Screen printing vs DTF: which should you choose?

Planning a merch drop, team shirts, or clothing for your business? One of the first decisions is how to print your design.

At Double Threat Prints in Margate, we offer screen printing and DTF printing. Both have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your artwork, order size, and the finish you want.

Here’s how to choose.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing uses a mesh screen and stencil to push ink directly onto a garment. Each colour usually needs its own screen, which is why the number of colours affects the setup and price.

We use water-based inks for our screen printing. It’s a great option for bold lettering, illustrations and designs with solid blocks of colour. Once the screens are prepared, you can print the same design across a whole batch efficiently.

What is DTF printing?

DTF stands for direct to film. Your artwork is printed digitally onto a film, an adhesive powder is applied, and the design is transferred onto the garment using heat.

It’s particularly useful for smaller orders and artwork with lots of colours, gradients or photographic detail. Unlike screen printing, it doesn’t require a separate screen for each colour.

Screen printing vs DTF at a glance

What matters to you?	Screen printing	DTF printing
Order size	Often more economical for larger batches	Useful for smaller batches
Artwork	Particularly suited to bold designs with fewer colours	Suits full-colour artwork, gradients and photographs
Setup	Separate screens are usually needed for each colour	Artwork is printed digitally onto transfer film
Print feel	Water-based inks can give a soft finish; coverage affects the feel	Has a noticeable transfer layer, especially across large solid areas
Our minimum order	50 garments on your first order	10 garments

Our minimum quantities help us keep each process practical and cost-effective for your project.

When should you choose screen printing?

Screen printing is often a strong choice when you’re ordering a larger quantity of the same design, particularly with one or two print colours.

Think a bold logo on staff tees, a typographic design for a clothing brand, or illustrated merchandise for a club or event. The setup is spread across the order, so the cost per garment generally becomes more favourable as quantities increase.

When should you choose DTF?

DTF is worth considering when you want a smaller run or a design containing lots of colours.

For example, a full-colour illustration on 15 T-shirts may be more practical as a DTF transfer than a screen print requiring several screens. DTF also works across many fabric types, although we’ll check that your chosen garment is suitable before recommending it.

Which method lasts longer?

There isn’t a useful universal winner. Ink or transfer quality, correct curing or application, garment choice, and washing all influence how a print wears.

Properly heat-cured water-based screen prints can have excellent wash resistance. Whatever method you choose, follow the care instructions supplied with your order.

Let’s find the right fit for your project

You don’t need to decide before getting in touch. Send us your artwork, approximate quantity, garment ideas, and deadline, and we’ll help you choose a suitable printing method.

Request a quote from Double Threat Prints and tell us what you’re making.