DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing – Which Is Better for Your T-Shirt Business in Sri Lanka?

When it comes to custom t-shirt printing in Sri Lanka, two of the most popular options are DTF (Direct to Film) printing and screen printing. Whether you’re starting an apparel brand or placing a bulk order for your company or event, choosing the right printing method is essential for cost, quality, and turnaround.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between DTF and screen printing, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs.

What is DTF Printing?

DTF printing involves printing your design onto a special film, applying adhesive powder, and then heat-pressing the film onto the fabric. It’s fast, flexible, and works on almost any material — including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Ideal for: Small to medium batches, full-color designs, fast turnaround.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional method where each color in a design is applied separately using stencils (screens). It’s best suited for simple designs with fewer colors and large-volume production runs.

Ideal for: Large batches of simple, single- or dual-color designs on cotton fabrics.

Key Comparison: DTF vs. Screen Printing

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of how DTF compares to screen printing:

Feature	DTF Printing	Screen Printing
Setup Cost	Low (no screens required)	High (new screen for each color)
Turnaround Time	Fast – Ideal for short deadlines	Slower due to screen prep
Minimum Order	No minimum – great for single items	Best for bulk (25+ units)
Color Complexity	Full-color, photo-quality designs supported	Limited – each color adds complexity
Fabric Compatibility	All fabrics: cotton, poly, blends, denim	Mostly cotton or light-colored fabrics
Durability	Very durable with soft hand feel	Extremely durable with proper care
Detail Reproduction	Excellent – supports gradients & fine lines	Moderate – best with bold graphics

Which is Better for Your T-Shirt Business?

If you’re just starting out or need flexibility, DTF printing is the smarter choice. It allows you to:

Print full-color, high-detail designs affordably
Test new designs without high setup costs
Handle small or bulk orders with fast turnaround
Offer a wider range of garments (hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags, etc.)

On the other hand, screen printing might be better if:

You’re printing one or two colors in high volume
You don’t plan to change designs frequently
You want a slightly lower cost per unit for large orders

Use Case Examples

Small Clothing Brand in Colombo: Wants to test new designs on hoodies, tees, and tote bags → DTF Printing
School Event Order (300 t-shirts): One-color logo on white tees → Screen Printing

Final Thoughts

For most modern apparel brands and custom t-shirt orders in Sri Lanka, DTF printing offers more flexibility, better design reproduction, and faster service. As screen printing remains useful for large, simple jobs, it’s important to choose based on your specific needs.

Need Help Choosing?

At DTF Sri Lanka, we offer both DTF printing and expert guidance to help you choose the right method for your order. Whether you’re printing 1 or 1000 garments, we’ve got you covered with vibrant prints and professional service.