UV printing vs Screen printing
Screen printing wins on flat fabric volume. UV printing wins on objects, short runs and full-color art without setup.
| UV printing | Screen printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Objects and rigid materials | Flat fabric and some rigid |
| Setup per design | None | Screen per color |
| Full-color photos | Yes | Difficult |
| Cost at 20 units | $2–$8 each | $6–$15 each |
| Cost at 500 units | $2–$8 each (no scale) | $0.80–$1.50 each |
| Best for | Personalized objects, gifts | Bulk apparel |
Choose UV printing if
You print on objects or need 20 pieces in full color.
Choose Screen printing if
You print 200+ flat items of the same design.
The short answer
They barely overlap. UV opens product categories screen printing cannot touch.
Machines in this category
DTF PrinterEraSmart A3 G6 DTF Printer with 1390 Printehead
- • CSD4293
- • CMYKW-250ml/bottle
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DTF PrinterEraSmart A4 DTF Printer L805 Head 8 Inch for Vibrant Color Starts
- • CSD3462
- • W-250ml/bottle，CMYK-100ml/bottle
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DTF PrinterEraSmart A3 XP600 DTF Printing Machine Single Head 13.8 Inch Prints
- • CSD3437
- • W-260ml，CMYK-120ml/bottle
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Other comparisons
DTF vs Sublimation
Sublimation only bonds to polyester. DTF bonds to cotton, blends and dark fabrics — which is why most t-shirt shops start with DTF.
DTF vs HTV (heat transfer vinyl)
HTV is faster for one-color names and numbers. DTF wins on full-color photos, gradients and fabric range.
DTF vs DTG (direct to garment)
DTG prints directly onto the shirt and feels like nothing. DTF prints on film first, which makes it cheaper to start and more forgiving on blends.
DTF vs Screen printing
Screen printing is cheapest per unit above ~100 pieces. DTF is cheaper below that because there is no screen setup.
Still torn between the two?
Tell us what you print each week and we will tell you which one pays back faster for your order mix.