DTF vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Your T-Shirts?

If you are ordering printed T-shirts, polos or hoodies in Lahore, the two printing methods you will hear about most are DTF printing and screen printing. Both give a good result, but they suit different jobs. Choosing the right one can save you money and give you a print that lasts the way you expect.

Here is a simple guide to how each method works, where each one is better, and how to decide for your order.

The short answer

• Choose DTF if your design has many colours, a photo or gradients, or if you need a small quantity (even one piece).
• Choose screen printing if your logo has up to 4 solid colours and you are ordering in larger quantities, especially 100 pieces or more.

How DTF printing works

DTF stands for direct-to-film. Your design is printed onto a special film with a white base layer behind the colours. Adhesive powder is applied and melted, and a heat press then transfers the design from the film onto the garment.

Because there are no screens to prepare, the cost of setting up is low. That is why DTF works well for single pieces, small staff sets and designs with unlimited colours.

See our DTF printing service in Lahore, including a step-by-step animation of the full process.

How screen printing works

In screen printing, a separate screen (stencil) is made for each colour in the design. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the fabric with a squeegee, one colour at a time, and then cured with heat.

Making the screens takes time, so the first piece costs more. After that, every extra piece is quick to print, which is why the price per piece drops as the quantity grows.

See our screen printing service in Lahore.

DTF vs screen printing: side by side

When DTF is the better choice

• Full-colour artwork: photos, gradients, illustrations and logos with many colours.
• Small orders: one piece for a gift or sample, or a short run for a small team.
• Mixed garments: the same logo on T-shirts, polos, caps, jackets and safety vests.
• Fine detail: small text and thin lines print sharply.

To keep a DTF print looking new, don’t wash it in warm water, don’t iron directly on the print, and don’t scrub it by hand or use bleach.

When screen printing is the better choice

• Bulk orders: event shirts, staff T-shirts and brand collections where the same design is printed many times.
• Simple, bold logos: up to 4 solid colours.
• Care: follow the garment label and the print-care instructions supplied with your order.
• Clothing brands: printing on cut fabric panels before the garments are stitched.

What about embroidery?

For staff uniforms and corporate polos, many businesses choose logo embroidery instead of printing. It gives a stitched, textured logo that lasts as long as the garment. If you want a raised look in print, puff printing is another option. We compare embroidery and printing for uniforms in a separate guide.

Still not sure? Send us your logo

Send your logo, garment, quantity and colours on WhatsApp. We will tell you which method suits your design and budget, and prepare a free basic mockup using your supplied artwork. Original artwork is a paid service.

Ask on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions