DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing: Which Method Suits NZ Decorators?

DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing: A Practical Guide for NZ Decorators and Club Buyers

Choosing the right print method shapes how your finished garments look, feel, and last — and it affects your cost per unit, minimum order requirements, and turnaround. This guide breaks down the three most common methods used by New Zealand decorators and club buyers so you can make a confident call.

Quick-Reference Comparison Table

Factor	Direct-to-Film (DTF)	Direct-to-Garment (DTG)	Screen Printing
Hand feel	Slightly raised, smooth finish; noticeable on thin fabric	Soft, ink-into-fabric feel; minimal texture	Varies by ink type; plastisol is firmer, water-based is soft
Stretch	Good — transfer film flexes with most knit fabrics	Excellent — ink moves with the fabric	Good with stretch inks; standard plastisol can crack on heavy stretch
Colour range	Full colour, gradients, fine detail — no colour limits	Full colour, gradients — best on white/light garments without pre-treatment	Spot colours only (each colour = one screen); Pantone-matchable
Setup cost	Low — no screens or films to burn	Low — digital file only	High — screen setup fee per colour, per design
Minimum quantities	As low as 1 — ideal for samples and small runs	As low as 1 — good for one-offs	Typically 24–50+ pieces per design to offset setup costs
Garment compatibility	Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather — very broad	Best on 100% cotton; polyester needs pre-treatment or shows dye migration	Works on most fabrics; best on flat, smooth surfaces
Washability	Durable with correct pressing; wash inside-out, avoid high heat	Good when pre-treated and cured properly; fades faster on dark garments	Excellent — plastisol is very wash-resistant; water-based softens over time
Best for	Small–medium runs, multi-colour logos, club kits, mixed-garment orders	One-offs, personalised items, photographic prints on light garments	Large runs, simple bold logos, brand merchandise, high-volume uniforms

Method Deep-Dives

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Transfers

DTF printing produces a full-colour design on a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto a garment. Because there are no screens to burn and no minimum colour restrictions, it's highly cost-effective for small runs and complex artwork.

Hand feel: The transfer sits slightly on top of the fabric rather than soaking in. On lightweight tees it's noticeable; on heavier blanks it's less obvious. Not unpleasant — many wearers don't notice it at all.
Stretch: The adhesive layer in DTF transfers is designed to flex, making it a solid choice for polos, hoodies, and athletic wear.
Garment fit: Works across cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and even leather — far broader compatibility than DTG.
Washability: Wash inside-out in cold or warm water and tumble dry low. Avoid ironing directly on the transfer. Longevity depends on correct application temperature and dwell time.
Best use case: Club kits, team uniforms, mixed-garment orders (different sizes and colours in one run), samples, and any design with more than two colours.

Ready to order? Create Your DTF Gang Sheet lets you pack multiple designs onto a single sheet — reducing cost per print and cutting waste.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG uses a modified inkjet printer to spray water-based ink directly onto the fabric. It's the closest to photo-quality printing and requires no transfer step.

Hand feel: Soft and breathable — the ink bonds with the fibres rather than sitting on top. Ideal when wearability is the top priority.
Stretch: Excellent. The ink moves naturally with the fabric, making it well-suited to fitted athletic garments on 100% cotton.
Garment fit: Best results on white or light-coloured 100% cotton. Dark garments require a white under-base layer, which can affect softness and add cost. Polyester and blends risk dye migration (colours bleeding through the print).
Washability: Dependent on proper pre-treatment and curing. Dark-garment prints tend to fade more quickly than light-garment prints. Turn inside-out, wash cold, dry low.
Best use case: One-off personalised gifts, photographic or highly detailed artwork, small sample runs on white cotton blanks.

Screen Printing

Screen printing forces ink through a mesh screen (one per colour) onto the garment. It's the industry standard for large-volume branded merchandise and produces very vibrant, durable prints — but setup investment is real.

Hand feel: Plastisol ink (the most common type) sits on the fabric and can feel firm on light garments. Water-based and discharge inks produce a much softer, vintage feel.
Stretch: Standard plastisol can crack on stretch-heavy fabric. Screen printers working with activewear typically use stretch or soft-hand inks.
Garment fit: Works on most flat woven and knit fabrics. Not practical for odd shapes, seams, or very small print areas.
Washability: Plastisol screen prints are among the most wash-durable options available — colours stay vibrant for the life of the garment when applied correctly.
Best use case: Runs of 50+ pieces with a simple, bold logo in 1–4 colours. Sports clubs ordering large quantities of the same design, or businesses with ongoing reorder needs.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose DTF transfers if:

Your order is fewer than 50 pieces
Your design has more than 2–3 colours or includes gradients and fine detail
You need to decorate mixed garment types (e.g. cotton tees + polyester jackets) in the same run
You want fast turnaround with no setup fees
You need to press the transfers yourself on-demand

Choose DTG if:

You need photo-realistic prints on white or light 100% cotton
You want the softest possible hand feel
It's a one-off or very small personalised order

Choose screen printing if:

You're ordering 50+ of the same design
Your logo uses spot colours only (no gradients)
Maximum wash durability is the top priority
You reorder the same design regularly and can amortise screen costs

A Note on Guarantees

Print longevity depends on application quality, garment care, and wash habits — no print method is immune to wear. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your prints or provided by your decorator.

Order Your DTF Transfers Today

If DTF transfers sound like the right fit for your next project, our Create Your DTF Gang Sheet is the most cost-effective way to order. Pack multiple designs onto one sheet, choose your quantity, and have press-ready transfers delivered to your door.

Questions about which method suits your specific order? Get in touch — we're happy to help NZ decorators and club buyers find the best fit.

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