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Screen Printing vs DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film)
Screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) are both popular options for custom t-shirt printing. They can both produce professional results, but they’re designed for different situations depending on quantity, artwork type, and turnaround time.
This page explains the key differences so you can choose the best option for your order.
Screen printing is usually best for bulk orders using the same design, especially logos and flat colours.
DTF printing is usually best for small to medium runs, full-colour artwork, and flexible garment options.
If you’re unsure, start with quantity:
20+ shirts → screen printing often offers better value
1–20 shirts → DTF may be more practical (especially for full colour)
Screen printing applies ink through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each colour typically requires its own setup, making it best for repeated designs at scale.
Best for:
Bulk orders
Simple logos and flat artwork
Consistent results across many shirts
Lowest cost per shirt as quantities increase
DTF printing prints your design onto a film, then transfers it onto the garment using heat and adhesive powder. It allows for full-colour prints and works well across many garment types.
Best for:
Small to medium runs
Full-colour designs
Multiple garment types
Mixed orders and quicker setup
| Feature | Screen Printing | DTF Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Bulk orders, repeated designs | Small–medium runs, flexible orders |
| Ideal Quantity | 20+ shirts (best at 60–200+) | 1–30 shirts (can scale depending on job) |
| Setup | Screens/setup required | Minimal setup (film transfer) |
| Artwork Type | Logos, text, flat colours | Full-colour artwork, gradients, detailed designs |
| Durability | Excellent | Very good (depends on care & garment) |
| Print Feel | Classic ink feel | Transfer feel (slightly raised) |
| Colour Handling | Best for limited colours | Full colour and complex artwork |
| Turnaround | Best when time allows | Often faster for smaller runs |
| Best Use Cases | Uniforms, teams, events | Mixed orders, fast artwork, full-colour designs |
It depends on the order size and artwork style.
you’re ordering larger quantities
the design is the same across all shirts
you want the lowest cost per unit
Screen printing benefits from economies of scale — as quantity increases, the per-shirt price often drops.
you’re ordering small quantities
your artwork is full colour or complex
you want flexibility without screen setup costs
DTF is often a practical option when screen printing setup costs would outweigh the benefits.
you want bold logos and text
you need consistent prints across a large batch
you prefer a traditional print style
you need full-colour artwork
your design has gradients, shading, or intricate detail
you’re printing multiple unique designs in one order
you’re ordering 20+ shirts
the design is repeated across the batch
you want the best value for bulk orders
durability is a top priority
you’re ordering 1–20 shirts
your artwork is complex or full colour
you want flexibility across garments and designs
you want a practical solution for smaller runs
clubs and sporting teams
corporate uniforms
event staff shirts
school and community orders
bulk promotional campaigns
small business orders
full-colour logo/graphic prints
mixed garment orders (tees, hoodies, polos)
small runs with multiple designs
customers who need a fast start without screen setup
o see how bulk pricing drops with quantity, view our real examples:
👉 Pricing Page: /pricing/
👉 Screen Printing Overview: /screen-printing/
👉 Printing Methods Overview: /printing-methods/
