I’ve printed with both. Plastisol screen print transfers and DTF both have their place in apparel production — but if you're deciding which is better for your workflow, customer base, or brand, there are some key things to know.
This isn’t a theoretical comparison. I’ve run screen print jobs in hot garages, cleaned squeegees by hand, and later switched to DTF for better turnaround and less mess. Whether you're DIY-ing in your shop or sourcing finished transfers, this guide will help you understand the real tradeoffs between DTF vs screen print transfers, so you can choose the best heat transfer method for your needs.
Screen print transfers use the same ink as traditional screen printing — plastisol — but instead of printing directly on the shirt, the ink is printed onto a special release paper and heat pressed later.
They’re known for their bold, opaque prints and soft feel when done right. And they’ve been a go-to method for decades.
But here’s what most people don’t realize:
You can order custom plastisol transfers from suppliers too, which helps cut out the setup work — but there’s still a lead time, minimum quantities, and limited flexibility compared to DTF.
DTF (Direct to Film) is a newer technology that prints full-color artwork onto film using a specialized inkjet printer, adds a powder adhesive, and cures it for heat transfer.
What makes DTF different is:
I switched to DTF because I needed fast, scalable prints that looked pro and didn’t require setup time. For brands doing multiple colorways or small runs, DTF wins on flexibility every time.
Here’s the breakdown based on what I’ve seen and tested in real production environments:
Feature |
DTF Transfers |
Screen Print Transfers (Plastisol) |
Fabric Compatibility |
Cotton, poly, blends, canvas, more |
Cotton, poly/cotton blends |
Color Capability |
Unlimited colors, full CMYK, gradients |
Limited to spot colors (1-6 typically) |
Setup Requirements |
None if you order ready-to-press |
Screens, separations, or minimum order |
Feel on Garment |
Slightly raised but soft when done right |
Very soft, screen-printed feel |
Durability |
Excellent when applied properly |
Excellent, wash-tested for years |
Best For |
Full-color prints, low-to-mid runs |
Simple designs, bulk production |
Common Issues |
Over pressing, poor file prep |
Cracking if ink is too thick or cold peel errors |
Startup Mess |
Clean (especially if outsourcing) |
Inks, emulsions, screens, reclaiming |
For years, screen print transfers were my go-to when I didn’t want to print directly. But once I started doing more complex artwork, fast client requests, and short runs, plastisol became a bottleneck.
Here’s what made me switch:
Now I use DTFCenter to print my custom transfers. Their film is soft, color is accurate, and peel instructions are reliable. It lets me focus on selling and pressing, not production delays.
To be fair, plastisol isn’t dead. If you’re printing 500 of the same one- or two-color design, screen print transfers are fast and cost-effective. They give a buttery-soft finish that customers love, especially on vintage or washed-out styles.
But for most small brands, Etsy sellers, or people doing custom orders — that kind of volume and limitation just doesn’t make sense anymore.
If you’re running varied designs, short runs, or want full-color flexibility without buying equipment, DTF is the better long-term tool.
When comparing DTF vs plastisol transfers, the choice really comes down to flexibility vs. tradition.
Screen print transfers offer classic feel and durability — but come with setup, mess, and design limitations. DTF gives you full color, any fabric, and zero prep. For most of the brands I work with today, especially ones just starting out or scaling on-demand, DTF offers everything they need with none of the headache.
And when you use a trusted supplier like DTFCenter, you get transfers that are press-ready, peel clean, and make your product look pro.
You bring the design. We handle the rest.
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