DTF vs Screen Printing: What You Need to Know Before You Order
If you've ever tried to get custom shirts made in Northern Utah, you've probably run into the same question: should I go with DTF or screen printing? Both methods produce great-looking results, but they serve different needs. Choosing the wrong one can cost you money, time, or quality — and choosing the right one can make your project go smoothly from start to finish.
At Utah Shirt Shop, we offer both DTF transfers and heat pressing and screen printing out of our shop in Layton, Utah. We've decorated thousands of garments using both methods, so we're in a good position to break it all down for you.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is the traditional method of applying ink directly through a mesh screen onto a garment. Each color in your design requires a separate screen, and ink is pushed through the screen with a squeegee onto the fabric below. The ink is then cured with heat to lock it in permanently.
Screen printing has been the industry standard for bulk custom apparel for decades — and for good reason. The results are vibrant, durable, and cost-effective at scale.
Pros of Screen Printing
- Excellent cost per unit at higher quantities (24+ pieces)
- Ink sits on top of the fabric for a classic, vibrant look
- Very durable — prints hold up through hundreds of washes
- Works well on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics
- Ideal for simple to moderately complex designs with defined colors
- Specialty inks (metallics, puff, glow-in-the-dark) are easier to apply
Cons of Screen Printing
- Higher setup costs — each color requires a separate screen
- Not cost-effective for small runs (under 12-24 pieces)
- Adding more colors increases cost significantly
- Photorealistic and gradient designs are difficult to reproduce accurately
- Every size in your order needs to be decided upfront
- Turnaround time is longer due to film and screen preparation
What Is DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing?
DTF printing is a newer method where your design is printed onto a special film, coated with a hot-melt adhesive powder, and then heat pressed onto the garment. The result is a full-color transfer that adheres to the fabric and moves with it naturally.
DTF transfers can be made as individual pieces or printed on gang sheets — large sheets packed with multiple designs — which makes them efficient for small batches and one-off orders.
Pros of DTF Printing
- No minimum order quantity — one shirt is perfectly fine
- Full color printing at no extra cost — gradients, photos, and complex artwork all print the same
- Works on nearly any fabric type including polyester, nylon, and blends
- Fast turnaround for small orders
- Great for names and numbers on sports uniforms
- Easy to do multiple designs in the same order without added cost per design
- You can purchase gang sheets and press them yourself or have us press them for you
Cons of DTF Printing
- Cost per unit stays relatively flat — doesn't drop dramatically with quantity
- The transfer layer sits on top of the fabric, which some people find less breathable than screen printing
- Not ideal for very large print areas on heavy cotton garments where a full-chest screen print looks more traditional
- Requires proper pressing technique and equipment to adhere correctly
- Longevity depends on correct application — improper pressing can cause peeling
Head-to-Head Comparison
Order Size
If you need fewer than 12-24 pieces, DTF wins easily. Screen printing setup costs spread across a small number of garments make the price per shirt much higher. For large runs of 48 or more identical pieces, screen printing usually wins on cost.
Design Complexity
For photorealistic artwork, gradients, or designs with dozens of colors, DTF is superior. Screen printing is limited by the number of screens (and colors) you can affordably use. Simple text, logos, and two- to four-color designs look outstanding in screen printing.
Fabric Type
Screen printing works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends. DTF works on virtually anything — polyester, nylon, tri-blends, waterproof fabrics, and more. If you're printing on performance gear or athletic wear, DTF is often the better call.
Durability
Both methods are durable when done correctly. Well-applied DTF transfers with quality adhesive powder and proper pressing will last through many washes. Screen printing ink, once properly cured, is essentially part of the fabric. For pure wash durability, screen printing has a slight edge on heavy-use workwear, but correctly applied DTF is no slouch.
Turnaround Time
DTF transfers can often be produced same-day or next-day for smaller orders. Screen printing requires time to create films, burn screens, and mix ink, which typically adds a few days to the process.
Which Should You Choose?
Here's a simple way to decide:
- Choose screen printing if: You're ordering 24+ pieces of the same design, your design uses 4 or fewer spot colors, you want the most economical option at volume, and you're printing on standard cotton shirts.
- Choose DTF if: You need fewer than 24 pieces, your design is full color or photorealistic, you're printing on polyester or performance fabric, you need names and numbers, or you want a faster turnaround.
Not sure which fits your project? Get a quote from our team and we'll help you pick the right method based on your design, quantity, and timeline.
Can You Mix Both Methods?
Absolutely. Plenty of our customers use screen printing for their large bulk orders of standard logo shirts, then use DTF for the coach's jacket, the small run of staff shirts in odd sizes, or the extra few pieces someone needs weeks after the main order went out. Mixing methods is a smart way to get the best of both worlds.
Why Order From Utah Shirt Shop?
We're a local print shop in Layton, Utah serving businesses, sports teams, schools, and organizations across Davis County, Weber County, and the greater Salt Lake area. Both our screen printing and DTF transfer services are handled in-house, which means we control quality, communication, and delivery.
We include art setup and mockups in the process, and our team can advise you on which method is best for your project before you commit to anything.
Contact us today to talk through your order, or request a quote online and we'll get back to you quickly with pricing and options.