Marking techniques
DTF or screen printing? Which printing method to choose
DTF or screen printing? We compare cost, durability, order quantity, colors and materials. Check which technique fits better with your project.
DTF and screen printing can have a very good effect, but they are profitable in other situations. The DTF gives great freedom with short and medium series and multicolor graphics, and screen printing shows an advantage with a repeatable pattern and a larger order quantity.
DTF or screen printing - main differences
If the graphics have many colors, minor details or tonal transitions, the DTF usually simplifies production preparation. The screen printing requires a separate preparation for colors, but with simple graphics gives a very good, professional result.
In practice, it is worth looking at the project as a whole: number of pieces, print size, number of colors, required effect and whether all products will be identical. The method, which is great for one shirt, does not have to be the best for a series of hundreds of pieces.
Materials and use
The DTF is flexible in terms of applications on popular clothing. The screen print also works on many fabrics, but the choice of paint and parameters should correspond to a specific material.
The design of clothing is also very important. Pockets, locks, seams, membranes and flexible zones may limit the marking site. Therefore, it is worth to evaluate a particular model before production, not just the name of the material.
Durability and comfort of use
Both methods can be durable if they are properly made and maintained. They vary in the way printing is produced, its sensation on the material and its behaviour on large surfaces.
Durability is not a feature of the name of the technology itself. This is the result of the quality of materials, correct preparation, production parameters and subsequent washing. A well-chosen method should be adapted to how often clothing will be used and under what conditions.
Cost and cost-effectiveness
With several or several dozen DTF pieces, it usually avoids the cost of preparing a sieve. With a larger, identical series, the cost of preparation of sieves decays into many pieces and screen printing can become more economical.
When comparing offers, check whether they include the same clothing model, the same printing dimension and the same number of places. Otherwise, the seemingly cheaper offer may relate to a completely different scope of implementation.
Personalisation and variants
The DTF is more convenient when some pieces have different names, numbers or variants. The screen print is best used with a repeatable, identical pattern.
Data organization is also important for names, numbers and variables of graphics. One organized table and final acceptance of the list can be more important than the production speed itself.
How to choose without guessing?
- select DTF for short or medium series and full color graphics
- Consider screen printing with a large number of identical prints
- when personalizing with names and numbers, the advantage is usually DTF
- with very large, uniform surfaces, it is worth comparing the feeling of both methods
- always count the entire cost of the project and not just the price of a single reflection
If you are still not sure, send the project, indicative order quantity and product information. A comparison of a particular order gives a more reliable answer than a universal rule.
How to assess quality before a larger order?
With a larger series, it is not worth to evaluate quality only on the basis of the product photo or technology name. The specific clothing model, material quality, file preparation and process repetition are important. If the order is either visually valid or intensively used, a sample, marking test or at least an accurate visualisation on the target product is a good solution.
It is also worth checking whether the contractor can explain the limitations of the chosen method. A reliable recommendation is not a promise that any graphics can be done identically on any material. Sometimes the best decision is to simplify the design, change the marking site or use two different techniques in one set of clothing.
How do you compare offers to compare the same?
Two offers can look similar and apply to completely different products. Before comparison check the manufacturer and model of clothing, weight or composition of material, the actual dimension of marking, the number of places, technique, the range of file preparation and whether the price includes personalization and additional work. Only such a set of data makes it possible to fairly assess the difference in price.
It is also worth asking about the possibility of subsequent homage. The cheapest model that disappears from the offer after a few months may make it difficult to maintain a coherent appearance of the team. With fixed company clothing, availability and repeatability of the product are often just as important as the price of the first order.
When is it worth a test or marking test?
The sample is particularly useful for unusual material, new clothing model, large circulation, complicated graphics or a situation where color and impression of printing are of great importance. It allows you to evaluate not only the character itself, but also its proportions, position and behavior of the entire product after the assumption.
Not every order requires a full production sample. With a simple, proven design, it is often enough to visualize and approve dimensions. The greater the financial or image risk, the more it pays to take time to check the solution first.
What is worth saving for the next home?
After successful implementation, it is worth keeping the name of the manufacturer and model of clothing, color, size, source file logo, technique, exact size and place of marking. Such specification shortens the subsequent order and reduces the risk that the new batch will look different from the previous one.
With companies, schools, clubs and organizations, a simple standard of order works well. One approved table of models and logo places makes it possible to match new people without redesigning everything from the beginning. It is especially important when orders are executed several times a year.
How do I translate this information into a real order?
It is best to prepare a short specification: type of product, number of pieces, size, date, place of marking and file. If you do not know the technique, do not guess - a description of the application and expected effect will usually suffice to compare the available possibilities.
With a larger series, it is also worth looking at the possibility of later homes. A coherent clothing model, a saved logo dimension and one accepted source file make it easier to maintain a similar effect in subsequent batches.
What should I prepare before valuation?
- indicative number of pieces and sizes
- information on the type of clothing or its use
- logo or best available graphic file
- place and approximate size of marking
- date for which clothing is to be needed
- information about personalization if each piece is to differ
Such a set of data does not yet mean order, but allows you to prepare a concrete and comparable proposal instead of guessing costs.
THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQ
Is the DTF always more expensive than screen printing?
No. With small and medium DTF inputs it can be better, because it does not require preparation of separate sieves. With a large series of simple patterns, screen printing often gains an advantage.
Which method is better suited for photos?
Most often DTF, because it allows printing full color and smooth tonal transitions without classic separation of screen print colors.
Which method is more durable?
There is no one answer for all the materials. Durability depends on technology, material, production parameters and method of washing and use.
Is screen printing suitable for 20 shirts?
Technically, yes, but cost-effectiveness depends on the number of colors and the size of graphics. In this order quantity it is also worth counting the DTF.
Can you combine DTF and screen printing in one order?
Yes. Various products or elements of the collection can be marked with different methods if this improves the effect or economics of production.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC PROJECT?
You don't have to choose your own technology. Send the data, and we'll figure out a reasonable solution.
CZYTAJ DALEJ
