DTF vs. Screen Printing – Which Is Better for Custom Shirts?

DTF vs. Screen Printing – Which Is Better for Custom Shirts?

If you're planning to launch a clothing line, print merch, or create personalized T-shirts, you’ve likely asked:
Should I go with DTF or screen printing? 🤔

While screen printing has long been a go-to in the garment industry, Direct to Film (DTF) has emerged as a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective solution — especially for full-color, small-batch, and custom designs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and differences between the two, and help you decide which method is best for your next T-shirt project.

🧵 What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or "screen") for each color in your design. Ink is pushed through the screens one layer at a time onto your shirt. It's ideal for large batches of simple, 1–3 color designs.

✅ Pros:

  • Great for bulk orders

  • Durable, long-lasting prints

  • Works well with solid colors

❌ Cons:

  • High setup costs

  • Not ideal for small orders

  • Limited color detail

  • Time-consuming process

🖨️ What Is DTF (Direct to Film) Printing?

DTF printing uses a digital printer to apply your full-color artwork onto a special film. The design is then transferred onto a shirt using a heat press — no stencils, no mess.

✅ Pros:

  • No setup costs

  • Works with complex, multicolor designs

  • Small orders? No problem

  • Sharp detail, gradients, and shadows

  • Ready-to-press gang sheets

  • Fast turnaround

❌ Cons:

  • Requires proper pressing technique

  • Slightly less texture than plastisol screen ink

At Express DTF Supply, we specialize in high-quality DTF gang sheets, designed to help you print custom shirts in minutes — with no minimums and no hassle.

🆚 DTF vs. Screen Printing – Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature DTF Screen Printing
✅ Minimum Order 1 Usually 12+
🎨 Color Limits Unlimited (CMYK+W) 1–6 colors typically
🖼️ Design Type Detailed, photorealistic Solid logos, simple art
⚙️ Setup Time None High (screens, films, alignment)
⏱️ Turnaround Fast (24–48 hrs) Slower (3–7 days)
💰 Cost Low for small orders Better for high volume
🔄 Reorders Easy Requires new screens
📦 Flexibility Print only what you need Must commit to batch size

👕 Which Is Better for Custom T-Shirts?

If you're:

  • A small business just starting

  • A local shop taking custom orders

  • An Etsy or Shopify seller

  • A designer who loves full-color artwork

  • A crafter or side hustler

Then DTF is your best option. It gives you professional results without the expense and setup of screen printing.

You can upload your gang sheet or build one online, and we’ll print and ship it — ready to press within 24–48 hours.

📦 Get Started with DTF – The Smarter Choice

Here’s how you can get started today with custom DTF transfers for T-shirts:

🛠️ Option 1:

👉 Upload Ready DTF Gang Sheet
Already have your layout? Upload, choose your size, and we’ll print it.

🧩 Option 2:

👉 Build Your Own Gang Sheet
Arrange multiple designs or sizes in one sheet — perfect for batching.

🎯 Need stickers or prints for hard surfaces like tumblers? Check out:

💬 What Our Customers Say

“I used to screen print everything. Now I just press DTF and I’m done in seconds. The colors are amazing and detail is insane!”
– Chris T., Streetwear Brand Owner

“DTF helped me launch my tee business without all the upfront cost. Upload, press, ship – that’s it!”
– Madison R., Small Shop Owner

📚 Learn More: