Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has become a buzzword in the printing industry, especially among screen printers looking to diversify their offerings. As a screen printer, you might be wondering whether DTF is a passing trend or a valuable addition to your business. Drawing from discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/SCREENPRINTING and insights from industry trends, this post explores what screen printers need to know about DTF printing. We’ll cover five facts about DTF, compare the processes of DTF and screen printing, and highlight DTF’s benefits for short runs and vibrant prints.
5 Facts About DTF Printing
1. DTF Printing Is Revolutionizing Small-Batch Production
According to industry reports from 2025, DTF printing has surged in popularity due to its ability to handle small runs efficiently. A Reddit thread on r/SCREENPRINTING notes that screen printers appreciate DTF for short-run jobs, as it eliminates the need for multiple screens per color—a major hurdle in traditional screen printing. Unlike screen printing, which excels in bulk orders, DTF allows for quick setup and production, making it ideal for custom orders or one-offs.
2. DTF Offers Superior Color Resolution
One of the standout features of DTF, as highlighted in the Reddit discussion, is its vibrant color resolution. DTF printing uses CMYK+W (white ink) to produce full-color, high-definition prints that rival or even surpass DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing in quality. This makes DTF a go-to for intricate designs with gradients, photorealistic images, or fine details—areas where screen printing can struggle due to its reliance on separate screens for each color.
3. DTF Printing Is Versatile Across Fabrics
Industry insights from events like FESPA 2025 reveal that DTF’s versatility is a game-changer. It can print on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. Screen printing, while durable on cotton and certain blends, often requires specific inks or pretreatments for non-standard materials, adding complexity. DTF’s flexibility makes it a favorite for businesses serving diverse markets.
4. DTF Printing Aligns with E-commerce Trends
The rise of print-on-demand and e-commerce has fueled DTF’s growth, as noted in recent articles from Printful and DecoNetwork. DTF’s low setup costs and ability to produce high-quality prints without minimum order quantities make it perfect for e-commerce businesses catering to personalized apparel demands. Screen printers on Reddit mentioned using DTF transfers for quick-turnaround orders, allowing them to compete in the fast-paced online market—something screen printing struggles with due to its labor-intensive setup.
5. DTF Printing Is Evolving with Innovation
Screen printing, while reliable, hasn’t seen any recent technological leaps, making DTF a more innovative choice for printers looking to stay ahead of market trends.
Comparing the Processes: DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing
Understanding the differences between DTF and screen printing processes can help screen printers decide when to use each method. Here’s a breakdown:
Setup and Preparation
Screen printing requires significant setup: creating a stencil (screen) for each color in the design, mixing inks (e.g., plastisol or water-based), and aligning the screens on a press. This process can take hours, especially for multi-color designs, making it ideal for large runs where the setup cost is amortized over many prints. DTF, however, is far simpler. You print the design onto a special film using a DTF printer (with CMYK+W inks), apply adhesive powder, and cure it with a heat press or curing oven. There’s no need for separate screens, making setup quick—often under 30 minutes.
Printing Process
In screen printing, ink is pushed through the stencil onto the substrate using a squeegee, one color at a time. Each layer must dry before the next is applied, which can slow down production for complex designs. DTF printing streamlines this: the design is printed in one pass on the film, and the adhesive powder is applied while the ink is wet. The film is then cured, creating a transferable print that can be stored or used immediately. The actual transfer to the garment happens via a heat press, taking just seconds per print.
Application and Finishing
Screen printing applies ink directly to the fabric, resulting in a durable, long-lasting print that feels integrated into the material. However, it struggles with fine details or gradients. DTF transfers the entire design (ink and adhesive) onto the fabric via heat press, creating a slightly raised print with a glossy or matte finish, depending on the film. DTF excels at detailed, full-color designs but may feel less “part of the fabric” compared to screen printing.
Scalability and Flexibility
Screen printing shines for high-volume orders—once the screens are set up, printing hundreds of shirts is fast and cost-effective. However, it’s less practical for small runs due to setup time and cost. DTF, as Reddit users noted, is perfect for short runs or one-offs because there’s no per-color setup. You can print a single shirt or a small batch without wasting resources, making DTF more flexible for custom orders.
Lawson Supports Both DTF and Screen Printing
Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri, is uniquely positioned to support screen printers exploring DTF while maintaining their traditional operations. With over 75 years of experience, Lawson offers a comprehensive range of equipment and supplies for both methods, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate DTF into your workflow or stick with screen printing for larger runs.
DTF Equipment and Supplies
Lawson provides top-tier DTF printers, including models like the Prestige series (via DTF Station), which feature Epson printheads for reliable, high-quality prints. These printers are perfect for screen printers looking to add DTF capabilities, offering the vibrant color resolution and short-run efficiency discussed earlier. Lawson also supplies DTF inks, films, and adhesive powders, ensuring you have everything needed for the DTF process. Their heat presses, essential for DTF transfers, are available in various sizes to suit small or large operations.
Screen Printing Solutions
For traditional screen printing, Lawson remains a trusted name, offering manual and automatic presses, dryers, exposure units, and plastisol inks. Their equipment is designed for durability and efficiency, making it ideal for high-volume orders where screen printing excels. Whether you’re printing 500 shirts for a local event in St. Louis or producing bulk orders for a national client, Lawson’s screen printing solutions deliver consistent quality.
Educational Resources and Support
Lawson stands out with its US-based support and educational content. Based in St. Louis, their team offers hands-on assistance for setting up DTF workshops or troubleshooting screen printing issues. Their blog and YouTube channel provide tutorials on both DTF and screen printing techniques, helping you master new skills. For example, you can learn how to prepare artwork for DTF printing or optimize your screen printing press for faster production—all backed by Lawson’s expertise.
Hybrid Approach for Versatility
Lawson’s dual offerings allow you to adopt a hybrid approach, using DTF for short runs and intricate designs while relying on screen printing for bulk orders. This versatility ensures you can meet diverse client needs, from a single custom shirt to a 1,000-unit corporate order. Lawson’s recent merger with Workhorse Products (February 2025) further enhances their product lineup, providing even more options for screen printers transitioning to DTF.
Conclusion
DTF printing is more than a trend—it’s a powerful tool for screen printers looking to expand their capabilities. With its ability to handle short runs, deliver vibrant prints, and print on a wide range of fabrics, DTF complements the strengths of screen printing while addressing its limitations. By understanding the differences in setup, printing, and application, you can strategically use both methods to grow your business. Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc. supports this journey with industry-leading DTF and screen printing equipment, backed by St. Louis-based support and educational resources. Whether you’re new to DTF or a seasoned screen printer, Lawson has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.
Author: James Kennison
Web & Digital Media Producer at Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.