Eliminate Screens & Emulsions with DTF

Jul 04, 2025Md Abdur Rahman

For decades, screen printing has been the industry standard for producing custom apparel, but it comes with a steep learning curve—and an even steeper setup process. From creating screens and emulsions to managing ink cleanup and alignment, screen printing often slows down small businesses, DIY creators, and even professional shops. But today, there’s a faster, easier, and cleaner alternative that eliminates these steps entirely: Direct to Film (DTF) printing.

At Maryland DTF, we’re helping creators across the U.S. eliminate screens and emulsions forever. Whether you're a startup brand, a small screen print shop looking to streamline, or a solo entrepreneur printing in your garage, DTF lets you focus on creativity—not complicated production.

Here’s how DTF eliminates the most frustrating parts of screen printing while unlocking next-level flexibility.

🖼️ 1. No Screens. No Emulsion. No Problems.

Traditional screen printing requires:

  • Burning individual screens for each color

  • Coating those screens in emulsion

  • Drying, exposing, rinsing, and reclaiming

  • Aligning every screen perfectly on the press

This not only takes time and space—it also introduces risk. One misalignment, and the entire batch is ruined. With DTF, none of that exists.

DTF simplifies everything:

  • Upload your full-color artwork

  • We print it on a film sheet

  • You press it onto any garment

There’s no need for multiple screens, no emulsion chemicals, and no exposure booths or washout areas.

Start with our Upload tool →
🔗 https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

⚡ 2. Speed Up Production Time

In screen printing, setup often takes longer than actual printing. For small orders or rush jobs, that can kill profits and customer satisfaction.

DTF eliminates all the lag. Our gang sheet builder lets you create your design layout, order instantly, and get prints shipped fast. With no setup, you can be pressing shirts the same day you receive your order.

Try our Build Your Gang Sheet tool →
🔗 https://marylanddtf.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet

Need it even faster?
Use our Rush Order Service →
🔗 https://marylanddtf.com/products/rush-order-service-get-it-fast

🧴 3. Clean Printing—No Ink Mess or Reclaim

Screen printing is messy. Ink spills, squeegees, emulsion reclaim tanks, pressure washers—it’s a full-on operation.

With DTF, there’s no ink to mix, no reclaiming to do, and no squeegees to clean.

You simply:

  • Peel

  • Press

  • Ship

This makes it perfect for:

  • Home-based operations

  • Pop-up businesses

  • Craft sellers

  • Print-on-demand brands

You can even run a full DTF business from your bedroom with just a heat press.

🧢 4. Expand Your Product Range

Screen printing is mostly limited to flat cotton surfaces. Want to print on nylon gym bags, spandex leggings, or hats? It becomes difficult and often impossible without specialty platens or ink additives.

DTF transfers from Maryland DTF apply cleanly to:

  • Cotton

  • Polyester

  • Spandex

  • Nylon

  • Canvas

  • Leather (with UV DTF)

You can now decorate more products, grow your store’s offering, and reach new customers—all without buying new equipment.

Explore UV DTF Transfers for hard goods:
🔗 https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-your-uv-dtf-gang-sheet

💰 5. Print Small Batches or Large Runs

Screen printing isn’t cost-effective for short runs. Whether you're printing 5 shirts or 500, the setup costs stay high.

DTF allows you to:

  • Print one item profitably

  • Test designs before committing to inventory

  • Offer personalized orders (names, numbers, colors)

Perfect for:

  • Etsy sellers

  • Influencer merch drops

  • School spirit wear

  • Sports teams

  • Corporate branding

You don’t need large orders to stay profitable with DTF.

🧼 6. No Chemicals. No Wastewater.

Screen printing involves:

  • Plastisol or water-based inks

  • Chemical emulsion removers

  • Rinse booths

  • Water waste

This limits your ability to print in shared spaces and creates potential safety and environmental concerns.

DTF is a dry process. No water, no drains, no dangerous chemicals. Just film, powder adhesive, and a heat press.

DTF is the eco-friendlier solution—especially for home-based creators.

📦 7. Our Most Popular Products

📣 Why Creators Are Switching

⭐ “We replaced our 4-color screen press with a heat press and gang sheets.”
⭐ “No more screen reclaiming or late nights scrubbing ink.”
⭐ “We tripled our designs and cut production time in half.”

Conclusion:
Screen printing had its place—but in today’s fast-paced, personalized apparel world, DTF is the smarter option. It’s cleaner, faster, and easier. Whether you're an Etsy seller, side hustler, or looking to scale up production, DTF empowers you to print more, worry less, and keep customers happy.

Maryland DTF is your trusted partner for top-tier gang sheets, fast USA shipping, and unbeatable customer support. Skip the screens and emulsions—go DTF today.



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