Screen printing has been the go-to for custom shirts for decades. DTF (Direct to Film) is newer and has quickly become the favorite for small runs and full-color designs. Neither one is "better." The right choice depends on your order.
How each one works
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the shirt. Each color needs its own screen, which is set up before printing starts.
DTF prints your full-color design onto a special film with a white ink base, coats it with adhesive powder and cures it. You then heat press the transfer onto the garment in about 15 seconds.
Quick comparison
| DTF transfers | Screen printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 piece | Usually a minimum per design |
| Setup cost | None | Screens for every color |
| Colors | Unlimited, including gradients and photos | Best with a few solid colors |
| Best quantity | 1 to a few hundred | Larger runs of the same design |
| Turnaround | Same day possible | Longer, because of setup |
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon and more | Best on cotton and blends |
| Feel | Smooth and flexible | Can be very soft, especially with water-based inks |
Choose DTF when
- You need a small quantity, or even just one shirt.
- Your design has many colors, gradients, fine detail or a photo.
- You have several different designs, names or sizes in one order.
- You're working with polyester, nylon or blends.
- Your deadline is tight. With DTF you can order in the morning and press in the afternoon.
- You want to stock transfers and press shirts as orders come in, with no leftover inventory.
Choose screen printing when
- You're printing a large run of the same design.
- Your design uses one to three solid colors.
- Cost per shirt at high volume matters most.
The cost question
Screen printing's screen setup is spread across every shirt, so it gets cheaper per piece as quantity grows. DTF has no setup, so the price per print stays low even at small quantities. For one or two colors, screen printing usually wins somewhere around large bulk runs of a single design. For full-color designs, mixed designs or anything under that, DTF is usually the more affordable and faster option.
Our take
For most small businesses, teams, events and makers, DTF hits the sweet spot: no minimums, unlimited colors and same-day turnaround. If you have a big single-design order and aren't sure which way to go, call us at (314) 942-3212 and we'll help you compare.
