Screen Printing Vs Dtf Printing – tshirtprintlondon.co.uk

Screen printed vs DTF printed t-shirts side by side

Two of our most popular printing methods, compared on cost, durability, color range, and turnaround — so you can pick the right one for your project.

1. How Each Method Works

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil, one color at a time, directly onto the fabric. DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing prints your design onto a special film, then heat-presses it onto the garment as a full-color transfer.

2. Cost Comparison

Screen printing has a setup cost per color (creating the screens), which makes it most economical at high volumes with few colors. DTF has no per-color setup cost, so it's often cheaper for small runs or designs with many colors and gradients.

3. Durability & Feel

Both methods are wash-durable when applied correctly. Screen printing can feel lighter on the fabric (especially with water-based inks), while DTF sits slightly on top of the fabric with a smooth, slightly glossy finish.

4. Which Is Best For What

Choose screen printing for bulk orders (100+ pieces) with 1–3 solid colors — think event t-shirts or team uniforms. Choose DTF for small runs, photo-realistic designs, or artwork with many colors and fine detail.

💡 Pro Tip

Not sure which fits your design? Send us your artwork and quantity — we'll recommend the more cost-effective method for your specific job.

Factor	Screen Printing	DTF Printing
Best For	Bulk orders, few colors	Small runs, full color
Setup Cost	Per color	None
Color Range	Limited (spot colors)	Unlimited (full color)
Turnaround	Slightly longer (setup)	Faster for small runs
Feel on Fabric	Soft, especially water-based	Smooth, slightly raised

Key Takeaways

Screen printing wins on cost at high volume with few colors.
DTF wins for small runs and full-color, detailed designs.
Both are durable when applied and cared for correctly.
Setup cost is the main factor that shifts the price advantage.
When unsure, ask us to quote both methods for comparison.

Yes — e.g. screen printed front logo with a DTF full-color back design.

Both hold up well for 50+ washes when cared for properly.

For small quantities, DTF is often cheaper due to no setup cost.

It's possible but limited — DTF handles gradients more easily.

Yes, DTF transfers include a white underbase for dark fabrics.

DTF, since there's no per-color screen setup needed.

Yes, we can produce a sample in each method for comparison.

Quality screen printing with proper curing resists cracking.

Water-based screen printing generally has a lower environmental footprint.

Submit your design and quantity — we'll quote both methods side by side.

Priya Sharma

Design Lead at TShirtPrintLondon, specializing in print-method selection and artwork prep.

Screen Printing vs DTF Printing: Which Is Right for You?

In This Article

1. How Each Method Works

2. Cost Comparison

3. Durability & Feel