As the custom apparel industry evolves, many print shops are asking: Should we replace screen printing with DTF (Direct to Film), or should we add it as a complementary service? At Modfirst Apparel, we supply hundreds of DTF print shops across the U.S., and the answer isn’t always black and white — but it is strategic.

DTF isn’t here to destroy screen printing. Instead, it opens up a new level of flexibility, personalization, and speed that traditional screen setups can’t always offer. Whether you're running a high-volume press or handling daily short-run requests, here’s what you need to know about DTF as a replacement or add-on for screen printing.

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🧵 Screen Printing: Strengths and Weaknesses

Screen printing is time-tested and works great for:

  • Bulk orders of simple 1–2 color designs

  • Long production runs (100+ pieces)

  • Specialty inks (metallic, puff, glitter ink)

  • Durable prints on cotton and some blends

But it falls short when it comes to:

  • Short runs or one-off jobs

  • Full-color or photo-based artwork

  • Personalization (e.g., names, numbers, variations)

  • Quick turnarounds or rush jobs

  • Printing on complex fabrics like nylon or fleece

The setup and cleanup time alone makes screen printing inefficient for small orders — which is where DTF excels.

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🖨️ DTF Printing: An Instant Boost for Print Shops

With DTF, you upload your design, receive a press-ready film, and apply it using a heat press. No pretreatment. No screens. No mess.

Perfect for:

  • Same-day or next-day apparel orders

  • Full-color designs with gradients, textures, or photos

  • Small-batch or one-off prints

  • All-fabric jobs (cotton, poly, fleece, nylon)

  • Fast personalization on teamwear, workwear, or merch

DTF fills the gaps left by screen printing — making it ideal for smaller orders, fast turnarounds, and high-detail jobs.

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⚖️ Should Print Shops Replace or Add DTF?

Here’s a realistic take:

Option 1: Add-On to Screen Printing
Many shops now operate with a hybrid model: screen for bulk + DTF for detail and speed. This helps meet customer demand without overextending labor or press time.

Option 2: Replace for Small Orders
Shops tired of wasting time setting up screens for short runs or sample prints are dropping screen printing completely for jobs under 25 pieces — replacing them with DTF orders from Modfirst Apparel.

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📊 Comparison Chart: Screen Printing vs. DTF in Print Shops

Feature Screen Printing DTF Printing (Modfirst Apparel)
Setup Time 1–3 hours None
Print Time (per shirt) Fast once set up 15 seconds per press
Order Size Suitability Large runs (100+) All sizes, 1+
Color Capabilities 1–2 color ideal Full-color, no limits
Personalization Difficult/expensive Easy and affordable
Fabric Compatibility Mostly cotton All fabrics
Cleanup Time-consuming None
Learning Curve High Easy – upload & press

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💼 Who Should Add or Switch to DTF?

  • Print shops with frequent small-order requests

  • Screen shops wanting to avoid downtime and prep

  • Retail printers looking to expand personalization services

  • Event-based printers needing faster turnaround

  • Side hustlers looking to scale without big investments

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🛒 Modfirst Apparel DTF Services for Print Shops

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💬 Print Shop Testimonials

⭐ “DTF helped us say yes to jobs we used to turn down.”
⭐ “Now we use screen printing for 100+ shirts, and DTF for everything else.”
⭐ “With DTF, we press names and logos same-day — no film, no mess, no delay.”

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Final Thoughts
For most print shops, DTF isn’t a replacement — it’s a smart addition. It fills the gaps that screen printing can’t cover and allows you to serve more clients with less effort. At Modfirst Apparel, we provide the DTF transfers that make this easy: full-color, fast turnaround, no minimums.

Whether you're scaling or diversifying, DTF is the fastest, cleanest way to stay ahead of demand — and Modfirst Apparel is your reliable partner.