DTF vs. Screen Print Transfers (Plastisol): Pros, Cons & What to Use

Introduction

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.

What Are Screen Print Transfers (Plastisol)?

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 still need screens and a press to produce them yourself.
  
• Colors must be layered and cured, just like standard screen printing.
  
• Small orders or multi-color designs become expensive and time-consuming.
  
  

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.

What Are DTF Transfers?

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:

• No screens, no layering, no weeding.
  
• Vibrant prints on any fabric: cotton, blends, poly, canvas.
  
• Full-color gradients, photos, and fine detail — without restrictions.
  
  

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.

DTF vs Screen Print Transfers: Pros and Cons

Here’s the breakdown based on what I’ve seen and tested in real production environments:

Why I Moved to DTF for Most Jobs

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:

• No setup time. I can upload a design today, and press it tomorrow.
  
• No mess. No cleaning screens or worrying about emulsion exposure.
  
• No color limits. I can print photos, shadows, halftones — things plastisol just doesn’t handle well unless you go full-process, which is expensive.
  
  

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.

When Screen Print Transfers Might Still Make Sense

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.

Conclusion

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.