DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing: Choosing the Right Option for Your PPE Needs

At Basson Workwear, we take pride in offering printing services that help businesses and organizations personalize their PPE and workwear. Printing on garments not only enhances brand visibility but also adds a professional touch to your uniforms. When it comes to printing, two popular methods are DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing and Screen Printing. Here’s a breakdown of both techniques, including their suitability, garment preferences, wash care, and the pros and cons of each.

DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film Printing)

What is DTF Printing?

DTF printing involves transferring designs onto a special film and then heat-pressing the design onto the garment. It uses adhesive powders to bond the design, making it suitable for detailed and colorful prints.

Preferred Garments for DTF Printing:

Cotton garments
Polyester and polyester blends
Nylon and performance fabrics
Garments with a smooth surface

Wash Care for DTF Prints:

Wash garments inside out to protect the print.
Use cold water (30°C or below) and a gentle cycle.
Avoid bleach or strong detergents.
Tumble dry on low or air dry.
Do not iron directly over the print.

Pros of DTF Printing:

Vivid Colors: Handles gradients and detailed designs exceptionally well.
Versatile: Works on a wide range of materials, including polyester and cotton blends.
Durability: Resistant to cracking and peeling with proper care.
Low Minimum Order Quantity: Ideal for small batches or one-off customizations.

Cons of DTF Printing:

Cost: Slightly more expensive than traditional methods for larger orders.
Feel: Can leave a slightly rubbery feel on the garment.
Not Ideal for Bulk: Slower production process compared to screen printing.

Screen Printing

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing uses stencils (screens) to apply layers of ink onto the fabric. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, making it more suitable for simple designs with limited colors.

Preferred Garments for Screen Printing:

100% cotton fabrics
Cotton/polyester blends
Heavier fabrics like hoodies and jackets
T-shirts and workwear uniforms with minimal stretch

Wash Care for Screen Prints:

Wash with cold water and mild detergent.
Turn the garment inside out before washing.
Avoid using a dryer; air dry whenever possible.
Do not use bleach or strong chemicals.
Iron on the reverse side of the fabric.

Pros of Screen Printing:

Cost-Effective for Large Orders: Ideal for bulk printing due to lower production costs.
Durability: Ink penetrates the fabric, making it long-lasting.
Bold Colors: Produces vibrant and opaque colors, especially on dark garments.
Scalability: Fast production for large quantities.

Cons of Screen Printing:

Limited Detail: Not suitable for complex designs or gradients.
Setup Time: Requires screen preparation for each color, increasing setup time.
Material Limitations: Best for cotton or cotton-blend fabrics; struggles with highly stretchy materials.
Higher Minimum Order Quantities: Less economical for small orders.

Which Printing Method is Right for You?

Choose DTF Printing If:

You need a highly detailed or multi-colored design.
You’re working with small quantities or one-off items.
The garments include synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.

Choose Screen Printing If:

You need a large batch of uniforms or PPE.
Your design has bold, simple patterns with fewer colors.
The garments are primarily cotton or cotton blends.

Final Thoughts

Both DTF and screen printing offer unique advantages, and the right method depends on your specific needs. At Basson Workwear, we provide both options, ensuring your garments are printed with precision and quality. Whether you need vibrant, detailed designs or cost-effective bulk printing, we’ve got you covered.

Shopping cart

Blog