If you've ever tried to place a custom apparel order in Raleigh and found yourself stuck between DTF printing and screen printing, you're not alone. Both are popular, both produce great results — but they're built for very different projects. Choosing the wrong method can mean paying more than you need to, waiting longer than expected, or ending up with a result that doesn't quite match your vision.
At Oak City Tees, we work with local businesses, sports teams, event organizers, and creators across the Triangle every day. Here's the honest breakdown.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. Designs are printed onto a special film, coated with a heat-activated adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed directly onto fabric. The result is a full-color, soft-feel transfer that works on almost any garment — cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
DTF is ideal for:
- Small to medium runs (even a single shirt)
- Photo-realistic or gradient-heavy designs
- Multi-color logos without setup costs
- Quick-turn orders — often 24–48 hours
One of the most efficient ways to maximize your DTF order is through a gang sheet — a single large film sheet that packs multiple designs together, reducing waste and cost per transfer.
👉 Upload Your Own Gang Sheet — Got your designs ready? Upload and we'll print.
👉 Build Your Own Gang Sheet — Use our builder to arrange your designs and customize your sheet.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing uses ink pushed through a mesh stencil (screen) onto fabric. Each color requires its own screen, which means there's a setup cost — but once those screens are made, printing large quantities becomes very cost-effective.
Screen printing is ideal for:
- Large volume orders (typically 24+ pieces minimum)
- Simple designs with 1–4 solid colors
- Long-lasting, vibrant prints on standardized garments
- Brand merchandise with a consistent, classic look
DTF vs. Screen Printing: Side-by-Side
| Feature | DTF Transfers | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 piece | Usually 12–24+ |
| Color complexity | Unlimited (full color) | Best with 1–4 colors |
| Setup cost | None | Per-screen setup fee |
| Turnaround | 24–72 hours typical | 5–10 business days |
| Fabric compatibility | Nearly any fabric | Best on cotton |
| Cost per piece (low qty) | ✅ More affordable | ❌ Higher with setup fees |
| Cost per piece (high qty) | ❌ Scales less | ✅ Most affordable |
| Feel | Soft, flexible | Soft (water-based) or slightly raised |
| Durability | Excellent with proper care | Excellent |
When Should You Choose DTF?
Choose DTF transfers if:
- You need a small batch — ordering fewer than 24 pieces makes screen printing expensive per unit due to setup fees. DTF has no minimums.
- Your design is complex — photographic art, gradients, fine lines, or dozens of colors are all handled effortlessly with DTF.
- You need it fast — DTF gang sheets can be turned around in 24–48 hours.
- You want to test a design before committing to a large run.
- You apply transfers yourself — DTF transfers are perfect for small shops, boutiques, and crafters who press garments in-house.
👉 Shop Custom Transfers By Size — Order exactly the size you need, no setup fees, no minimums.
When Should You Choose Screen Printing?
Choose screen printing if:
- You're ordering 48+ identical pieces — the per-piece cost drops significantly at volume.
- Your design is simple — a 2-color logo on a single garment type is a perfect screen print job.
- You want the most classic, durable apparel print — screen printing has decades of proven performance on bulk uniform and merch orders.
- You're outfitting a team, staff, or event — large runs of a single design are where screen printing shines.
Why Raleigh Businesses and Teams Choose Oak City Tees
We're locally rooted in the Triangle and built to serve the Raleigh market — from Durham and Chapel Hill to Cary and beyond. Whether you're a local nonprofit running a fundraiser, a restaurant outfitting your staff, a sports league ordering uniforms, or a creator launching a merch drop, we can handle it.
What sets us apart:
- Fast local turnaround — no waiting on a national fulfillment center
- Gang sheet printing for maximum efficiency on DTF orders
- No minimums on DTF transfers
- High-quality, durable prints you can apply yourself or have us press for you
- Real people — reach us directly with questions before you order
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix DTF transfers and screen printing on the same order?
Yes — many customers use DTF for small custom runs and screen printing for their bulk, recurring orders. We can handle both.
How long do DTF transfers last?
With proper care (wash inside-out, cool water, no bleach), DTF transfers hold up through 50+ washes without cracking or peeling.
Do you ship DTF transfers to businesses outside Raleigh?
Absolutely. While we're Raleigh-based, we ship gang sheets and custom transfers nationwide. Local customers also have the option for pickup.
What file format do I need for DTF printing?
We accept PNG files with a transparent background for best results. Files should be 300 DPI or higher at print size.
Ready to Order?
Whether DTF or screen printing is right for your next project, Oak City Tees makes it easy to get started.
- 👉 Upload Your Gang Sheet — Already have your design? Let's go.
- 👉 Build Your Own Gang Sheet — Arrange multiple designs on one sheet.
- 👉 Shop Custom Transfers By Size — Order by the size, no minimums.
Oak City Tees — Custom DTF Transfers and Apparel Printing in Raleigh, NC
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