DTF and screen printing are the two most common ways to print custom t-shirts. Both give durable, good-looking results, but they suit different designs and quantities. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the right one for your order.
What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct-to-film) printing prints your design onto a special film, coats it with an adhesive powder, and heat-presses it onto the t-shirt. Because the design is printed digitally, there is no limit on colours, gradients or fine detail.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen, one screen for each colour in the design. Setting up the screens takes time, but once they are ready, each extra t-shirt is quick and cheap to print.
DTF vs screen printing at a glance
| DTF printing | Screen printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small to medium orders | Large orders |
| Colours | Unlimited, including photos and gradients | Each colour needs its own screen |
| Setup | None | Screens prepared per colour |
| Cost per piece | Same for 1 or 100 | Falls as quantity rises |
| Fabric | Cotton, polyester, blends | Mainly cotton |
| Feel | Smooth print layer on top of fabric | Ink sits in the fabric, soft feel |
When to choose DTF
- You need a few pieces or a one-off personalised t-shirt
- Your design has many colours, gradients or a photo
- You want names or numbers that change on every piece
When to choose screen printing
- You are ordering a large batch of the same design
- Your logo uses only one to three solid colours
- You want the lowest price per t-shirt on a big run
Still not sure?
Send us your design and quantity on WhatsApp and we will suggest the most suitable method. Kahvira offers DTF, screen printing and sublimation from our studio in Mumbai, with delivery across India. See our bulk t-shirt printing page for larger orders.
