DTF Transfers vs Screen Printing — Which Makes More Profit?

DTF Transfers vs Screen Printing — Which Makes More Profit?

Md Abdur Rahman

If you run an apparel brand or custom-print shop in Tyler, Texas, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I invest in DTF printing or stick with traditional screen printing?”
Both methods have their strengths, but when it comes to profitability, flexibility, and scalability, DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing often wins the race — especially for modern apparel businesses.

In this guide, we’ll break down costs, speed, and quality so you can decide which method brings the best return for your shop.

1. Understanding Each Printing Method

🖨️ DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

DTF printing uses digital printers to print full-color designs onto a special film. After applying adhesive powder and curing, the transfer is heat-pressed onto fabric.
This method supports vivid colors, fine detail, and quick production on virtually any material — cotton, polyester, denim, and blends.

🎨 Screen Printing

Screen printing involves pushing ink through mesh stencils (screens) onto garments, one color at a time. It produces excellent results for bulk orders but needs setup for every new design.

2. Upfront Cost & Setup

Aspect DTF Printing Screen Printing
Setup time 5 – 10 minutes per job 30 – 60 minutes per design
Equipment cost Moderate (printer + heat press) High (screens + exposure unit + dryers)
Ideal order size Small-to-large Best for large batches
Flexibility Print any design instantly Requires new screens for each color

Profit insight: DTF offers faster setup and lower prep cost — you start making money after just a few shirts.

3. Print Quality & Fabric Compatibility

DTF transfers deliver vibrant color, durable stretch, and a soft finish that rivals or surpasses screen printing.
Screen printing shines on cotton but struggles on technical fabrics or dark polyesters.

Winner: DTF printing. One process fits nearly every fabric, no color limitations, no cracking or peeling.

4. Speed & Turnaround Time

With DTF, you can print and press orders same-day — no screen cleaning or drying racks.
For screen printing, each color layer must dry before the next is added, making rush jobs difficult.

If you run a local shop in Tyler, TX, faster turnaround means happier clients and repeat business.
👉 Try our Build Your DTF Gang Sheet tool to start instantly.

5. Profit Margins Breakdown

Scenario DTF Printing Screen Printing
10-shirt custom order Lower setup, ~$8 profit / shirt Setup eats margin
50-shirt order ~$10 profit / shirt ~$7 profit / shirt
200-shirt bulk ~$12 profit / shirt ~$9 profit / shirt

With DTF gang sheets, you can gang multiple designs on one sheet — drastically lowering your cost per print.
Upload your own DTF gang sheet and we’ll handle the rest.

6. Maintenance & Labor

Screen printing requires messy cleanup, ink disposal, and ventilation systems.
DTF setups are clean, compact, and can run in small workspaces — perfect for home-based or small-shop operations.

7. Scalability

Scaling a DTF business is easy — add more printers and heat presses as your order volume grows.
Screen printing expansion means more screens, space, and trained operators.

8. Eco-Friendliness

DTF prints use water-based inks and create minimal waste. Screen printing consumes more chemicals and rinse water for cleaning screens.

9. When Screen Printing Still Wins

Screen printing still dominates for:

  • Single-color bulk runs (hundreds or thousands of identical designs)

  • Specialty inks (puff, metallic, or discharge effects)

If you cater to corporate bulk buyers, a hybrid model may serve you best.

10. Final Verdict — Profit & Flexibility

For most modern shops in Texas, DTF printing brings higher profits with less stress.
You can fulfill small orders profitably, take on rush jobs, and produce eye-catching full-color prints that customers love.

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