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It's a judgment call based on feel and speed. DTF and DTG win on full color at their cost and on fast turnaround. Screen printing is proven very durable and prints a lot faster once it's set up, so it wins big runs.
It's a big judgment call.
Some customers don't like the DTF feel. It can be less flexible, crinkly and heavier. Software that separates the art into a very fine dot pattern makes it softer, and so does jetting liquid adhesive into the transfer instead of using powder.
DTG has a soft feel instantly, because the inks are printed directly on the garment as dot-by-dot halftones.
Screen printing is proven to be very durable, but it has many steps: separating the art, making films or imaging screens directly on a CTS (computer-to-screen) exposure machine, taping screens, setup, and mixing custom colors. Once it's set up, though, printing is a lot faster, so it's the choice for big runs.
DTF transfers made with CobraFlex products hold up about 75–100 washes, DTG about 10–20, and screen printing outlasts both.
It's the buyer's choice, based on feel and speed. DTG and DTF win on full color at that cost and on fast turnaround.
Some customers find DTF less flexible, crinkly and heavier. Fine dot-pattern separation software and jetting liquid adhesive instead of powder make it softer. DTG feels soft right away.
For big runs. Screen printing takes more steps to set up, but it prints a lot faster and is proven very durable.
Full-color designs at that cost, with fast turnaround.
DTF transfers made with CobraFlex products hold up about 75 to 100 washes. DTG lasts about 10 to 20 washes, and screen printing outlasts both.
Related: Is a DTF printer worth it (full guide) · DTF vs DTG · DTF printers with shaker & dryer · How long DTF transfers last
