Date Posted: 28 October 2025

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DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing

At Gift Packaging, we offer DTF (Direct to Film), DTG (Direct to Garment), and Screen Printing for custom printed bags and packaging. Each method has its own strengths depending on your design, quantity, material and budget. For custom printed calico bags and packaging in particular, choosing the right printing method can significantly impact cost, finish and durability. This guide explains the differences clearly — so you can make the right choice for your project.

Which Printing Method Is Best?

The best printing method depends on your design, order size and fabric type:

Screen printing is best for large bulk orders with simple designs and limited colours
DTG printing is ideal for small runs with detailed artwork on natural cotton fabrics
DTF printing is best for complex or multi-colour designs across a range of fabric types and order sizes

Quick Comparison — DTF vs DTG vs Screen Printing

Here is a side-by-side overview of the three methods to help you decide at a glance:

Method	Best For	Order Size	Fabric	Strength
Screen Printing	Simple designs, limited colours	Large (100+)	Cotton	Durable, cost-effective at scale
DTG	Detailed, photographic prints	Small runs	Cotton only	Soft feel, high detail
DTF	Complex, multi-colour designs	Small – Medium	Most fabrics	Versatile, vibrant

DTF Printing (Direct to Film)

Direct to Film printing works by printing artwork onto a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto the fabric. This creates durable, vibrant prints that work across a wide range of materials — including calico bags, polyester and fabric blends.

DTF direct to film printing process on calico bag

DTF printing — vibrant, opaque colours transferred via heat press

Advantages

Vibrant, opaque colours including on darker fabrics
Works well on textured or uneven surfaces
Durable prints that resist cracking and fading
Ideal for detailed, photographic or gradient designs
Cost-effective for both small and large runs

Limitations

Slight plastic-like texture on the print surface
May not feel as soft or natural as other methods

DTG Printing (Direct to Garment)

Direct to Garment printing applies ink directly to the fabric using a specialised printer — similar to how a standard inkjet printer works, but on fabric. Because the ink soaks into the fibres, it produces a soft, breathable finish that feels natural to the touch.

DTG direct to garment printing on cotton calico bag

DTG printing — ink applied directly into the fabric for a soft, natural finish

Advantages

Soft, natural feel — ink soaks into cotton fibres
Ideal for detailed, photographic or gradient designs
Fast turnaround time
Cost-effective for small runs with minimal setup

Limitations

Colours appear softer and more muted on natural calico
Only works on lighter fabrics
Slightly less durable than screen printing or DTF over time

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses a mesh stencil to push ink directly onto the fabric surface. Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, making it most efficient for high-volume orders with simple, bold artwork.

Screen printing — bold, durable colours ideal for large runs with simple designs

Advantages

Bold, vibrant colours with solid coverage
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Most cost-effective method for large runs

Limitations

Limited to up to 3 colours — no gradients
Not suitable for detailed or photographic artwork
Setup time makes it less efficient for small runs

When to Choose Each Method

DTF	Choose DTF when... You need to print on multiple fabric types (polyester, blends, calico bags), your design is complex or multi-colour, or you want vibrant results on both light and dark fabrics. Also ideal when you need a faster turnaround on smaller to medium runs.

DTG	Choose DTG when... You are printing on natural cotton fabrics, you need a small or one-off run, and your design is highly detailed or photographic. DTG produces the softest, most natural finish — best when the tactile feel of the print is important.

Screen

Choose Screen Printing when...

You have a large order (100+ units), your design is simple with a limited number of solid colours, and durability is a priority. Screen printing produces the boldest, most long-lasting results at scale — making it the most cost-effective option for high-volume runs.

Real-World Examples

Here are some typical scenarios to help you match your project to the right method:

1,000 bags, 1-colour logo

Screen Printing — large run, simple design, most cost-effective at this volume.

50 calico bags, detailed artwork

DTG — small run on cotton, complex design, soft natural finish.

Mixed materials, complex logo

DTF — versatile across fabric types, vibrant results on any colour.

There Is No Single "Best" Method

Each printing method has genuine strengths — the right choice depends entirely on your design, quantity and material. What works perfectly for a 500-unit corporate order may not be the right fit for a 30-unit custom run. That is why we assess each project individually before recommending a method.

How We Choose the Right Method

At Gift Packaging, we do not push one method over another. When you enquire about custom printed calico bags or other custom printed bags, we assess your project based on:

Your design — complexity, number of colours, gradients
Your quantity — small run vs large volume order
Your material — cotton calico, polyester, fabric blends
Your budget and turnaround requirements

We then recommend the method that delivers the best result for your specific project — not the one that is easiest for us to produce.

Browse our custom printed bags: Custom calico bags, custom kraft bags, and our full range of custom printed bags — or explore all custom branded packaging options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DTF and DTG printing?

DTF prints onto a film first, then heat-transfers to fabric — making it versatile across most materials. DTG prints ink directly into the fabric fibres, producing a softer feel but working only on cotton and light-coloured fabrics.

Which printing method is best for calico bags?

All three methods work on calico bags. Screen printing is best for large runs with simple logos. DTG gives the softest finish for detailed designs. DTF is the most versatile option for complex artwork or mixed fabric orders.

Is screen printing or DTF more durable?

Both are highly durable. Screen printing is extremely long-lasting on cotton fabrics with simple designs. DTF is also very durable and resistant to cracking and fading across a wider range of materials.

Which method is most cost-effective for small runs?

DTF and DTG are both cost-effective for small runs because they require minimal setup. Screen printing involves plate setup costs that make it less efficient at low quantities.

Can I use these printing methods on packaging other than bags?

Screen printing is widely used across many packaging surfaces. DTF and DTG are primarily fabric-based techniques. For other packaging types, contact our team to discuss the most suitable print method for your product.