If you're starting or scaling an apparel business, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the right printing method. Two of the most talked-about options today are DTF printing (Direct-to-Film) and screen printing. Both are powerful and widely used in the industry — but they’re designed for completely different business models.

In this guide, you'll learn the key differences between DTF and screen printing, their strengths and weaknesses, and which method is better depending on your business goals. Whether you run a home-based shirt shop, a small print studio, a boutique, or a growing apparel brand, this comparison will help you choose the printing method that makes you the most money with the least stress.

---

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF printing is a modern technology that allows you to print a design onto film using DTF ink, apply powder adhesive, cure it, and then press it onto nearly any fabric using a heat press.

Best Benefits of DTF:

• Works on any fabric (cotton, polyester, blends, fleece, nylon, etc.)

• No pre-treatment needed

• No weeding

• Full-color, photo-quality artwork

• Perfect for small orders and on-demand printing

• Fast production

• Low startup cost when ordering transfers instead of owning a printer

With companies like Axo Brands, businesses can order QuickFilm DTF transfers and press them onto shirts without any printing equipment at all.

---

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional method that involves pushing ink through a mesh stencil (screen). Each color requires its own screen, and alignment must be done with precision.

Best Benefits of Screen Printing:

• Excellent for large bulk orders

• Thick, durable ink feel

• Low cost per print when printing 100+ pieces

• Works well for simple, solid-color artwork

However, screen printing requires much more equipment, chemicals, time, and skill.

---

DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing – Side-by-Side Comparison

---

Why DTF Printing Is Better for Most Small Businesses

If you're running a T-shirt business from home or a small shop, DTF is almost always the best choice. Here's why:

---

1. No Minimum Quantities

Screen printing requires printing many shirts to be profitable. DTF transfers allow you to print:

• 1 shirt

• 3 shirts

• 7 shirts

• Any amount you want

Perfect for custom orders and personalization.

---

2. Better for Full-Color Designs

If your artwork includes:

• Gradients

• Photos

• Multicolor graphics

• Shadows

• Detailed illustrations

DTF prints them perfectly — screen printing struggles with this unless you use expensive simulated process options.

---

3. No Expensive Equipment Needed

Instead of buying:

• Screens

• Washout booths

• Flash dryers

• Conveyor dryers

• Emulsion

• Chemicals

You can simply order DTF transfers from Axo Brands and start pressing shirts immediately.

Great beginner-friendly products include:

⭐ QuickFilm DTF Build-A-Gang Sheet

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-build-a-gang-sheet

⭐ QuickFilm DTF Upload-A-Gang Sheet

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-upload-a-gang-sheet

⭐ QuickFilm DTF by Size

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-by-size-copy

DTF makes professional-level printing accessible to everyone.

---

4. Faster Turnaround Time

With screen printing:

• Screens must be prepared

• Ink must be mixed

• The design must be aligned

• Test prints must be done

DTF eliminates all of that.

Just press and ship.

---

5. More Profitable for Small Shops

Screen printing is only affordable in bulk.

DTF lets you profit from:

• 1 shirt

• 5 shirts

• 10 shirts

• Personalized orders

Most U.S. apparel shops today offer DTF because it meets modern customer expectations for fast, small-batch orders.

---

When Screen Printing Is the Better Option

Screen printing is best for businesses that:

• Print 100+ shirts of the same design regularly

• Specialize in simple one-color or two-color designs

• Are equipped with large-scale equipment

• Need the traditional look & feel

Large orders can be much cheaper when printed with screens.

---

When DTF Printing Is the Better Option

DTF is best for businesses that:

• Offer custom one-off shirts

• Sell online apparel

• Print full-color designs

• Serve sports teams, schools, and small groups

• Sell at vendor markets

• Want to start a business with low investment

• Need fast turnarounds

• Want unmatched versatility

In today’s apparel market, DTF printing fits almost every creator’s needs.

---

DTF Printing Costs vs. Screen Printing Costs

DTF Costs (No printer required):

• Buy transfers → press → done

• Much cheaper for small orders

• No screens, inks, or chemicals

Screen Printing Costs:

• High setup costs

• Higher labor cost

• More tools and workspace needed

For a business doing mixed orders (various designs, small quantities), DTF is clearly more cost-efficient.

---

Why Businesses Across the USA Are Switching to DTF

✔ Customer demand for fast custom orders

✔ Unlimited artwork flexibility

✔ No minimum purchase requirements

✔ Lower startup costs

✔ No chemical waste or cleanup

✔ Can print on any fabric without pretreat

DTF is simply the most practical way for modern apparel shops to grow profitably.

---

Axo Brands: The Best Source for DTF Transfers in the USA

Axo Brands offers the most reliable, vibrant, and long-lasting DTF transfers made with advanced QuickFilm technology.

Shop the top products below:

⭐ Build a DTF Gang Sheet

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-build-a-gang-sheet

⭐ Upload Your Own Gang Sheet

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-upload-a-gang-sheet

⭐ Order DTF by Size

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-by-size-copy

⭐ Shop Premade Gang Sheets

👉 https://axotransfers.com/collections/pre-made-gang-sheet

⭐ Build UV DTF Sticker Sheets

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/uv-dtf-gang-sheet-build-a-gang-sheet

⭐ Order Raised UV Stickers

👉 https://axotransfers.com/products/uv-dtf-raised-stickers

No matter where your business is located — Florida, California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, or anywhere else — Axo Brands ships fast and consistently delivers premium results.

---

Final Verdict: DTF vs. Screen Printing — Which Is Better?

Choose DTF if you want:

• Full-color prints

• Quick turnaround

• No minimums

• Low cost

• High flexibility

• Ability to press on any fabric

• Easy startup

Choose Screen Printing if you want:

• Huge bulk orders

• Simple artwork

• Traditional ink feel

• Low cost per print at high volumes

For 90% of small to medium-sized apparel businesses, DTF is the best choice.

It offers more flexibility, better profit margins, easier learning curve, and immediate production capability without massive equipment investment.