DTF vs. Screen Printing

Why Direct-to-Film Wins for Most 2+ Color Jobs on a Wide Range of Fabrics

Allegra of Lansing runs commercial‑grade Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) printing equipment with calibrated white ink, adhesive, and heat‑press workflows. You get ultra‑vibrant, full‑color results, fast turnarounds, and excellent consistency across cotton, blends, and polyester/performance garments and often more competitive than screen printing on any design with two or more colors.

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What is Direct‑to‑Film (DTF)?

  • How it works: We print your art in color + white onto transfer film, apply adhesive powder, cure, then heat‑press it to the garment.
  • Full‑color ready: gradients, small type, and photo detail render beautifully and there is no per‑color setup.
  • Fabric versatility: excellent on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, fleece, nylon, poly/performance and more!
  • Vibrancy & opacity: built‑in white under base gives rich color on dark garments.
  • Feel: modern films are thin and flexible; large solid areas have a light surface feel.

What is Screen Printing?

  • Ink is pressed through mesh screens - one screen per color - onto the fabric.
  • Fantastic for very large quantities, strict Pantone brand colors, and specialty effects (metallic, puff, etc.).
  • Setup and color separations add time/cost as colors increase.

Key differences at a glance

  • 2+ colors: DTF often wins on price & speed (no screens or separations).
  • Fabric range: DTF handles cotton and poly with consistent results; Screen is strongest on cotton.
  • Detail & gradients: DTF excels at tiny type and photo detail; Screen favors bold spot colors.
  • Hand feel: DTF has a thin, flexible surface layer; Screen can be very soft with water‑based but heavier with plastisol.
  • Very high volume: Screen becomes most economical for thousands of the same design in 1 color imprints.
  • Special effects: metallic/puff/raised textures → Screen.

Pros & cons

DTF - Pros

  • Ultra‑vibrant full color with crisp edges and fine detail
  • Cost‑effective for 2+ colors and quick changes between designs/sizes
  • Works on cotton, blends, and polyester/performance fabrics
  • Fast turnaround for medium to larger‑size runs
  • Flexible placements (sleeves, hats, difficult locations) using transfers
  • Great for variants (names/numbers) and on‑demand fulfillment

DTF - Considerations

  • Has a light surface feel, especially over large solid areas
  • Pantone‑exact matching is approximated through color management
  • Specialty textures/effects are limited vs. screen

Screen Printing - Pros

  • Highly economical at very large quantities of the same design
  • Exact Pantone matching with spot inks
  • Access to specialty effects (metallic, puff, etc.)

Screen Printing - Considerations

  • Setup per color adds cost and time - especially at 2+ colors
  • Photographic art requires specialty separations
  • Fabric‑to‑fabric consistency can vary without testing

How to choose (the quick local guide)

  • 2+ colors or photo‑heavy art? Choose DTF for vibrant results and speed.
  • Poly/performance or mixed fabrics? Choose DTF for reliable adhesion and color.
  • Huge 1‑color order (thousands)? Choose Screen for lowest unit cost.
  • Need metallic/puff/unique textures? Choose Screen.

Not sure? Send us your art and we’ll price both and show where DTF gives the best value.

FAQ

How durable are DTF prints?
With our commercial‑grade films, adhesives, and calibrated heat‑press settings, DTF delivers excellent wash durability when cared for properly (wash cold, inside‑out, low heat dry or hang‑dry).

What does DTF feel like?
A thin, flexible surface layer with a soft touch. Large solid areas feel more noticeable than vintage water‑based screen prints; intricate or shaded art feels very light.

Can you print on dark garments and polyester?
Yes, DTF excels here. The white under base and adhesive create vibrant, opaque color on dark cotton and poly/performance gear.

Do you handle names/numbers or lots of variants?
Absolutely! DTF is ideal for teams and small batches with individual personalization.

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