Pick screen printing when one design goes on a lot of shirts. Pick DTF when the art is full color or changes from guest to guest. At a DC event the choice usually splits along the program: the expo floor wants volume, and the reception wants names.
Screen printing
One to three colors and one design, pulled on a real press. Once the screens are set it's the fastest method per shirt, which suits a convention booth with a steady aisle queue. Screens are burned in Fullerton before the gear ships, so the art has to be final about a week out. More on live screen printing.
DTF transfers
Full-color transfers pressed on the spot, with no screens and no color limit. It's how we put a delegate's name, a state abbreviation or a chapter number on a shirt without stalling the line. It fits fly-in receptions, galas, and any art that's a photo or a gradient. More on live DTF printing.
Running both
Plenty of DC programs want both: a screen-printed base design for everyone, then DTF personalization for the people who stop and ask for it. Both fit in one station footprint. Send us the art and the headcount and we'll tell you which one earns the floor space.