The Benefits of Direct to Film Printing: A Better Alternative to Screen Printing

August 8, 2023

Direct to film printing offers numerous advantages over screen printing. It has faster turnaround times, is more cost-effective, offers better accuracy and precision, is highly versatile, and is environmentally friendly.

When it comes to printing high-quality images or graphics on a variety of surfaces, there are two major options to choose from: direct to film printing and screen printing. While screen printing has been around for many years, direct to film printing is a relatively new technique that has gained popularity. In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of direct to film printing over screen printing.

Faster Turnaround Times
One of the biggest advantages of direct to film printing is that it allows for faster turnaround times. Unlike screen printing, which requires the creation of stencils and screens, direct to film printing involves using a computer to output designs directly onto film. This method eliminates the need for screens, which can be time-consuming to create and set up.

With direct to film printing, you can receive your print job faster, making it a perfect option for businesses that require quick turnaround times.

Cost-Effective
Another benefit of direct to film printing is that it is cost-effective. Screen printing can be expensive, especially for small print runs. The process of creating screens can be time-consuming, leading to higher costs that are ultimately passed on to the customer.

Direct to film printing, on the other hand, involves using a computer to output designs directly onto film. This process is faster and requires fewer materials, making it a more cost-effective option for printing your designs.

Better Accuracy and Precision
Direct to film printing also offers better accuracy and precision than screen printing. With screen printing, there is always a risk of inconsistencies in the printing process, such as ink bleed or uneven coating. In contrast, direct to film printing creates prints that are sharp, clear and highly accurate to your designs.

Because direct to film printing uses digital files to create prints, it can accurately reproduce complex designs without any distortion or quality loss. Therefore, if you have a design that requires intricate details, direct to film printing might be the best option to use.

Versatile Printing Capabilities
Direct to film printing is incredibly versatile when it comes to the materials and surfaces you can print on. It has the capability to print on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, and more. It can also be used to print on special substrates like metals and plastics.

Screen printing, on the other hand, is generally limited to specific material types. It can face difficulties when printing on heavy materials or substrates that are uneven.

Environmentally Friendly
Finally, direct to film printing is an environmentally friendly option. Unlike screen printing, which requires chemicals and inks that can be harmful to the environment, direct to film printing uses eco-friendly ink-jet inks. Additionally, the production method results in less waste, further contributing to the environmental advantage of this printing technique.


Direct to film printing offers numerous advantages over screen printing. It has faster turnaround times, is more cost-effective, offers better accuracy and precision, is highly versatile, and is environmentally friendly. By choosing direct to film printing, you can produce high-quality prints that accurately represent your vision while also benefiting your business and the environment.