Screen printing and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing are both popular methods for custom apparel, but they differ significantly in process, ideal use cases, cost, and print properties. DTF is better for small, complex, multi-color designs on various fabrics, while screen printing is more cost-effective for large bulk orders of simpler, bold designs.
- DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film): This is a digital process where a design is printed onto a special film using a specialized inkjet printer. An adhesive powder is then applied and cured with heat. The design is then transferred to the fabric using a heat press.
- Screen Printing: This traditional method involves creating a unique stencil (or “screen”) for each color in the design. Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the material with a squeegee. Each color requires a separate screen and application pass, making multi-color designs more labor-intensive.