Printing & decoration
Screen Printing vs. DTF: Which Should You Choose?
The best print method starts with your artwork, your quantity and the garment you want to wear.
Ordering a run of shirts with the same bold design? Screen printing is worth comparing. Need a small batch or detailed, colourful artwork? DTF may be a better starting point. Ask us to confirm the method for your specific garment and design.
What is the difference?
Screen printing applies ink through a stencil on a mesh screen. A design with several colours generally needs a screen for each colour. It is a useful option for repeated artwork, such as a business logo, event shirt or band design.
DTF stands for direct to film. The design is printed onto a transfer film and applied to the garment using heat and pressure. It offers another route for full-colour artwork and smaller orders without preparing a separate screen for every colour.
Neither method is the automatic winner for every project. Small lettering, print size, garment texture and the colours in your design all matter.
Screen printing and DTF at a glance
| Your project | Screen printing | DTF printing |
|---|---|---|
| Order quantity at Pressing Matters | Minimum 24 pieces | Available from 1 piece |
| Artwork | A strong starting point for consistent logos and bold designs | A strong starting point for colourful, detailed designs |
| Production setup | Screens are prepared for the artwork colours | Artwork is prepared as a film transfer |
| Fabric and garment | We check ink, fabric and placement compatibility | We check fabric and heat-application compatibility |
| Best next step | Compare a quote for your complete run | Compare a quote for your complete run |
What affects the price?
Your final quote reflects the garment, quantity, artwork, print dimensions and number of print locations. Front-and-back decoration involves more work than a single print location.
For screen printing, colour count and setup can affect the economics of the order. Spreading that setup across more pieces may make a larger run more economical per shirt. DTF has a different production process, so a detailed full-colour design may compare differently.
Compare quotes using the same garment, quantity and placements. A generic online price cannot tell you what your finished project will cost.
Think about feel, fabric and care
A large solid print area can feel different from a small chest logo, whichever method you choose. If feel is a priority, tell us before approving the artwork and ask about suitable design adjustments or a sample.
We also need to check the garment itself. Fabric composition, coatings and heat sensitivity can influence the available options. Follow the care guidance supplied with your finished apparel; do not assume every print and fabric combination needs identical care.
How to choose for your next order
Start with the purpose of the apparel. A uniform run with a simple logo and consistent colours is a good screen-printing discussion. A short run for a launch, a personal project or artwork with many colours is a good DTF discussion.
Then send us your artwork, preferred garment, quantities by size, print placements and the date you need the order. If you expect to reorder, mention that too. We can help you weigh the options before you commit.
Our artwork FAQ explains how to get started. Send the best-quality original file you have and let us know the intended print size.
Let’s find the right print for your project.
Pressing Matters is based in Burnaby, BC. Share your design and order details for a project-specific recommendation.
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