Screen Printing VS DTF Transfers

Screen Printing vs. DTF Transfers

If you’re in the apparel world, you’ve definitely heard the debate: Screen Printing or DTF Transfers?
Both are powerful printing methods, but they shine in totally different situations. With more small businesses and custom brands growing in 2025, it’s important to understand which method fits your needs.

Let’s break it down — no fluff, just an article full of facts.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is the traditional method that uses mesh screens to push ink onto fabric, one color at a time.
It’s known for durability and bold, solid colors — but it also comes with setup time, prep work, and higher minimums.

Pros of Screen Printing

Extremely durable for bulk orders

Great for simple designs with few colors

Ideal for uniforms, basic merch, and large runs

Smooth, classic printed feel

Cons of Screen Printing

Expensive setup for small orders

Not ideal for full-color or photo designs

Multi-color jobs take longer

Minimum order quantity is usually required

What Are DTF Transfers?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are printed digitally in full color, then heat-pressed onto any fabric.
No pretreat, no screens, no limitations — just vibrant prints with incredible detail.

Pros of DTF Transfers

Zero setup costs — perfect for small or one-off orders

Full-color printing with gradients and great detail

Works on cotton, poly, blends, nylon, canvas, and more

Great durability, stretch, and long wash life

Fast turnaround for rush jobs

No minimum order quantity

Cons of DTF Transfers

Slightly different feel than traditional screen print

For large bulk orders, screen printing may be more cost-efficient

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Screen Printing If:

You’re doing 300+ shirts with simple logos or text

The design uses 1–3 solid colors

You need that classic “ink in the fabric” feel

You don’t mind the setup time or minimums

Choose DTF Transfers If:

You want full-color designs with no limitations

You’re doing small orders, test runs, or custom names

You need fast turnaround or on-demand printing

You don’t want to maintain equipment or mess with screens

You’re printing on tricky fabrics

DTF vs Screen Print: Quick Comparison Table

Final Verdict

Both methods are great — but they’re not meant for the same type of job.

If you’re a small brand, boutique business, or doing custom orders, DTF is hands-down the better choice.
It gives you flexibility, speed, and incredible print quality without the old-school setup.

If you’re printing massive runs of simple logos, screen printing still wins for cost efficiency.

Need High-Quality DTF Transfers?

At DTFOnline.com, we ship fast, print clean, and use top-tier film and inks to make your designs pop. Whether you’re doing 1 shirt or 1,000, we’ve got you covered. Check out our DTF Gang Sheets