Why Epic PRINT Pros Recommends Custom Direct to Film (DTF) T-Shirt Transfers Over Screen Printing

Why Epic PRINT Pros Recommends Custom Direct to Film (DTF) T-Shirt Transfers Over Screen Printing

At Epic PRINT Pros, located right here in beautiful Summit County, Colorado, we are passionate about providing top-notch custom t-shirt printing that meets the diverse needs of our clients. One of the most exciting advancements in the world of custom printing is Direct to Film (DTF) transfers. While traditional screen printing has been the go-to method for years, DTF has become a game changer in the industry, and we believe it’s the superior choice for custom apparel.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why custom DTF t-shirt transfers are a better solution than traditional screen printing and why they are the ideal option for your next custom project.

What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?

Before we dive into the advantages of DTF printing, let’s first break down the process. Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a relatively new technology that involves printing designs onto a special transfer film using a specialized printer. Once the design is printed, it is coated with an adhesive powder, then cured, and finally transferred onto the fabric using a heat press.

Unlike screen printing, which involves creating multiple stencils (or screens) for each color in a design, DTF printing prints the entire design in a single process. This makes it a much more efficient and versatile way to produce custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel.

1. Affordable and Low-Cost Setup for Small and Large Orders

One of the most significant advantages of DTF over traditional screen printing is the cost. Screen printing requires creating separate screens for each color in your design, and these screens can be expensive to produce—especially if your design has multiple colors or complex artwork. This high setup cost makes screen printing less cost-effective for smaller orders.

At Epic PRINT Pros, we know how important it is to offer our clients the best price without sacrificing quality. DTF printing has a much lower setup cost. Once your design is created, there is no need to create separate screens for each color. This makes DTF printing ideal for both small runs (like one-off custom t-shirts or limited edition designs) and larger orders. Whether you need just one shirt or a hundred, DTF allows us to deliver quality prints at an affordable price.

2. Incredible Detail and Color Reproduction

DTF printing excels at reproducing intricate designs, fine details, and vibrant colors. Traditional screen printing has limitations when it comes to fine detail or multi-layered designs. With screen printing, each color must be printed separately, and fine details can get lost in the process, especially with intricate or complex artwork.

DTF, however, can reproduce the finest details with ease. Whether you’re printing a high-definition logo, a gradient design, or even detailed photographic images, DTF printing can handle it all. The process allows for rich color saturation and sharp, crisp edges, ensuring your design looks exactly as you envision it. If you’re looking for intricate designs with lots of colors or photographic imagery, DTF is the superior choice.

3. No Minimum Order Requirements

At Epic PRINT Pros, we understand that every customer has unique needs. Whether you’re a local business looking to create a batch of branded shirts for your team or an individual looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, we know that custom orders come in all shapes and sizes. One of the most significant advantages of DTF printing is that it doesn’t require a minimum order quantity.

With screen printing, the setup time and cost for preparing the screens often mean that you’ll need to place a larger order to make it worthwhile. But with DTF, there are no minimum order requirements. Whether you need a single shirt or 50, you can take advantage of the same quality and efficiency that larger orders receive. This makes DTF printing the perfect option for small businesses, personal projects, or limited-edition runs.

4. Faster Turnaround Time

When you need custom t-shirts fast, turnaround time is crucial. Screen printing can take days or even weeks to complete, especially if the design has multiple colors or requires more intricate setups. The screen creation process is time-consuming, and the printing process itself can take a while as well, especially when you’re working with larger designs or bulk orders.

On the other hand, DTF printing is significantly faster. The design is created digitally, and once it’s ready, the printing process is quick and efficient. In fact, DTF prints can be applied to garments in just a matter of minutes. This faster turnaround time means you can receive your custom shirts more quickly, whether you’re preparing for an event, a business promotion, or a special occasion.

5. Durability and Long-Lasting Quality

We all want our custom t-shirts to stand the test of time, and durability is a key factor in choosing a printing method. DTF transfers offer superior durability compared to other printing methods. The ink used in DTF printing bonds directly with the fabric, ensuring that the design will last wash after wash without fading, cracking, or peeling.

Screen printing, while generally durable, can be prone to fading and cracking, especially if it is not done properly. The ink used in screen printing can sometimes become brittle over time, particularly with repeated washes. Additionally, thick layers of ink in screen printing can create a stiffer feel on the fabric, which may not be as comfortable for the wearer.

DTF prints, however, are softer and more flexible, and they maintain their vibrant look for a long time. If you’re looking for custom shirts that look great and stay intact for years, DTF is the ideal choice.

6. Compatibility with a Wide Range of Fabrics

Another area where DTF printing shines is fabric compatibility. Whether you’re looking to print on cotton, polyester, blends, or even darker fabrics, DTF transfers work exceptionally well across a broad range of materials. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different fabrics and styles without worrying about the quality of the print.

In contrast, screen printing has limitations when it comes to certain types of fabrics, especially those with a high polyester content. Screen printing can be less effective on fabrics that are not 100% cotton or that have special finishes like moisture-wicking treatments. With DTF, you don’t have to worry about fabric limitations; it adheres well to almost any material, making it the best option for businesses or individuals who want custom prints on a variety of apparel.

7. Eco-Friendly Option

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and many businesses and consumers are looking for eco-friendly printing solutions. DTF printing is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional screen printing. The inks used in DTF printing are water-based, reducing the need for harmful chemicals found in many screen printing inks, which often contain PVC and other toxic substances.

Furthermore, the DTF process generates less waste compared to screen printing. Traditional screen printing can be wasteful, especially when dealing with multiple colors or complex designs. With DTF, the digital nature of the process allows for more precise and efficient printing, which is better for both your wallet and the planet.

Why Choose Epic PRINT Pros for Your DTF Printing Needs?

At Epic PRINT Pros, we are committed to providing the best possible service and quality to our clients in Summit County, Colorado, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to create custom t-shirts for a local event, design branded apparel for your business, or craft a unique gift, our DTF printing technology ensures that you get the highest quality products at an affordable price.

From low-cost, no-minimum orders to vibrant, long-lasting prints, DTF printing offers a range of benefits over traditional screen printing. With fast turnaround times, durable results, and versatility across fabrics, DTF is the perfect choice for your next custom project.

Ready to get started? Contact Epic PRINT Pros today and let us bring your custom t-shirt ideas to life with Direct to Film printing!