DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing:
What’s the Difference?
I have spoken with numerous individuals who do not fully grasp the type of printing we use for our decorated apparel. Most people are familiar with screen printing and often refer to our work as such or assume it is the same, particularly when it comes to pricing per item. Although we initially offered screen printing, I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I probably shed tears daily while trying to manage it, and ultimately had to confront the reality that it wasn’t my passion. The process, from creating suitable artwork and burning screens to understanding the right ink and pressure for application, is far more complex than it appears. I genuinely admire those who have mastered that craft!
Seeking alternatives that aligned with my skills, I attended several trade shows to explore available options. This led me to purchase a DTG (Direct to Garment) machine, allowing us to print directly onto apparel. It was truly exciting – we could produce full-color prints that looked and felt fantastic, although it was a slower process. Our machine also had the capability to print direct to film with just a few clicks, so we primarily utilized it for DTF (Direct to Film) printing.
This marked the beginning of our journey with DTF as our primary method for all apparel production. It provided us with the flexibility to print only what we needed for each job and press everything simultaneously. It was a fantastic approach that facilitated our learning and growth. However, as demand increased, that machine could no longer keep up, prompting us to upgrade to a commercial-grade printer, a decision we have never regretted.
Owning such a machine comes with its challenges, but I have discovered that it is the perfect fit for our small business. With this brief history of our experience with DTF printing, here’s some information to help you understand how it differs from other methods.
When it comes to custom apparel and merchandise, the printing method makes a huge difference in the final product and the overall cost. Two of the most popular methods are DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing and screen printing. Both have their strengths, but they offer very different results, price structures, and creative possibilities.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing has been the industry standard for decades. It involves pressing layers of ink through mesh screens, one for each color, to create the design.
Best for: Bulk orders, simple designs, solid colors.
Strengths:
- Very durable prints.
- Bold, vibrant results.
- Economical at high quantities (the more you print, the cheaper each piece gets).
Limitations:
- Each color requires its own screen (setup cost adds up fast).
- Fine detail, gradients, or lots of colors increase complexity and cost.
- Not cost-effective for small runs.
💲 Cost perspective: Screen printing has high setup fees, but once the setup is done, the price per piece drops significantly with volume. Printing 200–1,000 of the same simple design can be very inexpensive per shirt.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) is a newer technology that prints designs directly onto a special film and then heat-presses them onto the garment.
Best for: Detailed designs, full color, smaller runs, or mixed orders.
Strengths:
- Unlimited colors without added cost.
- Works well for small orders or one-offs (no setup fees).
- Prints on a wide variety of fabrics.
- Handles gradients, fine details, and photorealistic images.
Limitations:
- Not as economical for very large runs compared to screen printing.
- Uses special films and powders, which keep per-piece costs more consistent regardless of order size.
💲 Cost perspective: DTF’s cost per piece stays fairly steady whether you order 1 item or 100. That makes it unbeatable for short runs, custom work, and multi-color designs—but for larger bulk orders of simple prints, it won’t reach the ultra-low per-piece cost of screen printing.
Why DTF Has Fewer Limitations
With DTF, you don’t pay extra for colors, screens, or complicated artwork. This makes it ideal for brands or businesses that want:
- Colorful, detailed graphics.
- Small-batch or custom orders.
- Quick turnarounds without setup fees.
Which is Right for You?
- Screen Printing: Great for simple, bold designs in very large quantities (think event shirts, team uniforms, or promotional giveaways).
- DTF Printing: Perfect for detailed, colorful, or smaller runs where flexibility matters (like small business merch, unique gifts, or multi-design orders).
At Furlong Design Studio, we focus on DTF printing because it opens up possibilities—without limiting your creativity or your color palette.
💲 Cost Perspective with DTF:
While DTF pricing per piece stays consistent regardless of order size, at Furlong Design Studio we do offer discounted rates when you order in small bulk quantities (like 12, 24, 48 or 100 pieces). That way, you still get savings as you scale — even if the technology itself doesn’t reduce costs like screen printing does.
This means you don’t have to commit to hundreds of shirts just to see a better price. With us, even small batches come with better value.
👉 Bottom line: DTF gives you flexibility and detail, screen printing gives you bulk savings. The “best” choice depends on your project.