If you run a screen printing shop, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about DTF printing. No, it’s not just another fad—it’s a legit game-changer that’s got the industry talking. Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing promises vibrant full-color prints, minimal setup, and the ability to knock out short-run orders faster than you can burn a screen. So, should you add a DTF printer to your screen printing business? Sounds tempting, right?
But let’s be real—adding new tech to your shop isn’t just about shiny features. It’s about workflow, costs, and whether it’ll actually make your life easier (not harder). The last thing you need is another machine to collect dust or clog up your production line.
In this article, we’re going to break down whether adding a DTF printer is the right move for your screen printing business. We’ll compare screen printing vs. DTF, look at real-world use cases, talk costs, and help you figure out if this is the right time to jump in—or just stick to your squeegees.
And if you do decide to go DTF? You’ll want to manage it all without juggling spreadsheets or a dozen different apps. That’s where DecoNetwork comes in. It’s the all-in-one platform that helps you quote, sell, print, and ship—whether you’re screen printing, DTF printing, or both.
What Is DTF Printing (And Why Is Everyone Talking About It)?
Let’s start with the basics. DTF stands for Direct-to-Film printing. It’s a process where you print your design onto a special film using water-based ink, dust it with adhesive powder, cure it, and then press it onto a garment. No screens. No pretreatment. DTF Printing is becoming a popular choice for apparel printing businesses.
DTF has exploded in popularity because it solves a big pain point in the apparel decoration world: printing complex, full-color designs without the headaches of screen setup or DTG limitations. Think gradients, fine lines, and small runs—stuff that usually makes screen printers sigh deeply and say, “We’ll need to charge extra for that.”
Here’s why people are hyped:
- Full-color prints without color separations
- No need to pretreat garments (unlike DTG)
- Works on a wide range of fabrics—including polyester and blends
- Perfect for short runs, personalization, and one-offs
It’s like having a “yes” button for all the jobs you used to turn down because they weren’t worth the screen time.
Now, is it magic? No. There’s still film, powder, and curing involved. But compared to burning screens or pretreating shirts, the workflow is leaner—and that’s why screen printers are taking notice.
Bottom line: DTF printing gives you the flexibility to print what you want, when you want, without having to overhaul your entire setup. It’s not about replacing screen printing—it’s about expanding what your shop can do.
Screen Printing vs. DTF: What Each Method Does Best
Screen printing and DTF printing aren’t enemies—they’re more like coworkers who bring different things to the table. One’s the old-school pro who crushes bulk orders like a beast. The other’s the flashy new hire who handles complicated designs and last-minute jobs without breaking a sweat.
Let’s break it down:
When Screen Printing Wins:
- High-volume orders: If you’re printing 100+ shirts with the same design, screen printing is still king.
- Spot colors: Nothing beats plastisol for bold, solid colors—especially for color matching.
- Durability: Screen prints, especially on cotton, are time-tested and tough as nails.
- Ink effects: Puff, metallic, discharge—this is where screen printing gets to show off.
When DTF Printing Shines:
- Short runs and one-offs: No setup, no minimums. Print one shirt or a hundred
- Full-color designs: Gradients, photographs, and intricate details come out beautifully.
- Wide fabric compatibility: Cotton, polyester, blends—you name it.
- Personalization: Great for adding names, numbers, or custom touches without new screens.
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to pick one over the other. The smartest shops are running both. Screen printing handles the heavy lifting, and DTF fills in the gaps—those quick-turn orders, tricky designs, or custom drops for online stores.
So instead of asking which one’s better, ask: how could both work together in your shop? Because chances are, they’ll tag-team your production in a way that makes life a whole lot easier.
When To Add A DTF Printer
et’s be real—DTF printers aren’t cheap, and they’re not plug-and-play magic machines. But for the right shop, they can unlock a whole new level of flexibility (and profit). So how do you know if adding a DTF printer is the right move?
Here’s when it starts making a lot of sense:
1. You’re Turning Down Small or Complex Orders
If your shop is constantly saying “no” to customers who want 5 shirts with full-color art, DTF lets you finally say “yes” without eating setup time or profits. No screens, no minimums—just print, press, done.
2. You Want to Offer Personalization
Names on the back, custom numbers, one-off promos—DTF eats this stuff for breakfast. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require a full production reset.
3. You’re Eyeing the E-commerce Game
DTF is perfect for made-to-order dropshipping. Whether it’s Shopify, Etsy, or TikTok Shop, you can print on demand with pro quality, without needing to stock every size and color combo.
4. You Need Faster Sampling or Prototyping
Mockups are nice, but actual printed samples seal the deal. DTF gives you a way to produce them fast—no screens or wasted time.
5. You Want to Test New Niches
Want to test a niche like pet tees, fan gear, or local merch? DTF lets you do it without overcommitting. Launch small, scale fast if it works.
How Much Does It Cost To Add A DTF Printer?
Alright, let’s talk dollars—because no matter how cool DTF sounds, the real question is: what’s it gonna cost me?
The answer? It depends on how deep you want to go. You can dip your toe in with a desktop setup or go full production mode with a wide-format printer and automated shaker unit. Either way, DTF printing can be a profitable business with the right approach.
DTF Startup Costs (Entry-Level vs. Pro-Level)
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Desktop DTF Setup: $3,000–$7,000: Includes a converted printer (like a modified Epson), film, powder, and a basic heat press. Great for testing the waters or running small orders.
- Mid-Level Production Setup: $10,000–$20,000: You’ll get a roll-fed DTF printer, automatic powder shaker, curing unit, and better print quality. Perfect for print shops looking to scale.
- Pro-Level Commercial Setup: $25,000–$50,000+: Designed for serious volume—these setups can print all day, every day. If you’re doing on-demand fulfillment or large runs, this is your lane.
Ongoing DTF Costs To Keep In Mind
- Ink and film: Your biggest recurring expense. Make sure to buy quality or you’ll end up with clogged nozzles and bad prints.
- Adhesive powder: Cheap but essential—don’t skip it or you’ll get peeling prints.
- Maintenance: DTF printers need cleaning and care. Skip it, and you’ll be replacing parts fast.
- Electricity & space: Bigger rigs need ventilation and power. Make sure your shop can handle the heat (literally).
DTF vs. Adding Another Screen Print Press
Let’s compare: a new automatic press can easily run $20K–$50K+ without ink, screens, or labor. DTF gives you a way to expand your capabilities—without hiring more people or adding more floor space.
So is DTF cheap? Not exactly. But compared to the cost of scaling screen printing, it’s one of the most affordable ways to diversify your shop and unlock new revenue streams.
And hey—if you’re gonna spend the money, make sure your business runs like a machine. Tools like DecoNetwork can help you manage quotes, artwork, and orders across both screen and DTF jobs—all in one dashboard. Best of all, you can request a free DecoNetwork demo to learn more.
What Successful Hybrid Shops Are Doing Right
You know what’s cooler than screen printing or DTF? Using both like a total boss. The smartest shops aren’t picking sides—they’re blending screen printing and DTF into a streamlined, money-making machine.
So how are they doing it without burning out or breaking their process? Let’s peek behind the curtain.
1. They Use DTF for the Jobs Screen Printing Hates
Think full-color chest prints on a 6-piece order. Or a last-minute name drop on sleeves. Or a wild gradient-heavy design that would take 7 screens and a sacrifice to the print gods to get right. DTF handles it with zero complaints.
2. They Keep Screen Printing for What It Does Best
Bulk orders, athletic wear, school spirit merch, and jobs where durability or special inks matter? Still handled by the press. These shops know screen printing is a beast—they’re not replacing it, they’re optimizing it.
3. They Don’t Overcomplicate It
These hybrid shops aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they just route jobs based on what’s most efficient. DTF for one-offs. Screen print for 100+ pieces. The key is knowing when to hit “print” and when to pull a squeegee.
4. They Automate Their Workflow
Here’s the secret sauce: they’re not juggling orders in spreadsheets or chasing mockups in email threads. They’re using platforms like DecoNetwork to keep everything connected—quotes, artwork, approvals, production schedules, all in one place. That way, adding DTF doesn’t mean adding chaos.
5. They Say “Yes” More Often
Short runs? No problem. Personalization? Easy. Pop-up webstore drop for a local brand? Done by lunch. These shops use DTF to capture business they used to turn down—and it adds up fast.
The winning formula isn’t screen printing or DTF—it’s screen printing plus DTF, with the right systems backing it up. That’s how you scale smart.
Scaling Your DTF Print Shop With The Right Software
Okay, so you’ve got a killer hybrid system with both screen printing and DTF, but here’s the catch: you need a solid platform to manage it all. Without the right tools, you’re going to end up drowning in orders, tracking mistakes, and wasting time that could be spent printing.
This is where software comes in to save the day—and not just any software, but an all-in-one solution that ties everything together seamlessly. Think of it like the backstage crew at a concert: without it, the show can’t go on.
1. Automate Quotes, Orders, And Mockups
Imagine this: a customer hits your online store, customizes their design, and places an order. With the right software, DecoNetwork, for example, you can automatically generate a quote, send them a mockup to approve, and track the order all in one place. No more juggling emails or chasing down approvals.
2. Keep Everything In One Place
When you’re running both screen printing and DTF, you need a unified system to handle artwork, inventory, and production schedules. With DecoNetwork, all your jobs—whether screen or DTF—are in one dashboard, ready to go. The software also integrates with your suppliers, helping you keep track of materials and pricing.
3. Streamline Your Production Schedule
Keeping track of everything can get messy. But what if you could see all your orders in one production calendar—with deadlines, artwork approvals, and job statuses? DecoNetwork’s production calendar lets you stay on top of everything without scrambling. Whether it’s DTF or screen printing, you’ll never miss a beat.
4. Let Your Clients Track Their Orders
Keeping your clients in the loop isn’t just a nice-to-have—it builds trust and helps manage expectations. With DecoNetwork, your clients can track their orders, approve designs, and even pay invoices online. It’s a smoother experience for them and less work for you.
5. Expand Your Reach Without Expanding Your Team
Adding DTF gives you more ways to bring in revenue. But to handle that extra business without burning out, you need software that helps you scale. With DecoNetwork, your team can manage more orders, handle more customization requests, and print more shirts—without needing to add more hands on deck.
So, the real key to scaling your hybrid shop? It’s having the right software to make DTF and screen printing work together without the headaches. That way, you can focus on what you do best—printing—and let the software handle the rest. And if you’re ready to streamline your operation, DecoNetwork can give you everything you need to succeed.
Should You Add A DTF Printer To Your Screen Printing Business?
DTF printing isn’t hype—it’s a real tool that’s changing how apparel decorators do business. But like any tool, it’s only valuable if you know how and when to use it. For screen printers, it can be the perfect complement to what you’re already crushing: bulk orders, bold spot colors, and durable prints.
But now, you’ve got a way to say yes to the tricky stuff—short runs, full-color artwork, personalizations, and on-demand e-commerce jobs. And when used right, adding a DTF printer won’t replace screen printing. It enhances it.
So, should you add a DTF printer? Here’s the quick checklist:
- Want more flexibility? Check.
- Tired of turning down small, complex orders? Check.
- Ready to scale without hiring more staff? Double check.
Just remember: adding a DTF printer is one thing. Managing it all without losing your mind? That’s where DecoNetwork comes in. It’s the all-in-one software built for hybrid shops—screen, DTF, embroidery, you name it.
Ready to work smarter? Request your free DecoNetwork demo to see how easy it can be to scare your DTF printing and screen printing business, all in one place.
