Printing techniques have evolved as the time passed and that has led to many ways to explore our creativity. A variety of materials and processes allow us to produce a lot of designs these days, narrowing the gap between the impossible and the possible.
Screen printing was one of the first revolutionary methods in the printing sector but with the arrival of the DTF (Direct To Film) technique, one must choose the right approach for each project.
To identify which you should use, you must understand them first. Screen printing involves pressing ink through a mesh creating a printed design on fabrics such as cotton, polyester and more. On the other hand, DTF uses clear film that transfers tint into different fabrics by a heat press.
These are only a few differences between screen printing and DTF:
- Colors: DTF allows printing any type of designs with full color transfers. Details can be highlighted, whereas screen printing limits the amount of tones by requiring the customization of each mesh design.
- Quantity and efficiency: Both techniques are easy to work with, however, screen printing facilitates the process of getting bulk orders ready.
- Quality of the print/image: If your designs have less than 5-6 colors, screen printing can be your go-to option. Nonetheless, the DTF technique has perfected the ‘attention to detail’ factor.
- Cost: DTF gang sheets are way cheaper than individual transfers. On the other hand, screen printing requires a stencil on a mesh for each color that you’re using on your design, which ends up being quite pricey due to the use of wood, fabric, sometimes metal and plastic. If it’s a one-color print, it may be considered cheaper than DTF transfers.
- Use: Screen printing definitely takes more time and it’s more demanding than DTF. The last one must be supported by a heat press; meanwhile, screen printing must be applied layer by layer rather than all at once.
In conclusion, each technique works perfectly depending on what you’re looking for. Cost, quality, efficiency, and complexity are factors to consider while choosing the best option.
In other words: screen printing is better for bulk orders, and simple long-lasting designs. Durable and richly colored prints. Then again, DTF will always be the best option for complex designs and small orders. Economical and simple to use.
Don’t know where to start? Try it yourself!
Order your DTF Transfers today and receive them in less than 48 hours with us. You can start deciding which technique works better for you.