DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing

DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing T-Shirts

These days, you’re presented with a myriad of choices when you want to custom print tees. That’s to say, there are lots of different ways to get your design on to a piece of clothing. Here at Fifth Column, we’ve been printing t-shirts in London for decades. We started out doing them by hand. Needless to say, that soon changed. Now, we offer a wide range of options. Stuff like high quality DTF t-shirt printing, or stunning DTG tees. And, of course, superb screen printed shirts. But which is best for your printing project? Well, this piece on DTF vs DTG vs screen printing will help answer that very question. They’re all great in their own way. But they are all different as well, each with its own pros and cons.

Differences between DTF, DTG and screen printing.

We’re expert in these techniques and more besides when it comes to clothing customisation. It’s fair to say that these are three of the most popular methods of printing t-shirts. And lots of other clothes and merchandise for that matter. It’s worth pointing out that DTF and DTG are both relatively new kids on the block. That is, in historical terms. Screen print, in various formats, has been around since year dot. So, let’s take a look at what’s involved in the individual processes.

Comparing DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing.

Comparing DTF, DTG and screen printed t-shirts

DTF (Direct to Film) prints.

In many ways, DTF printing is a mash up of DTG and screen printing. Insofar as it has echoes of both whilst still being a distinctly different process. Which kind of muddies the water in regard to the DTF vs DTG vs screen printing thing. But don’t worry, all will become clearer. With DTF your artwork is printed on to a special PET film before it gets anywhere near the t-shirt. By the way, PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate. An inkjet printer is used to do this. Which is similar to DTG. But, as with screen print, it’s not direct to the garment. That is, there’s another step.

When was DTF printing invented?

DTF (Direct-To-Film) printing really is quite a new addition to the world of custom clothes. By which we mean that DTF transfer machines have only been around for the last twenty years or so. The technology appeared in the early 2000s. Although aimed at the custom garment industry, it was at first rather limited in scope. As with a lot of early tech, there have been giants leaps since then. Which have made it a very viable option for both customers and custom clothing printers like ourselves.

DTG (Direct to Garment) prints.

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing popped up a little earlier than DTF. It was in the 1990s when we saw the first commercial DTG machine. As mentioned earlier, this method of customisation uses a special inkjet printer. And, as the name suggests, it applies ink direct to the shirt. There are no screens or film involved. A fact which means that it’s a simple and speedy way to personalise t-shirts. And therefore how most print on demand outfits operate.

Screen prints.

Our old favourite, an ancient art made modern with high tech equipment and skilled crafts men and women. The origins of this form of decorating clothes stretch way back into history. But the way it’s done today still uses the same basic principles. Those being a mesh screen used to stencil your art work onto fabric. Now, clearly that mesh stencil needs to be created before any ink can hit the cotton. And one screen is required for each colour. So, there’s more prep work needed when using this technique than with either DTF or DTG.

Good and bad points with DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing.

DTF, DTG and screen printing all have good and bad points

Pros and cons for DTF.

Alright, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. Because, at the end of the day, these will be the deciding factors when you make a judgement with DTF vs DTG vs screen printing. And they’re what informs your decision as to which is best for your print run. Beginning with Direct to Film.

For DTF.

  • DTF has no minimum order and is therefore cost effective for small quantities of custom shirts.
  • It’s suitable for a variety of different fabrics. Including cotton, polyester, synthetics and fabric blends which can be difficult with other methods.
  • Direct to Film produces high quality, durable prints.
  • Photo realistic and detailed images with a wide range of colours are possible with DFT prints.
  • Usually uses water based inks which are generally considered eco friendly.

Against DTF.

  • Some set up is required with printing the film ready for transfer to the shirt.
  • The entire process has to be repeated for every garment that you print.
  • Not the most economic type of printing for bulk orders.
  • Finished prints may not be quite as soft to the touch as some other types of t-shirt printing.

Pros and cons for DTG.

Okay, lets take a look at the things that customers like and dislike about direct to garment.

For.

  • Popular for small orders or single prints because there is no set up fee.
  • Very good for high res, colourful and detailed designs.
  • As with DTF printing, waterbased inks score for sustainability.
  • Usually gives a soft hand feel to prints because the ink sinks into the cotton.

Against.

  • Not practical and too costly for printing large numbers of shirts.
  • Prints can have a tendency to fade over time.
  • Somewhat limited in terms of fabrics. Cotton is considered most reliable although it is sometimes possible to do others.
  • Darker tees may need pre treating to get decent results.

Pros and cons for screen printing.

Last but by no means least in our plus and minus columns for DTF vs DTG vs screen printing. It’s the best known and longest established. With plenty of positive points. But nevertheless a few drawbacks.

For.

  • The most economic way to print t-shirts providing you don’t want very small amounts.
  • Ultra versatile in regard to the variety of inks and finishes that be achieved.
  • Can be used on a lot of different fabrics and materials.
  • Skilled printers can produce shirts that last, look great, and keep looking great for years to come. The most durable of the three.

Against.

  • There is normally a minimum order. The latter varies but 50 shirts is not uncommon.
  • The number of colours in your art are limited to 12. And that drops to 11 if you’re printing dark shirts and an under base is needed.
  • You can’t print photographs or very complex designs.

Which is all bringing us toward a conclusion. But we ought answer a couple of often asked questions before we get there.

Deciding what's best for your project with DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing.

And all of them can deliver stunning t-shirts

Is DTF printing better than screen printing?

The simple answer to which is no. Direct to film printing is good. More than that, it’s very good. But it’s not better than screenprinting. Yes, it’s quick and works brilliantly for small orders. But it doesn’t surpass the original craft and won’t be a replacement. For us, as a large scale printing company, it’s still great to be able to offer it as a service so we can help more customers.

Is DTG or DTF better quality?

The quality of the finished t-shirts is comparable. The nature of the print differs slightly but both are reasonably durable. That said, both also fall short of that found with screen printed tees. So, not much in it. DTG became main stream sooner which probably explains why it’s better known. In truth, it’s probably deemed a simpler solution for mass market on demand printers. A fact that has more to do with the business side of things than the customer. And so doesn’t in itself make it better than DTF.

DTF vs DTG vs screen printing summary.

In the main, the reasons for choosing screen print over DTF or DTG are the most straightforward. Namely, it’s the best option when you want lots of tees printed and your design suits this method. The choice becomes less obvious when those things don’t apply. Which is where digital printing can offer benefits or sometimes be the only option. Both DTF and DTG are excellent for small orders and colourful designs. DTF edges ahead when you’re talking about the range of fabrics that can be printed.

There we go. Turns out that it’s hard to call an outright winner in this DTF vs DTG vs screen printing t-shirts match up. Which shouldn’t be any great surprise because it really depends on what you want as a customer. And that’s something we’ve always understood. It’s where we started, printing stuff that people wanted in a way that worked for everyone. So, get in touch. And let’s get your idea made real.

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