By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026
Toronto, July 5, 2026 — Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers have overtaken screen printing as the default method for small custom apparel orders at Canadian print shops this year, according to production data from Jons Spot and industry observations from regional decorators.
The shift is most visible on orders under 24 pieces, where DTF's lack of setup costs and ability to print full-color, detailed artwork gives it a clear edge. Screen printing, however, remains the more cost-effective and durable choice at higher volumes.
Screen printing pros and cons
- Best for: Volume orders of 24+ pieces.
- Strengths: Cost-effective at scale, soft hand on cotton, supports specialty inks like metallic and puff.
- Weaknesses: Higher setup cost per color makes small runs expensive.
DTF pros and cons
- Best for: Small runs, complex full-color designs, and synthetic fabrics.
- Strengths: Unlimited colors, fine detail, works on cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends with almost no setup.
- Weaknesses: Per-unit cost is higher than screen printing at volume; durability can vary by film and press quality.
When to use each
For team uniforms, event merch, and corporate orders of 50 or more pieces, screen printing typically delivers the best value. For samples, one-off gifts, prototypes, and small influencer mailers, DTF is now the practical default, decorators said.
Still unsure? Contact Jons Spot with your artwork and quantity, and we will recommend the best decoration method for your project.