Blog Post

Custom printing tips, design spotlights, and news from our Conway, SC shop.

DTF vs. Screen Printing: How to Choose the Best Print Method for Your Custom T-Shirt

Posted: November 21, 2025 | By: 843 Teez Team

DTF (Direct-to-Film) and traditional Screen Printing are the two powerhouses of custom apparel. Both are fantastic, but one is always better suited for your specific project. It’s not about which is "better," but which is better *for the job*.

We offer both methods locally in Conway, SC, and we're here to help you pick the right process to maximize your quality and budget. Here’s a quick comparison of the two:

1. Color & Detail: The DTF Advantage

If your design is colorful, complex, or photo-realistic, **DTF is the clear winner.**

DTF (Direct-to-Film): Perfect for designs with unlimited colors, gradients, fine lines, or photographs. It handles high-resolution graphics flawlessly.
Screen Printing: Best for 1 to 3 solid colors. Every color requires a separate screen setup, making complex, multi-color designs very expensive for small runs. At 843 Teez, we're set up for single color screen printing.

2. Quantity & Cost: The Bulk Break-Even Point

Cost is the main factor that determines which method you should use, particularly for large orders.

DTF: **Ideal for 1 to 24 units.** It requires no expensive setup screens, meaning the cost-per-shirt remains low even for single items. This is why we can offer **No Minimums**.
Screen Printing: **Ideal for 25+ units.** There is a fixed, upfront cost for screen setup, but once the screens are made, the cost-per-shirt drops dramatically for large volume orders.

3. Durability & Hand Feel

Both are professional and built to last, but they feel very different on the shirt.

DTF Hand Feel: Soft & Smooth

DTF creates a smooth, almost vinyl-like transfer. It's highly flexible and lightweight, offering excellent wash durability with minimal cracking.

Screen Print Hand Feel: Thick & Tactile

Screen printing layers ink directly onto the fabric, resulting in a slightly raised, very durable print. It’s the traditional choice for maximum longevity, especially on simple logos.

The 843 Teez Recommendation Summary

When you contact us for a quote, keep these simple rules in mind:

**Choose DTF if:** You need 1-24 shirts, or your design has many colors/gradients (even on a large order).
**Choose Screen Printing if:** You need 25+ shirts and your design uses only 1 solid colors.

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