Direct To Film vs. Screen Printed Transfers: Which One Is Right For Your Project?

[@kmwdesigns2963]

This is a great explanation of the differences between both transfer types, thank you!

[@transferexpress]

Thanks KMW, We're always happy to help!

[@MichiganderGirl]

This was a very good presentation of the comparison between the two. I will be trying the Ultra Color Max for full color designs in the future.

[@transferexpress]

Thanks Jane, while they're different we really tried to show the best apples-to-apples comparison. We're so happy we could help!

[@ACraftyConcept]

What is the shelf life for your DTF transfers? Like how fast do I have to use it?

[@transferexpress]

That's a great question! We have some prints from when we first released UltraColor Max in January of 2022 that still print perfect. When stored in a climate controlled environment away from any moisture heat transfers will last quite a long time. We do recommend keeping the silica gel packs that ship with the transfers to control moisture when storing. While based on our screen printed transfers we have some great storage tips that still apply here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIWkmKSLmrqmjtk

[@MentalPistol]

Great video, only thing missing was showing a color example.

[@transferexpress]

Good call Mental P! Sounds like a good idea for a new video 😋

[@MentalPistol]

@@transferexpress Yall gotta pay me in transfers if you use my ideas.

[@KicoMendoza]

So which one has a softer hand feel?

[@jennimaieron723]

In terms of durability and quality which one is better when compared? Goof Proof or ultra color max?

[@transferexpress]

Great Question Jenni! Goof Proof and UltraColor Max are both independently tested to 50+ wash cycles to meet the industry standard for durability. So, It would just depend on your artwork and quantity: For 1-2 color artwork Goof Proof would be recommended and any artwork with more colors would be better suited for UltraColor Max. Personally (Dave here), I love the look and feel of Goof Proof as it is almost identical to a traditional screen printed shirt.

[@alankeogh6419]

Thanks Dave. Great product 👌

[@pamcole8949]

Love this comparison in the single color...I was wondering about trying my one-color logo in the UC Max, so I will try that on my next order. The screen print version changed my color effect (using gold on denim), making it look more yellowish. So I am wondering if I will get more true coloring with UC Max, regardless of background?

[@transferexpress]

Thanks Pam! We tried to give the best comparison side-by-side of both of these transfer types. Like you can see in the video here the Goof Proof Screen Printed Transfers are just slightly more opaque, so you may see a similar color shift when printing on denim with the UltraColor Max. Screen Printed transfers are spot colors, where the Max is using CMYK+ white inks. Did you use the Metallic Gold or Standard Gold Color? The actual screen printed ink colors vary from what you see on screen, but they should print the same color as in the color selector swatch book: www.transferexpress.com/marketing-tools/color-selector

[@pamcole8949]

@@transferexpress Thanks so much for the quick reply. I used the standard gold and yes, I do have the color selector from the kit I ordered. I ordered several sheets of Goof Proof using the gold so I am wondering if I just need to print on lighter colors with the rest of my transfers? Also, when I used the sample black hot-split retro on denim, it was fantastic, so I am wondering if the gold would work better with that type of transfer on denim or did the black just work better because of the dark color? Thanks for your help :)

[@transferexpress]

Hey Pam, Hot Split will be slightly less opaque than the Goof Proof, so most likely it was the darker color ink that made the print look better. If you can take some pictures and send it to us (Using the resolution center in your account dashboard) we can ensure the goof proof is printing properly. You can test print some of the gold onto a lighter color to see how the color compares too (we always send an extra sheet or two with our screen printed transfer orders)

[@pamcole8949]

@@transferexpress I really appreciate your follow up! I tried my screen print logo on a lightweight fabric, which made it more of an orange-gold; then I tried a darker denim than I used before, but again, it was not what I was hoping for. So I got out more samples, using the senior class design in Ultra Color Soft, since that is just the gold color I want. That did great on the denim as far as color and texture (very impressive!), but some of the edges were not totally adhered, so I am wondering if the denim just needs a particular type of transfer or adjustments to the heat time or pressure? (Do you have any other resources on that?) Also, I had one small UC Max transfer with gold in it, so I tried that on the denim. Again, the color was great but what I noticed was that you can see the denim texture behind UC Max, whereas the UC Soft does not reveal any fabric texture. So, both are great, depending on the desired effects for each project. I have to say that they are both my favorite versus the screen print, so that is what I will order the most.

[@Grace-lx5bs]

Hello, I was told that screen print transfers can only be used on the light color items of a minimum of 60% polyester?? are your screen print transfers, different from others? Thank you!

[@kathleencrump1495]

That’s sublimation

[@transferexpress]

Hey Grace, Kathleen here is correct, you're thinking about sublimation transfers. Screen printed transfers can be applied to cotton, polyester and cotton/poly blend fabrics in any color. They're the same, opaque plastisol ink that's been used in the apparel decorating industry for decades. Sublimation transfers do not print with white inks (just CMYK like your desktop printers) and bond to the polyester fibers in the garment- thus requiring high polyester content along with light or white color fabrics exclusively.

[@axishinedetail6775]

With the stretching what is the cracking effect?

[@transferexpress]

Both of these transfer types have outstanding stretch and rebound without cracking. The UltraColor Max (direct to film) has a little bit more give to it, making it perfect for printing on super-stretchy fabrics like spandex too!

[@laurenhudson8616]

So, with DTF transfers, I’ve noticed that small lines and/or text can sometimes wash off or peel fairly quickly. Does that happen less with screen printed transfers?

[@transferexpress]

Great question- That's a limitation of DTF printing, with super fine details under the minimums for printing- The areas of ink are too small for adhesive to hold. Our auto-proofing step as part of the ordering process for UltraColor Max identifies any areas that will not meet the print minimums so they can be adjusted before printing, leading to quality results and long lasting prints. The minimums we have on DTF Transfers are .018" or 0.5mm. Screen printed transfers will not have these issues, however, as they are printed with real plastisol ink there is a slight spread of the ink when pressed into fabric, so some small details in small letters like "P" or "A" may close up. You can see great illustrations of this with real prints in this video where you can learn more about these print standards & art guidelines to help ensure your artwork prints (and washes) great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zmmqp3toj56Ui9E

[@laurenhudson8616]

@@transferexpress thanks so much! That helps a ton!

[@lincoln3x7]

How many washes would you expect a ultracolor max transfer stand up to before cracks appear?

[@transferexpress]

When applied to the application instructions, our independent wash testing has exceeded 50+ wash/dry cycles

[@jorgezambrano3533]

I have my own logo i am screen printing my fisher/rashguard shirts resr logo is 6’’ round snd front is 3’’ hi x 8’’ wide single color, what you guys recommend will last longer for sun and sea water use?

[@transferexpress]

Hey Jorge! That's a great question! For super durable 1 color prints on those 100% polyester rash guard / fishing shirts and the screen printed look and feel, our Elasti Prints transfers (www.transferexpress.com/heat-applied-transfers/elasti-prints-screen-printed-transfers) would work great! They apply at a low temperature to avoid any scorching or press marks on the garment. I would also like to add- the majority of those fishing / rashguard shirts I see are sublimated, so if you're printing on light or white colored shirts, the sublimation transfers ( Check the bottom of the page here: www.stahls.com/full-color-digital-transfer ) from Stahls' may be a fantastic option as well- It gives you the ability to print full color with a print that feels like the fabric of the shirt. These only work on white or very light colored 100% polyester fabric.

[@andrea37508]

Can you print pictures that you took on your phone into the shirts ? Obviously many many colors in a photo?

[@transferexpress]

Absolutely! You'd want to use UltraColor Max Direct To Film Transfers for those photos: www.transferexpress.com/heat-applied-transfers/ultracolor-max

[@kyrietatum4353]

UC Max looks good after freshly pressing but does not last in the washing machine. It will start to lift off the garment if it is a small text logo and it will wrinkle really bad if the image is large (note I wash all garments that I press on delicate and hang dry)

[@transferexpress]

Hey Kyrie, we've had our UltraColor Max independently wash tested to 50+ wash dry cycles without lifting or wrinkling. We'd love to help out- please submit a resolution in your account dashboard and we'll be able to help out with more details.

[@peter_shadow7559]

Hello. In the price catalog, what is Elasti Prints?

[@transferexpress]

Elasti Prints are our screen printed transfers made for 100% polyester. These are more athletic-based with outstanding stretch and rebound and apply great to uniforms, jerseys and performance wear like Under Armour.

[@YOQishere]

wondering if it would be worth it living in Canada.

[@transferexpress]

It'd totally be worth it. 😉

[@djlive408]

I love the goof proof product, but recently I tried using the Ultra Color Max and I get charged $20 just so an artist can review my artwork, although my artwork is all vector based; why would you guys want t to charge a fee for someone to look my artwork, that should be by default and not get charged for it.

[@transferexpress]

Hey DJLive, This is mostly because of the process of how these transfers are produced. With just 6 cents per square inch pricing for the UltraColor Max, print-ready artwork is required. Because Goof Proof is screen printed, our designers have to set each order up for the screens themselves, so artwork review is included in the process. If you're uploading vector artwork, you should be able to "approve as is" and not pay the additional proofing fee- The last step of the ordering process in easy view is an accurate proof of how your final transfers will turn out. If it is defaulting to "approve for artist attention" and not allowing you to proceed as-is, give us a call so we can review your artwork and see what's going on.

[@djlive408]

@@transferexpress I ordered the ultra color max and you guys sent me pixilated graphics even though I had submitted vector artwork, on top of that you guys charged me $20 to reprint a mistake that wasn’t mine.

[@transferexpress]

@@djlive408 I'm sorry to hear that- It definitely sounds like something went wrong- We should have completely covered the reprint on that one. DM us on IG/FB so we can look up your account and see what we can do for you.

[@LIONKING1103]

@@transferexpress I uploaded a vector piece and finalized a 2 color piece. No final image is showing. Triple checked the colors I wanted and still showing original when I placed order. I too was told I needed to pay $20 for a proof. Hoping my order comes as designed error free!

[@transferexpress]

7BLACK5LION, That sounds real strange, like no image was showing on that final proofing setup in the designer from your uploaded artwork?

[@psychoslingers8732]

Will your transfers work on things like wood coasters, any type of coffee mugs, glass, etc?

[@transferexpress]

Wood, coasters and cardboard, yes- our UltraColor Max transfers will work. Mugs and glass you would be better suited for our Cad Prints stickers (dishwasher safe) or pressure sensitive vinyl or even sublimation.

[@catchwreck928]

How would you compare DTF to DTG or htv?

[@transferexpress]

Great question, thanks for asking! DTF is most comparable in feel and capabilities to Direct To Garment prints. It has a smooth feel and is a lightweight print, so it wears nice and moves with the fabric well. DTF can apply to 100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, tri-blends and 100% polyester- so you're not limited to cotton-only garments like DTG. While very similar inks, DTF has a little bit more stretch than DTG too (because of the adhesive), so you'll notice less cracking in the print with extended washing and wear. Compared to vinyl, DTF is lighter on the garment than most HTV, and allows for full color images, free floating text and elements all without cutting and weeding. We'd love to send you a free sample of our UltraColor Max DTF prints so you can try it and compare: www.transferexpress.com/marketing-tools/free-samples

[@EvanHolland23]

Will Ultra Color max work on 100 % Polyester Jackets? Or Nylon?

[@transferexpress]

Hey Evan, UltraColor Max will apply great to 100% polyester jackets. For nylon, it is not recommended (Our UltraColor Stretch transfers are specifically formulated for Nylon, Lycra, Spandex and other synthetic fabric)

[@EvanHolland23]

@@transferexpress Thank You so much for the reply. This helped alot

[@transferexpress]

@@EvanHolland23 Our pleasure, we're always happy to help!

[@bhebhe15]

Do I need to have company to order... I am just crafter hobby..🤷‍♀️

[@transferexpress]

Hey Joyce, absolutely not! Signing up for an account is fast, free and easy- There is a section on the registration form that is for a TaxID, but you can still create an account and order, we just have to charge sales tax on your orders.

[@bhebhe15]

@@transferexpress looking forward to used your service.

[@lovelove0068]

1 day turn around 11 am Eastern Standard Time

[@transferexpress]

You can check all turnaround and shipping times here: www.transferexpress.com/shipping-delivery

[@puzzleetpuzzles7951]

You need to have a good volume in order to make worth it. 100+ transfers. Otherwise its like 1-2$ per transfer.

[@transferexpress]

Definitely, the screen printed transfers are more economical at higher quantities.

[@arnoldfukumoto7551]

Will you please not smiling so much! Anyone that smiles that much is somewhat suspect.

[@transferexpress]

When you do what you love, you won't work a day in your life. 😊

[@arnoldfukumoto7551]

Dave, I'm glad you do what you love. All I'm saying is with all that gesturing and twitching, head and body movement, and seemingly forced smiling works against your effectiveness@@transferexpress