Screen Printing vs DTF Film: Which Is Best for Your Custom Shirts in Bundaberg?

Josh
Oct 27
3 min read

If you’re looking to get work shirts, uniforms or merch printed in Bundaberg, you’ve probably come across two popular options - screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfer. At Thread Shed Bundaberg, we offer both — but we’ve found DTF transfer is the clear winner for most projects.

Let’s break down the difference so you can choose what’s best for your next order.

🎨 What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is the traditional method where each colour in your design is pressed through a fine mesh screen onto the fabric. It gives a vibrant, durable print that’s great for large bulk runs of the same design.

Pros:

Bright, solid colours that really pop
Excellent long-term durability
Cost-effective for high-volume orders (e.g. 50+ shirts of one design)

Cons:

Expensive setup (each colour needs its own screen)
Not ideal for small runs or multi-colour graphics
Slower turnaround times

For example, if a Bundaberg trade team wants 100 hi-vis polos with a single-colour logo, screen printing still makes sense.

⚡ What Is DTF Transfer?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) is the modern upgrade to heat-transfer printing. Your design is printed in full colour onto a special film, then pressed onto the garment using a heat press. It bonds permanently to the fibres — so it feels soft, stretches naturally, and won’t crack or peel like old-school vinyl.

Pros:

Full-colour designs, gradients and detail no problem
Works on cotton, polyester, fleece, canvas and more
Faster turnaround
Ideal for jobs of all size

Cons:

Slightly less cost-effective on very large identical orders

💡 Why We Recommend DTF Printing for Most Jobs

Here at Thread Shed Bundaberg, we’ve shifted the majority of our uniform printing to DTF transfer because it simply offers better flexibility, colour accuracy and speed for local businesses.

Whether it’s a batch of custom hi-vis shirts for a new crew, personalised polos for a tourism operator, or a handful of event tees, DTF lets us deliver professional results fast — without the ridiculous order quantities.

Customers love:✅ Crisp logos and photo-quality detail✅ Smooth, soft finish that lasts through wash after wash✅ Affordable pricing for small and medium runs✅ Easy re-orders — we just print more films as needed

👕 Which Option Should You Choose?

Job Type	Best Option	Why
Large bulk order (50+ of same design)	Screen Printing	Lower unit cost for big runs
Multi-colour logo or artwork	DTF	Easy setup for printing full colour
Small business uniforms	DTF	Fast, affordable, durable
Personalised names/numbers	DTF	Easy to customise each piece
Promotional giveaways	Either	Depends on quantity and fabric

If you’re not sure which method suits your job, our local team can guide you through it — we’ll show you real samples so you can see and feel the difference.

🧵 Why Choose Thread Shed Bundaberg

We’re your local Bundaberg embroidery and uniform specialists, offering:

DTF transfer, screen printing, embroidery and sublimation — covering all your needs
Custom workwear, polos, tees, hoodies, tote bags, caps and more
Local pickup in Bundaberg/Bargara or delivery across Wide Bay
No minimum order on DTF printing

Whether you’re a tradie needing branded polos or a café owner wanting uniforms that pop, Thread Shed Bundaberg makes it easy to look professional without breaking the budget.