Screen printing is usually best for larger runs of designs with few colours. DTG is best for small runs of detailed, full-colour designs on cotton. DTF is best for small to medium runs of full-colour designs on a wide range of fabrics, including polyester. The right method depends mainly on quantity, number of colours and fabric.
This guide compares the three side by side. For how each one works, see our guides to screen printing, DTG printing and DTF printing.
At a glance
| Screen printing | DTG | DTF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Ink pushed through a mesh stencil, one screen per colour | Ink jetted directly onto the garment | Design printed on film, then heat-pressed |
| Best order size | Medium to large | Single pieces to medium | Single pieces to medium |
| Colours | Cost rises with each colour | Full colour, no extra cost | Full colour, no extra cost |
| Detail and gradients | Possible but harder | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fabrics | Cotton, blends; polyester with suitable inks | Best on cotton | Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon |
| Dark garments | Excellent opacity with plastisol | Needs pretreatment and white base | White base built in, no pretreatment |
| Hand feel | From soft (water-based) to raised (plastisol) | Soft, especially on light garments | Thin layer on top of fabric |
| Setup | Screens per colour | Minimal | Minimal |
| Cost per piece at volume | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
| Special effects | Puff, metallic, glow, high density | 3D | Limited |
1. Start with quantity
Screen printing has setup costs for every colour, so it becomes cheaper per piece as quantity rises. DTG and DTF have little setup, so their cost per piece stays fairly flat. Small orders and one-offs usually favour DTG or DTF; repeat orders of the same design in volume usually favour screen printing.
The crossover point depends on the number of colours and print size. Ask your decorator to quote the same design at several quantities.
2. Count the colours
A one- or two-colour logo is ideal for screen printing. A photograph, gradient or many-colour illustration costs the same as a simple design with DTG or DTF, but would need many screens to screen print.
3. Check the fabric
- 100% cotton: all three work. DTG and water-based screen printing give the softest result.
- Polyester and performance fabrics: DTF is often the simplest option. Screen printing works with low-bleed or low-cure inks, which stop dye from the fabric moving into the print. Standard DTG is not a good fit.
- Blends: screen printing and DTF are reliable; DTG depends on cotton content.
4. Decide on the look and feel
- Softest, most integrated print: water-based screen printing or DTG on light cotton.
- Bold, opaque colour on dark garments: plastisol screen printing or DTF.
- Texture and effects: screen printing, for example puff printing or high-density inks.
5. Consider durability
All three can last well when done correctly. Screen printing has the longest track record. DTG durability depends on pretreatment and curing. DTF durability depends on powder curing and press settings. Process control matters more than the method itself.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | Recommended method |
|---|---|
| 300 black tees with a two-colour logo | Screen printing |
| 15 white tees with a photographic design | DTG |
| 40 mixed polyester and cotton tees with a full-colour logo | DTF |
| Print-on-demand store with many designs | DTG or DTF |
| Retail drop needing a raised effect | Screen printing (puff ink) |
| Team kits with names and numbers on polyester | DTF |
Do you need embroidery instead?
For small logos on polos, sweatshirts and caps, embroidery may be a better fit than any print method. It gives a raised, stitched finish and is very durable, though cost rises with the size and density of the design.
Calvi Blanks offers printing and finishing alongside its blanks, so you can source the garment and its decoration in one place. Talk to us through our printing and finishing services page, or choose blanks in our T-shirts collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which printing method is cheapest for T-shirts?
For large runs with few colours, screen printing. For small runs or many colours, DTG or DTF.
Which lasts longer, DTF or DTG?
Both can last many washes if done correctly. DTF is often more forgiving on blends and polyester.
Is DTF replacing screen printing?
No. DTF is growing for small and mixed runs, but screen printing remains the most economical method for volume.
Which method feels softest?
Water-based screen printing and DTG on light cotton usually feel softest.
Can I combine methods?
Yes. Brands often screen print the main design and use DTF or embroidery for small details or personalisation.