If you’re ordering custom-printed garments in Australia, you’ll come across two main options for full-colour or graphic decoration: screen printing and DTF (Direct to Fabric) printing. Both methods apply colour to the surface of a garment. Both are used for event t-shirts, branded casual wear, and promotional merchandise. But they work differently and suit different jobs.
Here’s a clear, practical comparison to help you decide which is right for your order.
How Screen Printing Works
Screen printing uses a mesh screen stretched over a frame, with your design applied as a stencil. Ink is pushed through the open areas of the mesh onto the garment with a squeegee. Each colour in your design requires a separate screen — a one-colour design needs one screen, a three-colour design needs three screens. After printing, the ink is cured with heat to bond permanently to the fabric.
The setup process — creating the screens — takes time and adds cost before the first garment is printed. Once the screens are set up, however, the per-unit cost of printing additional garments drops very quickly. This is why screen printing becomes economical at higher volumes.
How DTF Printing Works
DTF printing uses a specialised inkjet printer to print your design onto a transfer film. A hot-melt adhesive powder is applied over the wet ink, and the film is heat-pressed directly onto the garment. There are no screens — the design is printed digitally, so any colour or level of detail can be reproduced without setup costs.
DTF handles unlimited colours, gradients, photographic imagery, and fine detail that screen printing handles poorly or at high cost. Each unit is printed individually, which means the cost per unit is similar whether you order 10 or 100 — unlike screen printing where higher volumes reduce per-unit cost significantly.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Setup cost: Screen printing: Higher (screens per colour) | DTF: None — no setup screens
Per-unit cost at high volume: Screen printing: Lower — cost-effective at 50+ | DTF: Relatively consistent per unit
Per-unit cost at low volume: Screen printing: Higher — setup cost spread over few units | DTF: Cost-effective even for small runs
Colour complexity: Screen printing: Best for 1–4 colours | DTF: Unlimited colours, gradients, photos
Fine detail: Screen printing: Limited for complex detail | DTF: Excellent — reproduces fine detail
Best quantity: Screen printing: 50+ units | DTF: Any quantity — especially under 50
Typical use cases: Screen printing: Bulk event t-shirts, team uniforms, fundraisers | DTF: Event merch, complex logos, promo items
Durability: Screen printing: Excellent — thick ink layer | DTF: Very good — bonds to fabric with heat
When Screen Printing Makes Sense
Screen printing is the right choice when you’re ordering 50 or more units of the same design with 1–4 colours. If you’re running a fundraiser t-shirt with a two-colour logo, organising a 100-person company event, or producing a sports team’s uniforms in bulk — screen printing is economical and produces excellent results with vivid, durable colours.
The colours in screen printing sit on top of the fabric with a slight texture and opacity that’s hard to replicate digitally. For bold, simple graphics on t-shirts, the screen-printed result looks and feels premium.
When DTF Makes More Sense
DTF is the better option for small orders, complex artwork, or designs that need unlimited colour. If you need 15 custom t-shirts for a team with a detailed four-colour logo, DTF is the practical choice — no expensive screen setup, full-colour accuracy, and quick turnaround. For merchandise that needs precise brand colour reproduction across complex artwork, DTF is more accurate than screen printing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Screen Printing vs DTF
Q: Is DTF replacing screen printing in Australia?
A: DTF has taken significant market share from screen printing for small-to-medium runs, especially for complex artwork. Screen printing remains the most cost-effective option for high-volume simple designs.
Q: Which method produces more vibrant colours?
A: Screen printing can produce very vibrant colours because ink is applied in a thick, opaque layer. DTF produces accurate, full-colour reproduction. For pure vibrancy on light-coloured garments, results are comparable. For dark garments, both methods require special techniques.
Q: Can I print on dark garments with both methods?
A: Yes. Screen printing uses a white underbase layer on dark garments. DTF printing is particularly well-suited to dark garments because the adhesive film provides its own white base.
Q: What’s the minimum order for DTF at ShopAce?
A: We handle small and large DTF orders. Contact us for a quote based on your specific requirements.
Q: Does ShopAce offer both screen printing and DTF?
A: Yes. We offer both methods at our Redbank facility. We’ll recommend the best option based on your artwork, garment type, and quantity.
Q: How long do screen-printed and DTF garments last?
A: Both methods produce wash-resistant results. Screen-printed garments can last for years when washed correctly. DTF prints maintain quality with gentle washing (inside out, low heat).
Choose the Right Printing Method at ShopAce
Not sure whether screen printing or DTF is right for your job? Contact the ShopAce team at 1800 844 213 or support@shopace.com.au with your artwork and quantity and we’ll recommend the best option. Browse our garment range at shopace.com.au.