DTF Transfers vs. Screen Print vs. Vinyl: What’s Best for Your Business?

When it comes to decorating apparel, there are so many options out there—screen print, vinyl, embroidery, sublimation, and now DTF transfers. But how do you know which method is right for your project (and your budget)? Let’s break down three of the most common choices: DTF transfers, screen printing, and vinyl.

Screen Printing

Best for: Large runs of the same design

• Screen printing has been around for decades, and it’s a tried-and-true process. Each color requires its own screen, so the setup cost can be high.

• The upside? Once the setup is done, large orders can be printed quickly and cost-effectively.

• The downside? It’s not cost-friendly for small runs, and color changes or detailed designs can add up fast.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

Best for: Simple designs, names, numbers, or one-offs

• HTV is cut from rolls of colored vinyl and then heat-pressed onto apparel.

• It’s perfect for adding custom names and numbers to jerseys or for simple one-color designs.

• But—layering multiple colors can get bulky, and it doesn’t always have the same soft, long-lasting feel as other methods.

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Transfers

Best for: Everything from small custom orders to bulk production

• DTF is the newest technology in apparel decoration, and it’s changing the game. Designs are printed directly onto a special film, then transferred to garments with heat and pressure.

• DTF allows for full-color, high-detail prints with no minimum order size. That means you can order one shirt or a thousand and still get the same quality.

• Unlike vinyl, DTF prints stay soft and flexible, and unlike screen print, there are no setup fees or color limitations.

So… Which Should You Choose?

• Screen printing still wins for huge bulk orders of a single design.

• Vinyl is best for personalization like names and numbers.

• But if you want no setup fees, unlimited colors, and the ability to order small or large runs, DTF transfers are the clear winner.

At FinishLine Graphics and our sister site DTFTransferMaker.com, we’ve invested in high-speed, large-format commercial printers so we can produce massive gang sheets (up to 240" long!) quickly and at competitive prices. Whether you’re a crafter, a small business, or a sports team, DTF transfers make it easier than ever to get the look you want—without the limitations.

✅ Ready to try DTF for your next project? Click here to get started.