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.
