Is Screen Printing Cheaper Than DTF?

If you’re pricing custom apparel, one question comes up fast: Is screen printing cheaper than DTF? The honest answer is: sometimes—depending on your order size, artwork, and how many designs you’re running. For large bulk runs of a simple design, screen printing can win on cost per shirt. But for small runs, full-color designs, fast turnarounds, or multiple variations, DTF is often the cheaper (and more flexible) option because it eliminates screen setup time and setup fees.

DTFRVA is built for that modern workflow—no minimums, fast local production, and easy online ordering from Richmond, VA.

What “cheaper” really means in printing

When most people compare “screen printing vs DTF cost,” they’re usually combining a few different expenses:

  • Setup cost/time (screens, prep, registration)

  • Per-color complexity (more colors often means more labor and cost in screen printing)

  • Minimum quantity requirements (screen printing often needs volume to be worth it)

  • Turnaround speed (rush jobs can add cost or delays)

  • How many designs you’re producing (one design vs many designs per order)

DTF removes the biggest cost variables—screens and per-color complexity—which is why it often becomes the most cost-effective option for today’s order types.

When screen printing can be cheaper than DTF

Screen printing is usually cheaper when these conditions are true:

1) You’re printing a large quantity of the same design

If you’re producing a high-volume run of one design (especially a simple logo), screen printing can drive the per-shirt cost down because the setup is spread across many pieces. DTFRVA also notes screen printing’s advantage for large bulk orders with simpler designs.

2) The design has few colors

Screen printing tends to work best for 1–2 color artwork, where the setup is manageable and production moves quickly. The more colors you add, the more time and complexity increases.

3) You don’t need fast turnaround or frequent reorders

Screen printing can be slower because of setup and production flow. If your job isn’t time-sensitive and you’re not constantly changing designs, it can be an efficient approach.

Bottom line: Screen printing can be cheaper in traditional bulk scenarios. But that’s not how many modern orders work anymore.

When DTF is cheaper than screen printing

For many apparel brands, creators, and small businesses, DTF becomes the cheaper option quickly—especially when you’re not printing huge quantities of one design.

1) Small runs and on-demand orders

DTFRVA specifically highlights that screen printing setups can make short runs expensive, and DTF avoids minimums so you can order only what you need.

That means DTF is often cheaper when you need:

  • 1–20 shirts for a test run

  • small weekly restocks

  • quick sample prints

  • low-quantity client orders

2) Full-color designs (without extra cost per color)

DTFRVA explains that DTF can print photo-quality artwork, gradients, and multi-color logos without extra color charges, while screen printing adds time, complexity, and cost per color.

So if your designs include:

  • gradients

  • detailed artwork

  • multiple colors

  • photo-style graphics

DTF usually wins on total job cost and simplicity.

3) Multiple designs in the same order

If you’re printing 10 shirts but with 5 different designs, screen printing becomes expensive fast because each design often needs its own setup. DTF handles variety easily—especially when you use gang sheets.

DTFRVA makes this simple with two ordering paths:

4) You want predictable pricing and fewer delays

DTFRVA emphasizes “no setup fees” and “no minimums,” which removes the biggest pricing surprises that make screen printing feel “cheap” at first—but expensive once you add setup and complexity.

The gang sheet advantage: the easiest way to lower DTF cost

If you’re trying to make DTF as cheap as possible per design, gang sheets are the answer. A gang sheet lets you fit multiple logos, sizes, fronts/backs, and variations onto one sheet so you maximize space and reduce waste.

DTFRVA’s gang sheet builder page lists common sizes like 22”x24”, 22”x36”, 22”x60”, and 22”x120”—and even recommends 22”x60” for value.

Choose the right workflow:

What about bulk pricing—does DTF still compete?

Yes. DTFRVA publishes bulk gang sheet pricing tiers and volume discounts for wholesale-style orders.

If you regularly order 10+ gang sheets, bulk pricing can make DTF extremely competitive—especially compared to screen printing when your jobs are full-color or frequently changing.

A simple rule of thumb (quick answer)

If you want a fast decision without overthinking:

  • Screen printing is usually cheaper when:
    You’re printing high quantities of one simple design.

  • DTF is usually cheaper when:
    You’re printing small batches, full-color artwork, multiple designs, or you need fast turnaround with no minimums.

Ready to price your next order the smart way?

If you already have a print-ready layout, go straight to:
Upload Your Pre-Made Gang Sheet → https://dtfrva.com/products/upload-your-pre-made-gang-sheet

If you want the best value by fitting multiple designs on one sheet, start with:
Build Your Own Gang Sheet → https://dtfrva.com/products/build-your-own-gang-sheet

That’s the fastest way to get press-ready transfers and keep your per-print cost down—without screens, minimums, or extra color fees.

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