Screen Printed Transfers vs DTF Transfers
When comparing screen printed transfers vs. DTF transfers, both decoration methods allow apparel decorators to apply custom designs using a heat press. However, the print quality, durability, cost efficiency, and ideal use cases vary significantly depending on your production needs.
How it’s made?
➡️ Screen Printed Transfers
➡️ DTF Transfers
Screen printed transfers are best suited for spot color designs requiring precise Pantone matching, offering consistent color accuracy and strong opacity—particularly for bulk production runs.
In contrast, DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are ideal for full-color graphics, gradients, and highly detailed artwork, making them a more flexible solution for complex designs and shorter production runs or smaller order quantities.
| DTF Transfers | Screen Printed Transfers | |
|---|---|---|
| Full color graphics | ✕ | |
| Small quantities | ✕ | |
| Large quantities | ||
| Spot colors | ||
| Pantone matching | ✕ | |
| Speciality inks | ✕ | |
| Heat press application |
Temperature: 300F Time: 14 seconds Peels hot |
Temperature: 330F Time: 8 seconds Peels hot |
| Order specifications | Can be ordered by a design or gang sheets | Sold only as sheets of 12" x 16" |
| Pricing | Priced based on printed artwork area | Priced based on number of printed colors and quantities of sheets |
| DTF Transfers | Screen Printed Transfers | |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | ||
| Softness | ||
| Durability | ||
| Easy of use | ||
| Cost (small quantities) | ||
| Cost (larger quantities) | ||
| Best of use |
Full color graphics Small quantities |
Spot Pantone colors Larger quantities |
| Order specifications | Can be ordered by a design or gang sheets | Sold as sheets of 12" x 16" |
Price Comparison Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Ton Atelier is a canadian manufacture of printing solutions. We offer a large selection of special transfers and related products such as:
- Screen printed transfer
- DTF transfers
- UV DTF stickers
- Embroidered patches
We’re committed to providing high-quality products and services to our customers, and print + ship all of our products from our local facility in Montréal, Québec.
Heat transfers are printing methods where designs are applied to various surfaces, such as fabric or ceramics, using a heat press. A printed design on special transfer paper is transferred onto the desired item when heated, resulting in a permanent and vibrant image.
Yes, you can easily order custom apparel through our dedicated platform. Visit the custom printing page and choose your garment.
Absolutely! Ton Atelier ships all over Canada at low fixed-rate shipping rates. Free shipping available over 150$ with options for rush jobs. Visit the FAQ for more shipping related questions.