Screen Printing vs. DTF vs. DTG: What’s Best for Team Apparel?

When it comes to getting your team’s logo or custom artwork on apparel, not all printing methods are created equal. Whether you're running a short track team store or gearing up your pit crew, choosing the right print method makes a huge difference in how your gear looks, feels, and holds up over time.

At L5 Graphix, we specialize in Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing for one big reason: it gives our customers the best mix of color, durability, flexibility, and speed — without the large order requirements.

Let’s break down the three major print methods, what they’re best for, and why DTF is our go-to.

Screen Printing: High-End Potential, But Varies Widely

Screen printing has long been considered the gold standard — and when done with water-based inks on premium garments, it really is hard to beat. The print becomes part of the fabric, giving it that ultra-soft, retail feel.

✅ Pros:

• Very soft feel (with water-based ink)

• Durable when done right

• Great for bulk orders of simple designs

❌ Cons:

• Most printers use plastisol ink, which feels heavier and sits on top of the fabric

• Plastisol prints can crack or get brittle over time, especially with low-quality printing

• Requires large minimums to be cost-effective

Bottom line: Screen printing can be amazing — but only if you’re working with a shop that uses high-end inks and knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, the result can feel thick, rubbery, and fade sooner than you’d expect.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Soft, But Fades Fast

DTG printing works like a digital inkjet printer for clothing. It sprays ink directly onto the fabric, which creates a soft feel — especially on 100% cotton.

✅ Pros:

• Ultra-soft finish

• No order minimums

• Good for detailed or artistic designs

❌ Cons:

• Prints can fade or crack after a few washes

• Colors aren’t vibrant, especially on dark garments

• Works best only on cotton fabrics

Bottom line: DTG is excellent for soft-feel, artistic designs on light cotton shirts — but if you need bold color, long-term wear, or print on multiple fabric types, it quickly shows its limitations. It’s more of an art tool than a workhorse.

DTF (Direct-to-Film): Fast, Vibrant, and Versatile

DTF is a newer technology, but it’s quickly becoming the most practical choice for teams, small businesses, and unit apparel. Designs are printed on film and heat-pressed to the garment, resulting in bold, high-quality prints that last.

✅ Pros:

• Vibrant, full-color designs with sharp detail

• Works on any fabric (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.)

• Very durable — stands the wear and tear of the racing world and repeated washing

• No minimums — perfect for team stores

❌ Cons:

• Slightly heavier feel if not done right

We’ve tested dozens of film types, powders, and heat settings — and dialed in our process to make our prints lightweight, breathable, and ready for the track. Not all DTF is created equal — and our customers notice the difference.

Why DTF Works for Team Stores

At L5 Graphix, we run team stores for dozens of short track racers and organizations. Instead of printing on-demand from scratch each time, we pre-print and store DTF transfers in-house. That way, when someone places an order:

• We can press and ship fast

• No delay for reorders or backstock

• You don’t have to commit to big bulk purchases

👉 See all team stores we currently support

Whether you're a driver, crew member, or fan, we make it easy to get your gear — one order at a time.

Which Print Method Should You Choose?

Ready to Launch Your Team Store?

We make it simple to get started — whether you're running dirt, asphalt, or desert. Our DTF prints are race-tested, customer-approved, and made to last.

🛒 Browse our active team stores:
👉 https://l5graphix.com/pages/all-teams

📬 Want to launch your own store or need help choosing the right print method?
Contact us here — we’d love to help you gear up.