0422 442 029
Home
>
dtf-printing
>
SCREEN PRINTING vs DTF PRINTING

Screen Printing vs DTF Printing: Which Is Better?

Choosing between screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing depends on quantity, artwork, urgency, and budget. Both methods produce high-quality results, but they excel in different situations.

This guide compares the two methods so you can choose the right one for your order.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing applies ink directly to garments using screens. Each colour requires its own screen, which makes setup more involved, but it becomes very efficient for large quantities.

Best for:

  • Bulk orders
  • Simple logos
  • Repeated designs
  • Lowest cost per shirt at scale

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF printing transfers full-colour artwork from film onto garments using heat and adhesive powder. It does not require screens, allowing fast setup and flexibility.

Best for:

  • Small to medium quantities
  • Multi-colour or detailed designs
  • Two week turnaround schedules
  • Mixed garment types

Cost Comparison: Screen Printing vs DTF

How Pricing Behaves

Factor Screen Printing DTF Printing
Setup cost Higher (screens required) Low (no screens)
Cost per shirt (small runs) Higher Lower
Cost per shirt (bulk runs) Much lower Stabilises
Urgent orders Limited Well suited
Artwork complexity Simple artwork best Complex artwork ideal

Real-World Cost Behaviour (Example-Based)

  • DTF (30–40 shirts):
    Per-shirt cost often sits in the low-to-mid $20s depending on print size and positions.
  • DTF (100+ shirts):
    Per-shirt cost improves slightly but does not drop sharply, as each transfer is still applied individually.
  • Screen Printing (60–100+ shirts):
    Setup costs are spread across more units, significantly lowering the per-shirt price.

👉 Key insight:
DTF is flexible and fast. Screen printing becomes more economical as quantity increases.

When Screen Printing Is the Better Choice

Choose screen printing when:

  • You are ordering 60–100+ shirts
  • The design is simple and repeated
  • Lowest cost per shirt matters
  • Timing is not urgent

When DTF Is the Better Choice

Choose DTF when:

  • Quantities are small to medium
  • Artwork is multi-colour or detailed
  • Turnaround is not urgent
  • You need flexibility across garment types

Which One Should You Choose?

A simple decision guide:

  • Need it fast or under 50 shirts? → DTF
  • Ordering 100+ shirts with the same logo? → Screen printing
  • Detailed artwork? → DTF
  • Budget focused at scale? → Screen printing

Next Steps

  • 👉 View DTF Pricing Examples
  • 👉 View Screen Printing Pricing
  • 👉 Use the DTF Pricing Calculator
  • 👉 Request a personalised quote

Choosing the right method early helps avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Useful Resource Pages

  • DTF Printing (Foundation)
  • DTF Printing Prices
  • Screen Printing (Pillar)
  • Printing Methods Overview
  • DTF Pricing Calculator
Search
Your cart is empty
Search

Select Currency

{CC} - {CN}
Cancel