantly, impress your customers for years to come. You’re not just printing a DTG shirt, but a marketing piece that will ensure future orders for years. So, go DTG, or go home!

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Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

Alicia-Wada

Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

Erik-Mikelson

Erik Mickelson

Manager

Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

Ruth-Nhoung

Ruth Nhoung

Production Manager

Ruth Nhoung is our Production Manager and Northwest Custom Apparel is lucky to have her. Thanks to her vast knowledge of machine embroidery and dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive work environment, the production plant runs smoothly and customers are pleased with our work. She is a loving mother and grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with her siblings. She says, “I love everything about Northwest Custom Apparel: the people, the atmosphere, the work, and the customers. I love what I do and I embrace all of NWCA’s core values”.

Steve-Deland

Steve Deland

Art Director

Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

Taylar-Hanson

Taylar Hanson

Sales

Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nika-Lao

Nika Lao

Sales

Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

Bradley-Wright

Bradley Wright

Accountant

Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

Dominic-Nguyen

Dominic Nguyen

DTG Operator

Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

Sothea-Tann

Sothea Tann

Production Team: Trimmer

Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

Brian-Beardsly

Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

UT-Tri-Tran

UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

UT Tri Tran loves Northwest Custom Apparel so much that, although she has already retired after a long career in machine embroidery operations, she is happy to return part time. She says, “I love the family style work environment and how everyone shares food, laughter, and fun on a regular basis.” In her free time she is dedicated to living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle with her friends and family.

Bunsereytheavy-Hoeu

BunsereytheavyHoeu

Embroidery Machine Operator

BunsereytheavyHoeu, who goes by Theavy, won our Operator of the Year in 2021. She takes on many roles in the production team. She says, “These are not my co-workers, these are my family! I cherish all the memories we make together”. When she goes home to be with her family, she makes the most of her time with them by holding family get-togethers and even karaoke competitions.

Sreynai-Meang

Sreynai Meang

Embroidery Machine Operator

SreynaiMeang is a hard-working Machine Operator. She is most passionate about helping people. Sreynai, who goes by Nai, likes to exercise in her free time and talk with her family in Cambodia.

Kanha-Chhorn

Kanha Chhorn

Embroidery Machine Operator

Kanha Chhorn has been an Embroidery Operator with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. She is delightful and always makes everyone smile and laugh. Kanha takes on additional tasks that allow us to exceed our customers’ expectations. In her free time, she can be found at her local temple or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Savy-Sorm

Savy Som

Embroidery Machine Operator

SavySom is one of our Machine Operators who is passionate about embroidery and sewing. She enjoys working at NWCA because of its flexibility. She has two teenage sons and loves spending time with her family on the weekends.

Sorphorn-Sorm

SorphornSorm

Embroidery Machine Operator

SorphornSorm has been a Machine Operator since 2011. One of her four sisters works here as well. Her other relatives are in Cambodia. In her free time, Sorphorn studies English, listens to music, and enjoys exercising.

Jim-Mickelson

Jim Mickelson

CEO

Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.