25/05/2026
If you've ever wondered what actually goes into getting your logo onto a tee, hoodie or piece of workwear - here's a peek at some of the magic in action.
One of the most common questions we get is: "What's the difference between Screen Printing, DTF and DTG - and which one is right for my job?"
Let's break it down 👇
SCREEN PRINTING - the OG of garment printing
We push ink through a custom screen, one colour at a time. Great for bulk orders, bold designs, and vibrant solid colours that go the distance.
✅ Best value for larger runs
✅ Super durable - built to last wash after wash
✅ That classic "branded apparel" look
❌ Each colour adds a screen setup, so it's less ideal for super detailed or full-colour designs
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) - precision cut & pressed
Designs are cut from sheets of coloured vinyl, then heat-pressed onto the garment. Perfect for names, numbers, team rosters and clean, simple designs.
✅ Brilliant for personalisation (names & numbers on sports kits, staff uniforms etc.)
✅ Crisp, clean lines and a solid colour finish
✅ Cost-effective for small quantities and one-offs
❌ Best suited to simpler designs - not ideal for photographic or highly detailed artwork
DTF (Direct-to-Film) - the versatile newcomer
Your design is printed onto a special film, then heat-pressed straight onto the garment. Brilliant for detailed multi-colour designs, smaller runs, and pretty much any fabric type.
✅ No minimum order - perfect for one-offs or short runs
✅ Vibrant, detailed, full-colour reproduction
✅ Works on cottons, polys, blends - you name it
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) - like an inkjet for fabric
Ink is sprayed directly onto the garment, so the print sits soft against the fabric. Great for photographic designs and complex artwork on cotton.
✅ Photo-quality detail
✅ Unlimited colours, no per-colour setup
✅ Soft "no-feel" finish on the garment
So which one is right for YOU?
👉 Big team kit-out with a simple logo? → Screen Printing
👉 Names, numbers or simple personalisation? → HTV
👉 Short run with a detailed multi-colour design? → DTF
👉 Photographic or complex design on a cotton tee? → DTG
The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone! Pop in or send us a message and we'll help you choose the right method for your project, your budget and the look you're after.
📍 320 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
🕗 Mon–Thur 8am–4.30pm | Fri 8am–4pm
🚗 Free parking out front
