Screen Printing vs DTF Printing: Which Is Best for Your Business?

When it comes to promotional printing, choosing the right method can make a big difference in quality, cost, and turnaround time. Two of the most popular techniques in the industry today are screen printing and DTF (Direct to Film) printing. But which one is best for your business?

In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. It’s known for producing vibrant, durable prints, especially on bulk orders.

Pros of Screen Printing:

• Excellent for large runs — cost-effective on high volumes

• Durable, long-lasting prints that hold up well to washing

• Vibrant colors and ability to print on a wide range of materials

Cons of Screen Printing:

• Setup costs can be higher due to screen creation

• Not ideal for small or one-off orders because of setup time

• Limited color blending or photo-realistic designs

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a newer digital process that prints designs onto a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto the garment. It combines the flexibility of digital printing with the durability of traditional methods.

Pros of DTF Printing:

• Perfect for short runs and on-demand printing

• No minimum order quantity (MOQ) — great for e-commerce or custom orders

• Can print complex designs, gradients, and photo-quality images

• Works on various fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and blends

Cons of DTF Printing:

• Slightly less durable than screen printing on some fabrics

• Color vibrancy can vary depending on garment type

• Slightly higher cost per unit for large volume orders

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Screen Printing if:
  You’re producing large bulk orders and need vibrant, long-lasting prints at a competitive price.

• Choose DTF Printing if:
  You need short runs, custom or on-demand orders, or highly detailed and colorful designs with no minimums.

How Wazzup Supports Both Methods

At Wazzup, we understand that every client’s needs are different. That’s why we offer both high-quality screen printing for bulk and repeat orders, as well as flexible DTF printing for resellers and agencies requiring fast turnaround and low minimums.

Over the last few years, we have tripled our DTF printing capacity as we recognise that it is the future for on-demand printing.

Need help deciding which printing method fits your business? Contact us today for expert advice and trade pricing.