DTF vs Screen Printing: Cutting Through the Hype

If you’ve been looking into custom garment printing methods, you’ve probably seen plenty of bold claims about DTF vs Screen Printing. Some blogs and ads suggest that screen printing is outdated and that DTF is the only option worth considering. However, the reality is not that simple.

In this article, we’ll break down how each process works, compare their performance side by side and clear up some of the myths that fuel the debate.

Why The Internet’s Saying “Screen Printing Is Out” - And Why That’s Misleading

Search results and social media are filled with clickbait claims that screen printing is finished and DTF is the only option worth choosing. The screen printing vs DTF debate is often presented as one replacing the other, but the truth is that each has clear advantages depending on the project.

Much of this hype comes from providers who only offer DTF. Without showing the full range of custom garment printing methods, they make DTF sound like the future while ignoring the long-standing value of screen printing Australia businesses still rely on.Some businesses may offer DTF printing as a DIY service with little to no support. 

At The Fabric Printer, we work with both technologies every day, so we can give you an informed perspective. Sometimes DTF is the right fit and other times screen printing delivers better results, especially for bulk and durability. Our role is to help you see the full picture and choose with confidence.

What Is DTF vs Screen Printing?

To understand how these two methods compare, it helps to look at what each involves and where they work best. 

Overview of Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most established methods in the industry. It works by pressing ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric, one colour layer at a time. The process demands careful setup but produces bold, vibrant prints with excellent opacity and long-term durability.

Best use cases:

• Large orders where efficiency is important, such as bulk t-shirt printing

• Bold graphics and designs with solid colour blocks

• Uniforms, team apparel and promotional wear

• Repeat jobs that require colour consistency over time.

Overview of Direct-To-Film (DTF)

Direct-to-Film (DTF) is a newer technology that has gained traction for its versatility. The process prints designs onto a special PET transfer film,an adhesive powder is added, which is then heat pressed onto the garment. This approach allows for fine detail, gradients and a broad colour range without the need  for artwork separations or screen setups.

Best use cases:

• Small runs or single items

• Designs with photographic detail or complex gradients

• Projects that need quick turnaround without much setup time

• Mixed fabric orders where versatility matters.

• Difficult logo placements

Side-by-side Comparison

When weighing up DTF vs Screen Printing, the easiest way to see the differences is by comparing them, side by side. Each method has its strengths, with the best choice depending on the goals of your project.

Below, we’ll break down the main factors that matter most when comparing custom garment printing methods:

Why DTF Isn’t Replacing Screen Printing In Australia (...yet!)

There’s no denying that DTF printing Australia is growing in popularity, but it has not overtaken screen printing for several reasons. For large orders, screen printing is still faster and more cost-effective once the setup is complete. DTF, on the other hand, requires each garment to be heat pressed individually, which makes big runs more time-consuming and labour-heavy.

Another factor is supply chain maturity. Screen printing Australia has long-established inks, equipment and processes, while DTF consumables are still developing. That can affect consistency, cost and availability. For now, both methods have their strengths, but screen printing remains the standard for bulk orders, inform, and custom merchandise.

Debunking The “Screen Printing Is Out” Call

As we mentioned, the idea that screen printing is outdated largely comes from digital-only providers shaping the story to favour their service. In reality, screen print advantages still matter for businesses that need scale, reliability and consistent results. 

From schools and clubs to corporate uniforms, bulk orders are where it continues to shine. So if you are asking “Is DTF better than screen printing?”, the real answer depends on your project. Each method has its place, and choosing well makes all the difference.

The Right Method For The Right Job

When comparing screen printing vs DTF, the best choice depends on what you need from the project. Both are proven custom garment printing methods, but each shines in different situations.

When DTF Makes Sense

DTF is valued for its flexibility and ability to handle fine detail. These Direct-to-film pros and cons highlight why it works best for smaller runs.

• Smaller runs with intricate detail and vibrant, colourful designs.,

• Specialty or one-off pieces such as names or team numbers

• Fast turnarounds without setup requirements.

When Screen Printing Wins

For efficiency and consistency, screen print advantages still dominate bulk production. It remains the go-to method for bulk t-shirt printing and long-term durability.

• Bulk orders of 20+ garments

• Repeat jobs where brand colours must remain consistent and on brand

• Projects that demand long-lasting prints.

Why Choose The Fabric Printer?

When it comes to custom shirt printing, experience matters. At The Fabric Printer, we understand the strengths and limits of each method because we use them daily. Whether you need the proven reliability of screen printing Australia or the flexibility that comes with DTF printing Australia, our team will recommend the process that delivers the best result for your project.

We also provide embroidery, DTG (Direct to Garment printing), and other finishing services, giving you access to a full suite of custom garment printing methods under one roof, including options such as white labelling your brand. This means your job is handled by experts who care about consistency, detail, and turnaround every step of the way.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Choosing between DTF and screen printing often comes down to your goals, budget and timeline. Instead of asking, “Is DTF better than screen printing?” the smarter question is “Which method suits my specific needs better?”. Some projects demand speed and detail, while others benefit from scale and durability.

Our team is here to guide you through the options with clear advice. Contact us today to discuss your project or to request a quote online and let us help you decide between DTF vs Screen Printing with confidence.

Get a quote for your custom print job today - DTF, screen print or both.