Direct-to-film and screen printing both make great apparel, but they solve different problems. Whether you run an Etsy shop, manage a sports team order, or run a small print business, knowing the real tradeoffs helps you choose the fastest, most cost-effective method.
Here’s a clear, practical comparison of Direct to Film Printing vs Screen Printing, what each method does best, cost and turnaround expectations, and when to pick DTF transfers for same-day prints from Tempe or a large screen run for wholesale orders.
Quick comparison: How the two methods stack up
What Direct-to-Film (DTF) is
DTF uses digital inkjet printers to print full-color designs onto a specialty film, then a powdered adhesive is applied and cured. Transfers are heat-pressed to fabric. DTF shines for photo prints, no-minimum orders, and mixed-fabric jobs like cotton and polyester.
What Screen Printing is
Screen printing presses ink through stencils on mesh screens directly onto garments. It’s ideal for large runs, single-color or limited-color designs, and when you want very durable, heavy-ink prints like plastisol or discharge inks.
Production speed, cost, and minimums
- Turnaround: DTF transfers are fast. You can get same-day printing and local pickup in Tempe for small runs and one-offs. Screen printing needs setup per color, so small jobs cost more time. For 50+ pieces, screen printing often becomes cheaper per shirt.
- Price per piece: DTF is cost-effective for short runs and full-color designs. Screen printing wins on large volume because setup cost is amortized across many units.
- Minimums: DTF typically has no minimums. Screen printing often has minimums because of setup.
Print quality, feel, and durability
- Color fidelity: DTF reproduces photos and gradients with crisp detail and full color gamut. It handles fine halftones easily.
- Hand feel: Modern DTF transfers have a soft stretch and thin hand, though heavier than some high-end water-based screen prints. Screen printing with thin plastisol or discharge inks can have a very soft hand for single-color prints.
- Durability: Both methods are durable when applied correctly. Screen printing has a long record for wash resistance; DTF has improved significantly and holds up well when pressed and cured according to instructions.
Fabric compatibility and use cases
- Fabrics: DTF works on cotton, polyester, blends, and performance fabrics without special pretreatment. Ideal for hoodies, tees, and poly blends. Screen printing can require special inks or pretreatments for some synthetics.
- Best uses for DTF: Small batch apparel, multi-color photos, fast turnaround, custom orders, resellers who need press-ready transfers. Great for creators who need no-minimum DTF prints and fast shipping.
- Best uses for screen printing: Large orders, spot-color designs, specialty inks like metallics or puff, and orders where long-run economy is key.
Workflow differences for shop owners
- Setup and file prep: DTF needs print-ready RGB or CMYK files and proper white underbase placement, then heat-press instructions for the end user. Screen printing needs separations and sometimes vector art for each color.
- Equipment and space: DTF requires a DTF printer, curing oven, and heat press. Screen printing requires press(es), drying conveyor or flash units, and space for multiple screens.
Practical decision guide: Which should you pick?
- Choose DTF transfers when you need: same-day printing, no minimums, photo-quality prints, mixed fabric jobs, or easy inventory of transfers for heat-press fulfillment.
- Choose screen printing when you need: the lowest unit cost for large runs, specialty inks, or ultra-durable single-color prints.
Press settings and tips (quick wins)
- Heat press tip for DTF: Use firm pressure, 320°F for 15 seconds as a starting point for cotton; test with your press and fabric. Always follow manufacturer instructions and the supplier’s press guide.
- Color management: Use high-resolution files and embed color profiles if possible. For screen printing, provide vector separations or high-contrast layers.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, DTF or screen printing?
Both last well when applied correctly. Screen printing has a long history of durability. Modern DTF transfers, when cured and pressed per instructions, resist cracking and fading and perform strongly in wash tests.
Is DTF good on polyester?
Yes. DTF works on polyester, cotton, and blends without special pretreatment, making it a versatile choice for sportswear and performance fabrics.
Can I mix DTF transfers and screen printing on one garment?
Yes. Some shops combine techniques, for example screen-printed spot colors with DTF photo elements. Plan placement and curing steps to avoid overheating prior layers.
How do setup costs compare?
Screen printing has higher setup costs per design and color. DTF has lower per-job setup, which is why it is cost-effective for short runs and sample prints.
Are there limits to design complexity with screen printing?
Fine photo details and gradients are harder and more expensive with screen printing. DTF handles complex, photographic, and full-color art without extra cost.
Can I get same-day DTF transfers in Tempe, Arizona?
Yes. Five Star DTF offers same-day printing and local pickup for many DTF transfer orders printed in Tempe.
Summary
Direct-to-film excels at fast, full-color, low-minimum jobs and mixed-fabric compatibility. Screen printing still rules large-volume cost efficiency and specialty ink effects. Choose based on run size, design complexity, fabric, and desired turnaround.
Get Your DTF Prints Fast
Ready to move from mockups to finished shirts? Order same-day DTF transfers or schedule local pickup. We print in Tempe, offer nationwide shipping, and free shipping over $100.
Order online: https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/
📍 Local pickup: 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281
Conclusion
Here’s the thing, you don’t have to pick a single winner. Use DTF for fast, full-color runs and screen printing for large batch economy or specialty inks. If speed, no minimums, and photo-quality color matter, DTF transfers are the better fit. If you need massive volume and the lowest per-piece cost, pick screen printing.
Need help choosing for a specific order size or fabric? Contact us — we’ll recommend the best method and timing to hit your margin and delivery goals.
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.
Our Top Products
- DTF Transfers
- Glitter DTF Transfers
- UV DTF Stickers
- Sublimation Transfers
- Press Instructions & Tips
- Contact & Local Pickup
Artwork Help
Need your artwork cleaned, fixed, resized, or made print-ready? We offer background removal, vectorizing, color correction, and gang sheet layout.
Ready to Print?
Order DTF Transfers or
Upload Your Artwork to get started today.
All orders over $100 ship free — printed in Tempe, AZ and shipped statewide and nationwide.