Screen Printing vs. DTF vs. DTG — Which Is Best for You?

When it comes to custom apparel, there’s more than one way to bring your design to life. The three most popular decoration methods — Screen Printing, DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing, and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing — each have their own strengths, looks, and ideal uses.

At Advanced Graphic Designs, we offer all three options right here in Grove City, Ohio, and our goal is to help you choose the one that fits your project best. Let’s break it down.

🎨 Screen Printing: The Classic Favorite

Best for: Bulk orders, bold designs, team shirts, and event apparel

What it is:
Screen printing is the traditional method where layers of ink are pressed through stencils (screens) onto the fabric. Each color gets its own screen, creating bright, durable prints that stand the test of time.

Pros:

• Vibrant, long-lasting colors
• Cost-effective for large orders
• Smooth, professional finish
• Great for simple or bold designs

Cons:

• Not ideal for small runs (setup costs per color)
• Limited in detailed, photo-style designs

When to choose it:
If you’re printing shirts for your school, business, or event, and want that crisp, durable ink-on-fabric look — screen printing is your best bet.

🖨️ DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing: The New Tech Trend

Best for: Small batches, complex or colorful designs, and on-demand customization

What it is:
DTF printing uses a special film to transfer full-color prints onto apparel using heat and pressure. Unlike traditional methods, it doesn’t require screens — making it faster and more flexible for detailed artwork.

Pros:

• Perfect for full-color, detailed, or photo designs
• Works on almost any fabric type
• Great for smaller orders
• Smooth, slightly textured feel

Cons:

• Slightly thicker feel than screen print
• Not as long-term durable as DTG on light fabrics

When to choose it:
If you’re printing one-of-a-kind shirts, small business merch, or colorful holiday designs, DTF is the way to go.

🖋️ DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing: The Digital Detailer

Best for: Small runs, full-color designs, soft feel, and photo-quality prints

What it is:
DTG printing is like using a high-tech inkjet printer directly on fabric. It works best on light-colored cotton shirts and produces highly detailed, vibrant designs with a soft, flexible feel.

Pros:

• Perfect for intricate, photo-style artwork
• Soft to the touch — no heavy ink buildup
• Excellent for small or custom orders
• Unlimited color options

Cons:

• Works best on 100% cotton or light fabrics
• Not ideal for bulk orders — slower than screen printing
• Can be less durable than screen printing on darker garments

When to choose it:
If you’re printing small batches with complex artwork or designs that need lots of color detail, DTG is your go-to option.

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⚖️ Quick Comparison

 

So... Which Is Best for You?

Each method has its place — it really depends on your design, fabric, and goals.

Want vibrant event shirts that last? Go Screen Printing.

Need small-batch, full-color designs? Choose DTF.

Looking for soft, photo-quality prints on cotton? Pick DTG.

Not sure which to choose? That’s where we come in. The team at Advanced Graphic Designs can help you find the perfect printing method for your project — whether it’s one shirt or one hundred.

Ready to get started?

Visit advgraphicdesigns.com to upload your design, or stop by our Grove City shop to see samples in person.

Let’s make something awesome together. 👕