DTF Prints for T-Shirts vs Screen Print, Fast Turnaround

DTF and screen printing both make great custom shirts, but they deliver very different results and workflows. If you sell prints on Etsy, run a small apparel brand, or operate a local print shop, understanding the tradeoffs matters. In the next sections I compare durability, color, setup time, cost, and real-life use cases so you can pick the right method for your business.

Bold the keyword here: dtf prints for t-shirts vs screen print

Quick summary

DTF (Direct-to-Film) gives photo-quality, full-color prints with no minimums and fast turnaround. Screen printing shines on large runs of simple-color artwork and offers very low per-unit cost at volume. Choose DTF for complex designs, mixed fabrics, and same-day orders. Choose screen print for massive quantities and classic tactile ink feel.

How each process works

DTF (Direct-to-Film)

Artwork is printed in CMYK plus white onto PET film, powdered with heat-activated adhesive, cured, then pressed onto fabric with a heat press.
Works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, spandex, and dark garments with a white underbase.
No weeding, no screens, and files are ready-to-print, making it ideal for one-offs and small batches.

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto apparel, one screen per color. Each color needs registration and drying.
Best for large runs of shirts with limited spot colors, especially when you need thick, durable ink layers.
Setup includes film positives, screens, and potentially color separations and flashing for multi-color prints.

Side-by-side comparison

Color and detail

DTF: Photo-quality gradients and fine detail, consistent across colors. Great for full-color artwork, photos, and complex logos.
Screen: Extremely vibrant on spot colors, but complex color blends require halftones and extra screens, which adds cost and time.

Feel and finish

DTF: Soft hand, stretchy prints that sit on top of fabric but remain flexible. Good for both light and dark garments.
Screen: Can feel thicker depending on ink type, ideal for a premium tactile finish when you want that classic screen-printed look.

Durability and washability

DTF: When pressed correctly, DTF transfers last 100+ washes with minimal cracking. Proper press settings and post-press are key.
Screen: Industry-proven durability, especially with plastisol or durable water-based inks. Excellent for heavy-use apparel.

Turnaround and setup time

DTF: No screens, so super fast. Same-day printing is possible for small orders. Perfect for same-day pickup and quick online fulfillment.
Screen: Significant setup time for screens and separations, better suited to larger runs where setup cost is amortized.

Cost per piece

DTF: Cost-effective at low to medium volumes. No minimums make it ideal for single prints and small batches.
Screen: Lower unit cost at high volumes, but initial setup raises break-even point. Best when printing hundreds to thousands of shirts.

Minimums and flexibility

DTF: No minimums, easy color changes, and rapid revisions.
Screen: Minimums exist due to setup. Changing artwork, colors, or sizes requires new screens.

Use cases: which to pick and when

If you run an Etsy shop or accept on-demand orders, choose DTF for single-item customization, multi-color logos, and fast shipping.
If you’re fulfilling uniforms, team orders, or wholesale runs of the same two-color design, screen printing will save money at scale.
For mixed fabric orders, DTF is the most versatile. For thick ink texture and vintage looks, pick screen.

Best practices and press settings

DTF recommended press: 300–325°F, medium-high pressure, 10–15 seconds, cold peel, optional 5–10 second post-press for added durability. Follow your transfer supplier’s instructions.
Screen printing: Cure plastisol at proper temperature (often 320–330°F) and test wash durability before full production.
For both methods, pre-test on the exact garment fabric and color. Always follow artwork preparation guidelines for best color match.

Cost checklist for small businesses

DTF: Low startup, pay-per-print pricing, minimal inventory risk. Great for limited runs, samples, and prototyping.
Screen: Higher upfront costs for screens, but lower per-unit costs for large orders. Plan for storage, setup labor, and color separations.

Local advantage: Why choose a nearby DTF partner

Working with a local DTF supplier shortens lead time and reduces risk. For Arizona customers, local pickup or same-day printing matters when you need urgent runs, event gear, or quick restocks. Five Star DTF offers same-day printing, local pickup in Tempe, and free shipping over $100 to help you keep timelines tight.

FAQs

How long do DTF prints last compared to screen prints?

When pressed correctly, DTF transfers can exceed 100 washes and remain colorfast. Screen prints are also very durable; both methods hold up well when cured correctly. The deciding factor is press and cure quality.

Can DTF replace screen printing completely?

DTF can replace screen printing for many small or color-rich jobs, but for very large single-color runs where the lowest possible per-unit cost is essential, screen printing still wins.

Is DTF good for dark shirts?

Yes. DTF uses a white underbase so prints pop on dark fabrics without the heavy feel of some screen-printed inks.

Which method is better for hoodies and workwear?

Both work. DTF offers soft, stretch-friendly prints that bond well to performance fabrics. Screen printing provides thicker, textured prints that hold up to heavy use. Choose based on look and feel.

Do I need special heat press settings for glitter or UV DTF stickers?

Yes. Specialty products like glitter DTF and UV DTF stickers may require different temps, pressure, and peel types. Refer to product-specific instructions. Five Star DTF includes detailed press guidelines on the product pages and instructions page.

Can I order just one shirt?

Absolutely. DTF has no minimums, so single-print orders, samples, and one-offs are easy and affordable.

Ready to print? Fast options and contact

If you want same-day DTF transfers, fast shipping, or local pickup in Tempe, get started now. Order online: https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/

Local pickup: 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281. Call (480) 600-2477 or visit our contact page to ask about same-day turnaround and press instructions: Contact Five Star DTF.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing, you don’t need to choose one forever. Use DTF for rapid, colorful, no-minimum runs and screen printing for massive single-color jobs where cost per piece matters. If speed, color detail, and flexibility are priorities for your apparel business, DTF prints for t-shirts are often the smarter, faster choice. For bulk orders where tactile ink and the lowest unit price win, screen printing is still king.

About Five Star DTF

Five Star DTF is Arizona’s leading provider of
DTF transfers, Glitter DTF prints, UV DTF stickers,
and Sublimation transfers — offering same-day printing, fast nationwide shipping,
and convenient local pickup in Tempe, Arizona.

We proudly serve Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and all of Arizona,
helping creators, apparel brands, small businesses, and print shops produce premium, press-ready transfers with
vivid color, soft stretch, and long-lasting durability.
There are no setup fees, no minimum orders, and turnarounds are always fast.

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