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DTF printing is having a serious moment. Everyone from hobbyists and small business owners to big name printing companies are jumping on the DTF train because it's fast, easy, and vibrant.
But that doesn't mean the world is leaving screen printing in the dust. Screen printing is a classic for a reason, and it still has its place.
So which one is best for your business? We're breaking down the pros, cons, and standout features of both to help you figure that out.
What's Inside:
- DTF vs. Screen Printing: Which One is Right For You?
- What is DTF Printing?
- What is Screen Printing?
- DTF vs. Screen Printing: The Breakdown
- Other T-Shirt Printing Methods to Try
- Ready to Start DTF Printing?
DTF vs Screen Printing: Which One is Right For You?
Here's what we recommend in a nutshell:
If you're printing the same designs over and over in bulk, making designs that can be created with a handful of colors and screens, or looking to add special effects like puffy paint or metallic details, screen printing might be the best choice.
But if you're looking to make personalized prints, custom orders, small print runs, or photo-quality prints, DTF is a better choice.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for direct-to-film printing. It came out in the early 2000s, so it's relatively new in the centuries-old printing world.
DTF printing works by printing designs with DTF ink onto film, curing them with an adhesive powder, then pressing those designs onto soft materials like t-shirts and bags.
Learn more in our guide to DTF printing.
You may have also heard about UV DTF printing, which is slightly different. UV DTF prints designs onto film with UV ink. The film is applied onto hard objects like a sticker decal, then peeled off to leave the design permanently adhered to the object.
Learn more in our guide to UV DTF printing.
DTF works for garments like t-shirts, bags, and hats, while UV DTF works for hard items like tumblers and keychains.
DTF is perfect for photo-realistic designs like this, though it can easily handle any design you can print.
Pros of DTF Printing
Here's what DTF has going for it:
- Eco-friendly ink
- After you create the transfer, you can store it or sell it
- No pre-treating step for applying transfers
- Prints well on both natural and synthetic fibers
- Designs pop on any color background because DTF uses white ink
- DTF prints last a really long time with proper care
Cons of DTF Printing
And here are some downsides:
- Curing powder needs to be kept cool so it doesn't melt
- Personal protective equipment is required because the powder is harmful to breathe in
- Prints sit on top of the fabric and can have a shiny finish and plastic feel, not as soft as a screen print
- DTF printers need regular use and maintenance to keep them working
- Difficult to make special effects like glitter, metallic or puff paint
If DTF printing sounds like what you're looking for, check out the Epson F1070 printer which can do both DTF and DTG printing in one compact machine! Learn more about this printer with our Epson F1070 guide.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a 900-year-old technique, which makes it one of the OGs of printing.
Printers have perfected it over hundreds of years and now most companies have it down to a science.
To make prints, you paint ink over stencils using a squeegee. With the proper equipment, you can create a fast assembly-line production system that can finish a shirt in as little as 30 seconds.
A screen printer painting a shirt by hand.
Pros of Screen Printing
- This is the most durable print method available
- You can get a softer, buttery feel with the right paints
- Very cost-effective if you're creating on bulk
- Can print on fabric, wood, paper, glass, and many more materials
- Once you have a productive system set up, it's very reliable and consistent
- You can create more special effects like glitter, metallic paint, and puff paint
Cons of Screen Printing
- Must cut and make stencils for every design you make, which is labor intensive
- Must invest in a lot of equipment and time to make stencils before production
- Takes up a lot of space
- Doesn't do photo-realistic designs with many different colors and layers
- Can be messy until you get the hang of it
- Doesn't print well on stretchy or synthetic fabric
- Not suited for one-off, small batch, or custom orders
Both printing methods can make designs like this, but screen printing is the popular choice for simple color schemes and repeatable designs.
DTF vs Screen Printing: The Breakdown
To finish up, we'll compare DTF printing and screen printing by category so you can see how they stack up.
Best for
- Screen Printing: Bulk orders, simple colors and limited designs.
- DTF: Custom orders, vibrant colors, small batches, personalization.
Setup Costs
- Screen Printing: Can be pricey, ranging from $2,000 - $10,000+ for a full setup.
- DTF: Mid-range, starting from $2,000 - $5,000 for a good quality printer.
Production Costs
- Screen Printing: Has higher upfront costs thanks to the screens, inks, and chemicals, but becomes cost-effective for large batches since the screens can be reused.
- DTF: Has lower setup costs but higher per-print expenses, with ongoing costs for film, ink, and powder.
Maintenance
- Screen Printing: As long as you keep the screens and equipment in good condition, you can stop printing for a season and come back to it without any issues. The only downside? Cleanup is intensive.
- DTF: Needs near-daily use to avoid clogs - you can't leave them alone for too long!
Ease of Printing
- Screen Printing: Requires skill, space, and time. But once you've got the hang of it, you're good to go.
- DTF: Click-print-press-repeat - it's really that simple!
Productivity
- Screen Printing: Super fast for large orders.
- DTF: Fast for low-volume orders and high customization.
Materials You Can Print On
- Screen Printing: Soft and hard surfaces.
- DTF: Soft fabrics only. (Use UV DTF for hard goods.)
Special Effects
- Screen Printing: Can do puff, metallics, glitter.
- DTF: You're limited to CMYK ink only.
Color Options
- Screen Printing: One screen per color - it's way less efficient for complex designs. But you can buy any color paint available.
- DTF: Print ANYTHING in one go - yep, even full-color photos. But you're limited to CMYK ink.
Type of Designs
- Screen Printing: Best for bold, simple blocky designs.
- DTF: Great for any design including detailed, photorealistic art.
Softness
- Screen Printing: Super soft feel - especially when using water-based inks.
- DTF: Slightly heavier feel.
Durability
- Screen Printing: Most durable.
- DTF: Durable enough for everyday wear and will still last a very long time.
Safety
- Screen Printing: Chemical-based inks and sprays - make sure you always use gloves and eye protection.
- DTF: Uses non-toxic water-based ink, but the adhesive powder can be very toxic when inhaled - masks and proper ventilation are a must!
Other Printing Methods to Try
We've compared a bunch of top t-shirt printing methods for small business if you're still looking for more options. We'll share a quick intro to each one below.
Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing involves special ink printed onto transfer paper and applied to a surface using high heat, creating a vibrant, permanent design that won't crack, fade, or peel. It works best on light-colored polyester items and is popular for shirts, tumblers, and more.
See more in our comparison of DTF vs Sublimation here.
DTG Printing
DTG printing (direct-to-garment printing) uses a specialized printer to apply ink directly onto fabric - a bit like printing on paper, but for garments. It's great for detailed, full-color designs and works best on cotton.
See more in our comparison of DTF vs DTG here.
Heat-Transfer Vinyl
HTV is a type of material that you cut into shapes and apply to fabric using heat and pressure. It's great for bold, simple designs and comes in lots of finishes.
We've broken down the differences between sublimation and vinyl if you're interested.
Ready to Start DTF Printing?
We're excited to welcome you into this fast-paced and exciting world of printing!
Next, read our guide to DTF printing to get up and running fast.
Check out the Epson F1070 DTF printer if you're looking for a compact, reliable, beginner-friendly machine.
Finally, join us in the MakerFlo Makers Community on Facebook to meet and share notes with other makers like you!
