What's the difference between DTF and screen printing? This guide explains the key differences, including how each method works, their best uses, appearance, feel, pros, and cons, helping you decide which is right for you.

WHAT IS SCREEN PRINTING?

Screen printing is a traditional technique where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto fabric. It creates vibrant, durable prints and allows control over the finish, including matte, glossy, soft, or thick ink. Special effects are also possible, such as metallic, neon, gloss, and glow-in-the-dark inks.

WHAT IS DTF PRINTING?

DTF printing, also known as digital heat transfer printing, uses a digital process to print a design onto a special film, which is then heat transferred onto fabric. This method works on various garment types, including synthetic fabrics that are unsuitable for other printing methods. DTF prints are bold, durable, and sit on top of the fabric, resulting in a smooth, uniform surface compared to screen printing.

BEST USES

WHEN TO CHOOSE SCREEN PRINTING

• Best for Bulk Orders: Cost-effective for larger runs (50+ pieces).

• Bold, Vibrant Colours: Ink can be mixed to match Pantone colours, including neons.

• Special Effects: Can achieve unique finishes like discharge, metallic, neon, glow-in-the-dark, or high-gloss prints.

• Integrated Feel: The ink integrates with the garment, making the natural weave & texture of the fabric more prominent.

WHEN TO CHOOSE DTF PRINTING

• Great for Small Runs: With no setup costs, DTF is a cost-effective option for smaller orders (under 50 pieces), especially those with multicolour designs.

• Works on Difficult Fabrics: Compatible with polyester, synthetics, and other fabrics that aren't suitable for screen printing.

• Detailed Prints: Ideal for intricate designs, smooth gradients, and full-colour artwork that would be difficult to achieve with screen printing.

APPEARANCE & FEEL

DTF PRINTING

• Appearance: Matte-to-satin finish, vibrant and bold. Has a thin (~0.5mm) transparent adhesive border around the edges of the design.

• Feel: Sits on top of the fabric, creating a smooth surface. It can feel slightly thicker than screen printing, especially in large solid print areas.

SCREEN PRINTING

• Appearance: Matte-to-satin finish (but can be customized with different inks).

• Feel: Ink absorbs into the fabric, making it feel more integrated and lightweight compared to DTF.

PROS & CONS

PROS OF DTF

• Wide Range of Garments: Works on various fabrics, including synthetics like polyester that aren’t suitable for screen printing, and a wider range of garment colours than DTG allows.

• Very Durable: Like screen printing, DTF prints are more durable than DTG, with strong wash resistance and long-lasting colour vibrancy.

• Small Orders: DTF is a cost-effective option for smaller runs (under 50 pieces), especially for designs with multiple colours.

CONS OF DTF

• Heavier Print Feel: While DTF prints aren’t thicker than screen printing, they can feel that way because they sit on top of the fabric, creating a smoother surface that doesn’t blend with the fabric’s texture as much.

• Adhesive Edge: DTF prints have a thin (approx. 0.5mm) transparent glue outline around the design, which is only noticeable upon very close inspection.

• Design Limitations: Works best with sharp-edged graphics rather than soft gradient edges.

PROS OF SCREEN PRINTING

• Cost-effective for Bulk Orders: Lower cost per unit for large runs (50+ pieces).

• Durable: Like DTF printing, screen prints are more durable than DTG, with strong wash resistance and long-lasting colour vibrancy.

• Vibrant Colours: Can achieve vibrant, precise Pantone colours including neons.

• Special Effects: Unlike digital printing methods, screen printing allows for unique finishes such as metallic, neon, gloss, and glow-in-the-dark inks.

CONS OF SCREEN PRINTING

• Higher Minimum Orders: Usually 20+ pieces, but can be more depending on the design.

• Limited Colours Per Design: Typically allows for a maximum of 8 colours per design.

• Less Detail Than Digital: Not always ideal for highly detailed images such as small photographic prints.