Why We Only Do DTF (And How It Stacks Up Against Screen Printing)

We get this question a lot:
“Do you guys offer screen printing too?”

Short answer? Nope — and for good reason.
We’ve gone all-in on DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing because it does everything screen printing does — and more — with less fuss, more flexibility, and results that absolutely slap 🔥

Let’s break it down 👇

🎨 What is DTF Printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) is a modern print method where your artwork is printed in full color onto a special film, then heat pressed onto your tee, hoodie, tote, or whatever you’re into.

We use a custom-built press that gives your prints a soft-touch feel — with a hint of texture that feels a lot like traditional screen printing, but smoother and way more consistent.

It looks clean, feels good, and lasts.

🚫 Why We Don’t Bother With Screen Printing

Screen printing’s been around forever, and yeah, it still works — but only if you’re doing hundreds of simple designs.

If you’re an artist, a small brand, or you need something fast, full color, and without big setup costs, screen printing just doesn’t cut it.

DTF gives us (and you) the freedom to:

  • Print tiny runs or big batches

  • Get full-color detail and gradients

  • Skip expensive setup fees

  • Turn jobs around way faster

  • Press on way more types of garments

So we made the call early on — DTF only, all day 🙌

📊 DTF vs Screen Printing: The Full Comparison

👊 Who Is DTF For?

Let’s be real — if you’re not printing hundreds of the same tee for a promo event, DTF is just a better fit.

It’s perfect for:

  • Artists dropping limited runs

  • Brands doing multi-style collections

  • Fast-turnaround orders

  • One-off customs or reprints

  • Jobs with color and detail that screen printing can’t handle

You get the freedom to create without the pressure to bulk order.

🤔 What About the “Screen Printed Feel”?

We’ve heard it before — some people miss the classic texture. That slightly raised, tactile vibe.

That’s why we’ve tuned our press to give each print a subtle texture, not just a flat patch. The result? Something that looks sharp, feels pro, and has just the right amount of lift — no plasticky transfer feel.


📦 What Can We Print On?

Almost anything:

  • Tees

  • Hoodies

  • Crewnecks

  • Nylon jackets

  • Tote bags

  • Stubby coolers

  • Hats and headwear
    If it sits flat, we can probably print it ✅

📩 Let’s Make Something

We print on AS Colour, Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors — or you can supply your own blanks.

Got an idea? Flick it through.

📧 print@trap-door.com
💬 Request a Quote

No setup costs. No minimums. No headaches.
Just top-tier DTF prints — done right here in Coolum Beach, QLD 🇦🇺

why choose us?

Because we don’t fluff around. We’re not here to sell you dreams — we’re here to make your vision happen, fast, clean, and exactly how you imagined it.

We’re a small, hands-on team based in Coolum Beach, and we take pride in doing things properly — with quick turnarounds, honest pricing, and a real commitment to quality. No minimum order BS. No colour restrictions. Just prints that hit.
01

⚡ fast turnaround

We don’t drag our feet. Our setup is streamlined to get your prints moving — whether it's a one-off job or a full product line. We know you’ve got deadlines, drops, and launches. We won’t slow you down.
02

🎯 straight-up pricing

No quote shock. No sneaky fees. We give you transparent, easy-to-understand pricing up front, so you can plan with confidence and get exactly what you pay for.
03

🎨 unlimited colour options

DTF (Direct to Film) technology means no limitations. Full-colour, photo-realistic prints with no added cost per colour. Say goodbye to screen setup fees and restrictions.
04

🤘 real humans, not a faceless print portal

You’re not just uploading a file into the void. You’re working with real people who care about your project, who actually look at your art, give a damn about how it turns out, and want to help you make it better.
05

📦 small runs or big jobs

Whether you're printing 10 tees or 1,000, we treat every job with the same level of care. No snobbery, no minimum quantity pressure, we’re here to support your hustle, whatever stage you're at.
06

🇦🇺 local as hell

We’re proudly based in Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast. That means faster shipping, real conversations, and supporting a local Aussie team who live and breathe this stuff.

Want access to prices?

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No worries at all! We've made a Pricing Matrix to help you figure out how much your next print job would cost, and we can send it to you right now to your inbox! :)