When it comes to custom apparel printing, both Screen Printing and Direct to Film (DTF) offer unique advantages. Read on to find out which method is best for your next project.

Screen Printing: Time-Tested Reliability

Pros:

  1. Durability: Screen prints are known for their long-lasting quality. The ink penetrates the fabric, making designs resistant to wear and tear. We've noticed time and again that screen prints, when done properly, will often outlast the garment they are printed on.
  2. Vibrancy on Dark Fabrics: Screen printing produces vibrant and bright colors. This is because each ink color is mixed to match the artwork. Screen printing is one of the only apparel printing methods that allows for Pantone® color matching to ensure brand consistency.
  3. Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: Due to the economies of scale, screen printing becomes more affordable per unit for larger orders. See our article: "Why do screen printing and embroidery require minimums?" for more information.

Cons:

  1. Higher Minimums: Due to the extensive setup required, screen printing is less cost-effective for small runs.
  2. Less Detail when Printing Photographs: While great for bold graphics, screen printing might not capture ultra-fine details and color consistency in professional photos as effectively as digital methods.

Direct to Film (DTF) Printing: A Digital Alternative

Pros:

  1. Detail and Color Range: DTF excels at reproducing detailed designs with a wide color palette such as photographs and designs with a lot of colors. Since DTF utilizes a special inkjet printer, you are able to achieve all of the colors in the CMYK spectrum.
  2. Versatility Across Fabrics: Works well on a variety of fabric types, including those that are challenging for screen printing, such as nylon.
  3. Suitable for Small Runs: With less setup required compared to screen printing, DTF is more viable for smaller orders.

Cons:

  1. Texture and Feel: DTF prints can have a different hand feel, which might be noticeable on the garment.
  2. Not Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: Since it takes more time to press individual garments, this method is not as cost-effective as screen printing for larger orders.

Conclusion

Both Screen Printing and DTF have their place in the world of custom apparel. Screen Printing, with its durability and vibrancy, is excellent for larger orders and traditional designs. DTF, offering versatility and detail, is a strong contender for smaller orders.

About us

At Rendered.co, we pride ourselves on our expertise in water based screen printing, delivering high-quality, vibrant prints for a range of applications.