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: This is a digital process where a complex or multi-coloured design is printed onto a film using a specialized printer. The design is then transferred to the fabric using a heat press. We can also use this process for below-minimum orders of single colour images, or for garments that cannot be screenprinted.
- Screen Printing: This traditional method involves creating a screen for each colour in the design. Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the material with a squeegee. Each colour requires a separate screen, making multi-color designs more labour-intensive.
