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Screen Printing vs DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film)

Screen Printing vs DTF Printing: Which One Should You Choose?

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.

Quick Summary

  • 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).

What Is Screen Printing?

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

What Is DTF Printing?

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

Screen Printing vs DTF: Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Which Is Cheaper?

It depends on the order size and artwork style.

Screen printing is usually cheaper when:

  • 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.

DTF is usually cheaper when:

  • 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.

Which Looks Better?

Screen printing looks best when:

  • You want bold logos and text.
  • You need consistent prints across a large batch.
  • You prefer a traditional print style.

DTF looks best when:

  • You need full-colour artwork.
  • Your design has gradients, shading, or intricate detail.
  • You’re printing multiple unique designs in one order.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose screen printing if:

  • 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

Choose DTF if:

  • 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

Common Use Cases

Screen printing is popular for:

  • Clubs and sporting teams
  • Corporate uniforms
  • Event staff shirts
  • School and community orders
  • Bulk promotional campaigns

DTF printing is popular for:

  • 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

Next Step: Compare Pricing Examples

To see how bulk pricing drops with quantity, view our real examples:

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