Ordering custom shirts for your business, team or event? DTF and screen printing are both options, but the best choice depends on your quantity, artwork, shirt choice and budget. At HTG Customs, we help you choose the right method for your order.
What’s the difference?
DTF stands for direct-to-film. Your design is printed onto a special film and transferred to the shirt using heat and pressure. It works well for colorful artwork and smaller orders.
Screen printing applies ink through prepared screens onto the garment. Each separate ink color generally requires its own screen, so the number of colors affects setup and pricing.
How many shirts do you need?
Screen setup is a fixed cost for each ink color, whether we print one shirt or 100 shirts with the same design. Spreading that cost across more shirts lowers the setup cost per shirt, which is why screen printing usually makes more financial sense for larger orders.
Send your exact quantity and artwork so we can recommend DTF or screen printing and provide an accurate quote.
What does your design look like?
DTF is a useful option for designs with lots of colors, detailed illustrations and shading. Adding colors does not require preparing a separate screen for each one.
Screen printing is worth considering for bold lettering and logos with fewer solid colors, especially when ordering a larger quantity of the same design.
Send the clearest original artwork you have, and let us know if a particular brand color is important. We’ll review your design before recommending a printing method.
Consider the shirt and print feel
Your garment matters too. Cotton, polyester, blends and performance fabrics can require different materials and production settings.
DTF creates a printed layer on the fabric. A large solid design can feel more noticeable than a small logo. Screen printing’s feel also varies with the ink, design coverage and printing technique.
If a lighter feel is important, consider a smaller design or more open space in the artwork.
What affects the price?
An accurate quote starts with:
- Exact quantity and sizes
- Shirt style and fabric
- Artwork and number of print colors
- Design size
- Print locations, such as front, back or sleeves
- Needed-by date
A front logo and a large back design will price differently from a front-only print. Comparing the same garments, quantities and print locations helps you understand which option fits your budget.
What about durability?
Both methods depend on proper materials, application and garment care. Follow the care instructions provided with your finished shirts to help keep the design looking its best.
Let HTG Customs help you choose
You don’t need to know which printing method to request before contacting us. Send your design and order details, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
HTG Customs is based in McDonough, Georgia, serving Henry County and surrounding communities.