With so many ways to decorate apparel today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your business, understanding the difference between the transfer types offered by Transfer Express and STAHLS’ can help you make the right choice for your project—and your profit margin.
Let’s break down the four major print categories: Screen Printed Transfers, Direct to Film (DTF), Digitally Printed Transfers, and Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). Each has its own strengths depending on what you’re printing, how fast you need it, and how much you want to spend
Screen Printed Transfers
When you need the look and feel of traditional screen printing (without all the setup and mess) screen printed transfers are your best bet. These transfers are made with real plastisol ink, screen printed onto a carrier sheet, and heat applied in seconds. Perfect for high-volume orders with 1–2 color designs, they deliver pro-quality results while saving you time and money.
Best for:
High-quantity orders of simple, 1–2 color designs with a soft, screen-printed finish.
Key Advantages:
- Real plastisol ink for authentic screen print feel
- Applies in just 4–6 seconds for fast production
- Most cost-effective for bulk orders
- Clean and easy—no screens or mess
Direct to Film (DTF) Transfers
For full-color designs, small orders, and heat-sensitive fabrics, DTF offers unmatched versatility. This digital print method lays ink directly onto a film and applies at a low temperature, making it ideal for everything from stretchy athletic wear to complex logos. With no weeding, no screens, and no minimums, DTF makes it easy to offer custom prints on demand.
Best for:
Small runs, full-color designs, detailed logos, and printing on heat-sensitive or stretch fabrics.
Key Advantages:
- No order minimums—great for one-offs
- Full-color printing with excellent detail
- Low-temp application ideal for spandex and nylon
- No weeding or screens = faster, easier setup
Digital Transfers
Digitally printed transfers are a broad category that use digital printers to apply full-color artwork onto a sheet, carrier, or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). These transfers typically use a CMYK color model, which allows for detailed, photo-quality prints. Unlike traditional screen printing, which uses spot or PMS colors and requires screens for each color, digital transfers streamline the process and eliminate setup.
Direct to Film (DTF) is one type of digital transfer. Others, like UltraColor® Pro, use a similar print process by depositing ink directly onto a carrier sheet, but they pair it with a screen print adhesive backing. This hybrid method combines the versatility of digital printing with the soft, durable feel of screen printing, and it often comes at a more cost-effective price point for mid-size orders.
CAD-PRINTZ® transfers expand the digital category even further by printing onto specialty HTV. These transfers are designed for full-color artwork that needs to adhere to tough-to-decorate fabrics like leather, nylon, neoprene, and Cordura®, or when you want to add texture and dimension with finishes like glitter, soft foam, or twill. CAD-PRINTZ® makes it possible to achieve premium effects that go beyond standard digital or DTF prints.
Best for:
Full-color artwork, specialty finishes, and decorating hard-to-print fabrics
Key Advantages:
- CMYK printing for high-resolution, full-color graphics
- No screens or setup—ideal for detailed designs
- UltraColor® Pro offers cost-effective full-color printing
- CAD-PRINTZ® options adhere to nearly any fabric and offer unique finishes and textures
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
While HTV was once the go-to for one-off graphics and on-demand printing, the rise of direct to film has shifted its role in apparel decoration. Today, HTV is still a valuable tool, especially when cut in-house with a vinyl or craft cutter, for fast-turn personalization at on-site events or last-minute orders that require immediate production. More commonly, HTV is now used to add special effects to garments. Whether applied on its own or layered with screen printed or DTF transfers, HTV allows decorators to create eye-catching, mixed-media designs that stand out—and sell at a premium price.
Best for:
On-site personalization, last-minute jobs, and adding special effects or layered finishes.
Key Advantages:
- Cut and apply on demand—great for fast turnarounds
- Endless finish options: glitter, foil, flock, glow, and more
- Can be layered with other transfers for custom mixed-media looks
- Excellent for names, numbers, and one-of-a-kind items
So… Which Transfer Type Is Best for You?
| Project Type | Best Transfer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-volume, simple artwork | Screen Printed Transfers | Lowest cost and fastest application |
| Small-run, full-color logos | DTF Transfers | No minimums, vibrant color, fabric versatility |
| Specialty fabrics or textures | CAD-PRINTZ® Digital Transfers | Works where others won’t; unique finishes |
| Mid-size (25+) full-color jobs | UltraColor® Pro | Great price point, high quality |
| Personalization or special effects | HTV | On-demand and eye-catching |