DTF Printing vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Custom Clothing?
If you're ordering custom printed clothing in the UK, you'll come across two main methods: DTF (Direct to Film) and screen printing. Both produce excellent results but are suited to very different situations.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. A design is printed onto a special film at up to 300 DPI, a hot-melt powder adhesive is applied, and the design is then heat pressed onto the garment. The result is a vivid, durable print that can reproduce full-colour photos, gradients and fine detail — including all colours in a single pass with no setup costs.
At Urban Houndz we use professional DTF equipment in-house at our County Durham facility. Because there's no per-design setup, you can order a single item as affordably as a run of 50.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil (screen) directly onto the garment. Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, and each screen costs money to set up. For simple two or three colour logos in large quantities, screen printing is extremely cost-effective. For full-colour photos or small orders, it quickly becomes expensive.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | DTF Printing ✓ | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | As low as 1 item | Usually 12–24 items minimum |
| Colour count | Unlimited — full colour photos | Limited (each colour is a separate screen) |
| Setup cost | No setup cost | £20–£50 per colour per design |
| Print quality | 300 DPI — fine detail & gradients | Bold, flat colours — no gradients |
| Wash durability | Excellent with correct heat press | Excellent — industry standard for bulk |
| Best for | Photos, AI art, detailed designs, small runs | Simple logos, very large bulk orders |
| Cost per item (small order) | Low — no per-unit price increase | High — setup cost spread over few items |
| Cost per item (100+ items) | Competitive | Cheaper per unit at high volume |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose DTF if: you want to print a photo, AI artwork or any design with more than 3 colours. If you need fewer than 50 items, or if you want to print on demand without committing to a large order, DTF is the clear choice.
Choose screen printing if: you need 200+ identical items with a simple 1–3 colour logo and cost per unit is the primary concern. The setup investment becomes worthwhile at high volumes.
For almost every personal, gift, event or small business use case, DTF is the better option in 2025.
DTF Print Care Instructions
DTF prints are very durable when cared for correctly:
- Wash inside out at 30–40°C
- Do not use fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low or air dry
- Iron inside out or use a pressing cloth — never iron directly on the print
Try DTF Printing for Yourself
No minimum order. Design and print in minutes. Dispatched from Durham in 24-48 hours.
Start Designing — From £19.99