DTF Transfers vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Small Shops?

Choosing the right printing method can make or break a small print shop.
For years, screen printing dominated apparel decoration — but today, DTF transfers are stealing the spotlight.

At DTF Dallas, we work with hundreds of small shops scaling faster with DTF. Let’s break down the pros and cons — and see why many are making the switch.

What Are DTF Transfers?

DTF transfers (Direct to Film) are printed designs on a specialized film sheet that can be heat-pressed onto almost any fabric.

You simply:

1. Print the design onto the film.
   
2. Apply adhesive powder.
   
3. Heat press it onto your garment.
   
   

No messy screens, no lengthy setup, no limitations by fabric type.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is the traditional method where ink is pushed through a stencil (screen) onto fabric.

Each color in the design requires a separate screen, making it time-consuming and labor-intensive — especially for complex or small-batch orders.

While screen printing is still great for massive bulk runs (think thousands of shirts), it’s often a bottleneck for growing shops with diverse, custom, or low-volume orders.

Cost Comparison: DTF Transfers vs. Screen Printing

Bottom line:
If you're starting or scaling a small shop, DTF transfers offer far lower overhead and less risk.

Quality and Durability Comparison

Modern DTF transfers are incredibly durable — often matching or exceeding screen printing in:

• Washability
  
• Stretch resistance
  
• Color vibrancy
  
• Fine-detail reproduction
  
  

Plus, DTF prints maintain brilliance across a wider range of fabrics — cotton, poly, blends, nylon, and more — without special inks or additives.

Screen printing still shines for simple designs in massive quantities, but DTF beats it for color depth, complexity, and versatility.

Speed and Workflow Comparison

With DTF transfers, there’s almost no setup:

• Upload your design.
  
• Print or order a gang sheet.
  
• Heat press onto the garment.
  
  

Screen printing requires:

• Preparing each screen.
  
• Aligning colors carefully.
  
• Running test prints.
  
• Cleaning screens afterward.
  
  

In a business where speed = profit, DTF’s efficiency is hard to beat.

When Screen Printing Still Makes Sense

Screen printing is still unbeatable if you’re doing:

• Thousands of the same 1–2 color design
  
• Extremely large orders for basic shirts
  
• Basic bulk printing with minimal color variation
  
  

But for modern print shops offering custom work, small runs, and diverse apparel — DTF wins every time.

Why Small Shops Choose DTF Dallas for Transfers

DTF Dallas helps small shops skip the startup headache and get right to selling.

With us, you get:

• Custom gang sheets made fast
  
• Same-day shipping options
  
• Premium, vibrant, durable DTF prints
  
• Low minimums — order exactly what you need
  
  

👉 Upload your designs and get started today 

Conclusion

When it comes to starting or scaling a small print business, DTF transfers offer unmatched flexibility, quality, and speed — without the heavy costs and complexity of screen printing.

The choice is clear:
DTF is the future of smart print shops.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

👉 Order your custom DTF gang sheets now