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How to Choose Between DTF and Screen Printing for Custom Apparel

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Choosing the right print method for your custom apparel can make a big difference in cost, quality, and turnaround time. Two of the most popular options—DTF (Direct-to-Film) and screen printing—each have their own strengths. Understanding when to use each one will help you get the best results for your project. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand when to use DTF printing vs. screen printing, based on quantity, design complexity, and your budget. But first, let’s break down each method to ensure you have a basic understanding on each print technique. What is DTF Printing? Direct-to-Film (DTF) is a newer digital printing technology that allows full-color designs to be printed on a special film, then transferred to fabric using heat and pressure. Best for: Small runs (1–25 pieces)* Full-color or photorealistic artwork Fast turnaround No screen setup costs What is Screen Printing? Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen, one color at a...
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How to Print on Transparency Paper for Screen Printing: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

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 A good screen print starts long before ink reaches the shirt. One of the most important steps is creating a clean, dark transparency that can transfer your design accurately to the screen. If the transparency is faded, incorrectly sized, or printed on the wrong material, the final stencil may not expose properly. Fortunately, printing a transparency for screen printing does not have to be complicated. With the right printer, film, and settings, you can create sharp artwork ready for exposure. Start With the Right Materials Before printing, gather everything you need. Your basic setup should include: A computer with your artwork An inkjet or laser printer Screen printing transparency film Screen printing software or an image-editing program A screen coated with photo emulsion An exposure unit or suitable light source Choosing the correct film is important. Regular office transparency sheets may not work well with every printer. Look for screen printing film designed for your speci...
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4 Tips For Screen Printing Multiple Colors

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Printing with multiple colors can be one of the trickiest parts of screen printing. From artwork prep to aligning screens on press, there are plenty of variables that can throw you off track. But don’t worry—we’ve gathered our best tips to help you tackle multi-color jobs with confidence (and without the gray hairs). Don't love to read? Watch this! Let’s start at the beginning: your artwork. Step 1: Preparing Your Artwork Color Separation Color separation software is a powerful tool for breaking down full-color artwork. You upload your image, and the program separates it into layers for each color—making complex designs easier to manage. A full-color image uses CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to create all the shades you see. For this type of artwork, specialized software is typically required. On the other hand, spot color artwork—where colors are solid and not blended—can sometimes be set up without dedicated software, as long as the file is prepared correctly for screen ...
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Choosing Screen Print Ink Remover Without the Guesswork

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Cleaning screens is one of those jobs that can either be quick and straightforward or turn into a frustrating chore. The difference often comes down to using the right cleaning product for the type of ink and screen you are working with. A good screen print ink remover can help loosen leftover ink, make screen reclaiming easier, and keep your equipment ready for the next job. But with so many products available, choosing one can feel confusing. Instead of starting with a long list of products, it makes more sense to begin with the problem you are trying to solve. Start With the Ink, Not the Remover Before buying anything, look at the ink you normally use. Plastisol ink, water-based ink, and specialty inks can behave differently during cleanup. A remover that works well for one type may not be the best choice for another. If your shop mainly handles plastisol printing, look for a product designed to break down plastisol residue effectively. If you regularly work with water-based inks, ...
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Screen Printing Rad Sh*t

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  We know a lot of our customers are either brand new to screen printing or still pretty early in the process. One thing we see people struggle with a lot is figuring out what to print while they’re learning and dialing things in. Let’s be honest... if you’re not a designer and you just jumped into printing, your test prints are probably some basic text or a quick name on a shirt. It gets the job done, but it’s not exactly exciting. So we wanted to give you a bit of a head start. We’ve collected and created a bunch of solid artwork, and we’re sharing it with you so you can make some fun prints while you practice without having to design anything from scratch. Below you’ll find downloadable files ranging from simple one-color prints to help you get started, two-color designs so you can practice registration, and even a four color print if you’re feeling bold. Burn a screen, pull some prints, and have a little fun with it.   Single Color Design Simply click design below to downl...
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Retail Ready Printing: What It Actually Means and How to Get There

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If you've ever had a client ask for "retail ready" prints and weren't 100% sure what they meant, you're not alone. It's one of those terms that gets thrown around constantly in the industry but rarely gets explained in full. Most people assume it's just about print quality. It's not. Retail ready is the complete package, from the print itself to the tag on the inside of the collar to the way the shirt is folded and bagged. In this post we're breaking it all down so you know exactly what you're committing to when you take on retail or licensed work. THE BASICS What Does Retail Ready Actually Mean? Retail ready refers to a finished garment that meets the standards of major retailers, licensed brands, and high-end apparel companies. Think the shirts you see at Urban Outfitters, a licensed sports brand, or a boutique streetwear label. The print is clean, the tag is branded, the garment is folded and bagged, and every single piece in a run of 500 lo...
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