Best Screen Print Transfer Companies: Top Suppliers for Ready-to-Press Plastisol Transfers
Screen print transfer companies produce ready-to-press plastisol transfers that let you decorate garments without owning screen printing equipment. This guide covers what to look for in a screen print transfer supplier, how screen print transfers compare to DTF, and tips for choosing the right company.
Best Screen Print Transfer Companies: Top Suppliers for Ready-to-Press Plastisol Transfers
Screen print transfer companies produce ready-to-press plastisol transfers — designs that are screen printed onto release paper and shipped to you for heat pressing onto garments. This model lets you offer screen-printed quality without owning screen printing equipment, screens, or dealing with ink cleanup.
How Screen Print Transfer Companies Work
- You upload your artwork to the transfer company's website
- They screen print your design onto special release paper using plastisol ink
- The ink is partially cured (gelled) so it sits on the paper without fully bonding
- Transfers are shipped to you — they store flat and have a long shelf life
- You heat press them onto garments at approximately 375°F for 7–10 seconds
This model is popular with businesses that want the thick, opaque ink deposit of screen printing without the equipment investment ($15,000–50,000+ for a full screen printing setup).
What to Look for in a Screen Print Transfer Company
| Factor | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Ink quality | Plastisol opacity, softness, and stretch |
| Color accuracy | Pantone matching capability |
| Minimum orders | Some require minimums per design (25–50), others have no minimums |
| Gang sheet options | Whether you can combine multiple designs on one order |
| Turnaround time | Standard 3–5 days, rush 1–2 days |
| Transfer types | Standard plastisol, puff, glitter, metallic, glow-in-the-dark |
| Hot peel vs cold peel | Application method for the finished transfer |
| Shelf life | Quality transfers store for 6–12 months when kept flat |
Screen Print Transfers vs DTF Transfers
This is the key comparison for businesses deciding between the two transfer types:
| Feature | Screen Print Transfers | DTF Transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Ink type | Plastisol (thick, opaque) | Pigment-based (thin, flexible) |
| Colors per design | Limited by number of screens (1–8 typical) | Unlimited (full-color printing) |
| Setup cost per design | Screen creation fee ($20–50+ per color) | None |
| Feel on garment | Thick, bold ink deposit | Thin, soft film |
| Durability | Excellent (100+ washes) | Excellent (50–80+ washes) |
| Minimum order | Often 25–50+ per design | Usually no minimum |
| Best for | Bold graphics, team orders, established designs | Full-color, photos, small batches |
| Specialty effects | Puff, glitter, metallic, glow | Standard flat prints only |
| Photo-realistic prints | No (halftone simulation only) | Yes (continuous tone) |
| Application temp | 375°F, hot peel or cold peel | 300–325°F, cold peel |
- You have a proven design that you will reorder repeatedly
- Your designs are 1–4 colors with bold, opaque coverage
- You want specialty effects (puff ink, glitter, metallic)
- You need maximum wash durability on cotton
When DTF Transfers Win
- Full-color or photographic designs
- Small batch orders (1–24 pieces) where screen setup fees are prohibitive
- You change designs frequently
- You print on multiple fabric types including polyester
Tips for Working with Screen Print Transfer Companies
- Start with samples — Order a small batch to test quality before committing to large orders
- Provide vector artwork — Screen printing requires clean, separated colors. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) produce the best results
- Consider gang sheets — Some companies let you combine multiple designs on one order to reduce per-unit cost
- Stock popular designs — Screen print transfers store well. Print your bestsellers in bulk for the lowest per-unit cost
- Test press settings — Each transfer company may have slightly different recommended press settings. Follow their specific instructions.
Combining Screen Print and DTF in Your Business
Many successful apparel businesses use both:
- Screen print transfers for their top 10 bestselling designs (lowest per-unit cost at volume)
- DTF transfers for new designs, custom orders, and full-color work (maximum flexibility)
This hybrid approach gives you the cost advantages of screen printing for proven sellers while maintaining the versatility of DTF for everything else.
For a deeper dive into how screen print transfers work, including puff printing and specialty inks, see our Puff Print & Screen Print Transfers Guide. For DTF supplier options, visit our supplier directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best screen print transfer companies?
The best screen print transfer company depends on your specific needs — color count, volume, specialty effects, and turnaround time. Look for companies that offer sample orders, have strong customer reviews, provide Pantone color matching, and offer the transfer types you need (standard, puff, glitter, etc.).Are screen print transfers better than DTF?
Neither is universally better. Screen print transfers provide thicker ink coverage, specialty effects (puff, glitter), and superior durability on cotton. DTF transfers offer unlimited colors, no minimums, and work on all fabric types. Many businesses use both methods.How long do screen print transfers last?
Properly applied plastisol screen print transfers can last 100+ washes on cotton garments. Durability depends on ink quality, proper press temperature and time (typically 375°F for 7–10 seconds), and garment care.Can I use screen print transfers and DTF transfers on the same shirt?
Yes. Some decorators use screen print transfers for the main design and DTF for full-color accents, or vice versa. Press one transfer, let it cool, then press the second. Verify that both transfers can handle the same press temperature.Tags
About the Author
Darrin DeTorres
DTF Database Founder