DTF vs Screen Printing: Which Method is Best for Your Business?

Choosing between DTF printing and screen printing can make or break your custom apparel business. Both methods have their place, but understanding the differences helps you maximize profit margins and customer satisfaction.

Quick Comparison

• Print small batches (1-100 pieces)
• Offer custom designs with lots of colors
• Need fast turnaround times
• Want low upfront costs

• Run large orders (200+ pieces)
• Print simple 1-3 color designs
• Have warehouse space for inventory
• Can commit to high minimum orders

Cost Breakdown

DTF Printing Costs

• No setup fees (no screens to create)
• Per-piece pricing: $3-8 depending on size
• Break-even point: 1 piece
• Best for: 12-100 piece orders

Screen Printing Costs

• Setup fees: $25-75 per color (screens)
• Per-piece pricing: $2-4 for large runs
• Break-even point: 100-200 pieces
• Best for: 200+ piece orders

Quality Comparison

Both methods deliver professional results, but excel in different areas:

DTF Print Quality

• Detail: Excellent - handles fine lines, gradients, photos
• Colors: Unlimited colors, no extra cost
• Feel: Soft, thin, breathable
• Durability: 50+ washes when properly cared for
• Fabrics: Works on cotton, poly, blends, nylon

Screen Print Quality

• Detail: Good - best for bold, simple designs
• Colors: Limited by screen count (cost increases per color)
• Feel: Slightly thicker, more "traditional"
• Durability: 100+ washes, industry standard
• Fabrics: Best on cotton, challenges with polyester

Turnaround Times

DTF Printing: 2-5 business days from approval to shipping

Screen Printing: 7-14 business days (includes screen preparation)

For businesses needing fast fulfillment or print-on-demand models, DTF wins hands-down.

When DTF Printing Makes Sense

1. Ecommerce & Print-on-Demand

If you sell custom shirts online, DTF allows you to print as orders come in without holding inventory. No minimums means no risk.

2. Small Business Branding

Getting 24 staff shirts? DTF handles small batches economically. Screen printing would charge setup fees that make small orders unprofitable.

3. Complex Designs

Full-color logo with gradients? Photo prints? DTF handles it easily. Screen printing would require 6-8 screens, costing hundreds in setup alone.

4. Varied Designs

Corporate gifting with names on each shirt? DTF prints each design individually. Screen printing requires one setup per unique design.

When Screen Printing Makes Sense

1. Large Runs (200+)

Running a big event with 500 identical shirts? Screen printing's per-piece cost drops significantly at volume.

2. Simple Designs

One or two-color logos? Screen printing delivers clean, bold prints economically at scale.

3. Long-Term Inventory

Printing branded merch to sell over months? Screen printing works well when you can commit to larger quantities upfront.

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Smart businesses use both methods:

• DTF for: Custom orders, small batches, samples, complex designs
• Screen printing for: Bulk basics, simple logos, large events

At PLUGINWORK in Markham, Ontario, we specialize in DTF printing because most Canadian small businesses need flexibility, not minimums.

The Verdict

• Small to medium businesses
• Ecommerce brands
• Teams and organizations
• Anyone prioritizing flexibility

• Mass production (500+)
• Simple designs
• Established brands with predictable demand

Ready to Start Printing?

Whether you choose DTF or screen printing, quality matters. At PLUGINWORK, we deliver professional DTF printing with fast turnaround, competitive pricing, and no minimums.

Get a quote today: [Contact PLUGINWORK](https://printsdmt.com/contact) or visit us Sundays 10am-5pm at 9390 Woodbine Ave, Suite 323, Markham, ON L6C 0M5.