DTF vs Screen Printing
DTF and screen printing both make great shirts. They just win in different situations. Here's how they compare on cost, color, feel, and durability, plus where screen print transfers fit in, so you can pick the right method for each job.
The short answer
- Full color, gradients, photos
- DTF
- Small and mixed runs
- DTF
- Big runs, 1 to 3 colors
- Screen print
- No minimums or setup fees
- DTF
If you're printing a lot of one simple design, screen printing usually gets cheaper per shirt. For almost everything else, DTF is faster, easier, and cheaper to get started.
DTF vs screen printing compared
| Factor | DTF transfers | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | None. Upload a file and order. | One screen per color, burned before the job |
| Minimums | None. One transfer is fine. | Usually required, often a few dozen pieces |
| Colors | Unlimited. Gradients and photos print fine. | Each color adds a screen and cost |
| Cost per piece | About the same at 10 or 1,000 | Drops as quantity goes up |
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends, fleece, light or dark | Best on cotton. Poly often needs special inks. |
| Feel | Soft, thin film on top of the fabric | Depends on ink. Water-based is softest, plastisol is thicker. |
| Durability | Holds up wash after wash when pressed right | Excellent. The long-standing standard. |
| Turnaround | Fast. Ours ship same day if ordered before 1PM PT. | Longer, because of setup and dry time |
| Design changes | Easy. Every piece can be different. | New screens for each change |
When DTF is the better choice
- Full-color art. Photos, gradients, fine detail, and lots of colors cost the same as a one-color logo.
- Small or test runs. Try a new design on 12 shirts without paying for screens.
- Lots of different designs. Put names, numbers, and multiple logos on one gang sheet and pay for sheet space, not setups.
- Mixed garments. One transfer works on cotton tees, poly jerseys, and fleece hoodies.
- Print on demand. Keep transfers on the shelf and press them as orders come in.
When screen printing is the better choice
- High volume, simple art. Hundreds of shirts with one to three colors usually cost less per piece.
- Specialty inks. Some effects, like certain metallics and high-density prints, are a screen printing strength.
- The softest possible feel on cotton. Water-based and discharge inks soak into the fabric instead of sitting on top.
Need a big one-design run? Our sister shop, Infynite Studios, handles screen printing, embroidery, and full custom apparel.
DTF transfers vs screen print transfers
Screen print transfers, often called plastisol transfers, are screen printed onto release paper so you can press them later, just like DTF. They're a good fit for large runs of one simple design. Here's how they stack up:
| Factor | DTF transfers | Screen print transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Minimums | None | Usually required per design |
| Colors | Unlimited, full color | Limited, usually priced per color |
| Gradients and photos | Yes | Hard or not possible |
| Mix designs on one order | Yes, on a gang sheet | Usually separate setups |
| Pressing | 10 seconds, instant hot peel (ours) | Varies by supplier |
If you're buying screen print transfers to avoid screen printing in-house, DTF usually gets you the same result with no minimums and no color limits.
FAQ
Is DTF better than screen printing?
Neither is better at everything. DTF wins on full-color designs, small runs, and flexibility. Screen printing wins on cost for large runs of simple designs.
Is DTF cheaper than screen printing?
For small runs and full-color designs, yes, because there's no setup. For large runs of a one- to three-color design, screen printing usually costs less per shirt.
Does DTF last as long as screen printing?
A properly pressed DTF transfer holds up wash after wash. Press it with the right temp, time, and pressure, and follow the care steps on our heat press settings page.
Does DTF feel like a sticker?
Good DTF shouldn't. Ours feel soft to the touch, and a post-press through parchment softens the finish even more.
Can DTF print on polyester?
Yes. DTF works on polyester, cotton, blends, and fleece, on light and dark colors.
Try DTF on your next run
No setup fees, no minimums, and full color at one price. Orders placed before 1PM PT ship the same business day.
Build a gang sheet Order by size
Planning sizes? Use our DTF transfer size chart.