When you order custom t-shirts, hoodies, or team apparel, one of the first choices is how your design gets onto the garment. Two of the most popular methods are screen printing and DTF printing (direct-to-film). Both produce great-looking, long-lasting results — but each shines in different situations. Here’s a plain-English guide to help you pick the right one for your next order.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh screen, one screen per color, directly onto the fabric. It’s the classic method behind most of the custom shirts you’ve owned. Because each color needs its own screen and setup, screen printing is most cost-effective when you’re ordering larger quantities of the same design, especially designs with a few bold, solid colors. The ink sits into the fabric for a soft, durable finish that holds up wash after wash.
Screen printing is a great fit when:
- You’re ordering in bulk (team rosters, company staff, event shirts, fundraisers).
- Your design uses one to a few solid colors.
- You want the lowest possible per-shirt price on a big run.
What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct-to-film) printing prints your full-color design onto a special film, then heat-presses it onto the garment. Because there are no screens to set up, DTF has no per-color charges and no high minimums — making it ideal for detailed, multi-color artwork and smaller quantities. It also applies cleanly to a wide range of fabrics and colors.
At Rocky Mountain Promotional Products & Apparel, DTF is printed in-house at our Grand Junction shop, which means faster turnaround and tighter quality control on every order.
DTF printing is a great fit when:
- Your design is detailed, photographic, or uses many colors and gradients.
- You need a smaller quantity (even a single shirt) without a big setup fee.
- You want fast turnaround on full-color artwork.
Screen printing vs. DTF printing: side by side
| Screen Printing | DTF Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large runs, bold designs | Small runs, detailed/full-color designs |
| Color limits | Priced per color | Unlimited colors, one price |
| Minimum order | Higher (bulk-friendly) | Low to none |
| Turnaround | Fast on big batches | Fast, in-house |
| Per-piece cost | Lowest for big quantities | Great value for small/detailed jobs |
| Feel | Soft, ink-in-fabric | Smooth, full-color transfer |
So which one should you choose?
A simple rule of thumb: if you’re ordering a lot of shirts with a simple design, screen printing usually wins on price. If you’re ordering a smaller batch or a detailed, colorful design, DTF is usually the better call. And if you’re not sure, that’s exactly what we’re here for — we’ll look at your artwork, quantity, and budget and recommend the method that gives you the best result for the money. There’s no wrong choice when it fits the job.
Frequently asked questions
Is DTF or screen printing more durable?
Both are very durable when done right. Screen printing’s ink is absorbed into the fabric for a classic soft feel, while DTF creates a strong, flexible full-color layer on top. For everyday wear and washing, both hold up well for years.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on quantity and colors. Screen printing gets cheaper per shirt as the quantity climbs, so it’s the value winner for big orders. DTF has no per-color or setup costs, so it’s the better value for small or highly detailed jobs.
Can you print detailed logos and photos?
Yes — that’s where DTF excels. Full-color, gradient-heavy, and photographic designs reproduce beautifully with DTF, with no extra charge for the number of colors.
Do you have minimums?
DTF lets us handle very small orders, even a single piece. Screen printing is most economical for larger runs. Tell us what you need and we’ll point you to the most cost-effective option.
Get a free quote
Whether it’s a bulk screen-printing run or a full-color DTF order, our family-owned team in Grand Junction makes it easy — serving businesses, teams, schools, and nonprofits across Western Colorado and nationwide. Request your free quote today and we’ll recommend the perfect method for your project.
