DTF vs. DTG: Which One is Better for Your T-shirt Business?

Starting a business means considering the printing method, among other factors. Now, with technological advancements, printing techniques have revolutionized. DTF and DTG are two of the most popular ways to incorporate them into your t-shirt business. 

Both direct-to-film printing (DTF) and direct-to-garment printing (DTG) are great alternatives to screen printing. These are ideal techniques for printing s and apparel. 

However, there are some key differences between the DTF and DTG methods. You should know these methods before choosing the one that meets your needs. 

DTF vs. DTG: What’s the difference?

What is DTF printing?

Direct-to-film printing (DTF) is a new technique that requires digital art files to send the design to an inkjet printer. However, unlike DTG printing, there is no direct printing on garments in DTF printing. Instead, the design is printed on a transfer film using water-based ink. 

The ink then is covered with a special adhesive powder for easy transfer and stickiness. After that, the design is applied onto the garment using the heat-press technique. 

You can easily access DTF print-on-demand sites online to fulfil your requirements. 

What is DTG printing?

The direct-to-garment printing (DTG) printing method is about applying the ink directly onto the garment like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, dresses, and more. The DTG printer uses water-based inks, known as aqueous inks, instead of traditional oil-based inks. 

The technique uses a pre-treatment of the garment to help in ink and garment bonding. After that the apparel is fixed on a platen and then the artwork is sprayed with ink. Once done, the ink is cured for perfect and smooth finish. At present, POD DTG printing is high in demand since sellers prefer it for their online s business. 

DTG vs. DTF: pros and cons of the printing methods

Now that you know about DTF vs. DTG printing methods, here are some key differences to keep in mind.  

Cost of printing 

Starting a printing business needs you to consider a few things. One of them is the cost of the printing. 

DTG printing costs usually range from $1,800 to $14,000 for a quality machine. The cost of DTF quality printers usually is below $10,000. However, you may be required to invest more to obtain aqueous inks.

Given the fact that some companies already offer print-on-demand services, you don’t have to invest in expensive printing machines. The DTG or DTF print-on-demand or POD sites will print your design on your choice of garment. 

Time taken in printing 

Consider how much time it requires to print a garment. Unlike DTG, the DTF printer takes just one curing round. Also, the printing process quickens due to the heating process. 

On the contrary, the DTG process is much slower due to the two-step curing. So, before curing the ink design, the printer will first cure the pretreatment solution. The process takes longer to complete since an air dryer is used instead of a heat press. 

Fabric alternatives 

Which is better, DTG or DTF printing, to give more fabric options? DTF printing is an ideal choice for fabrics such as nylon and fleece. So, you have many fabric options for this printing process. 

However, DTG printing gives few fabric options because the ink is directly applied to garments. So, this printing method is best suited when printing on cotton garments and other natural fabrics. 

Quantity you can order 

You need to consider the quantity of printed fabric you can order. The DTG and DTF printing methods allow printing orders to be ordered in the same amount. So, you can order even one t-shirt printing or thousands of tees or tote bags printed. 

Range of colors 

Colors are a prominent part of printing. Both DTG and DTF printing techniques use the color palette known as the CMYK model. This is comprised of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors. 

But regardless of the garment type, DTF printing method always uses white ink for the base to increase color vibrancy. DTG printing method uses only a white base for a colorful or black garment. 

Also, in the case of DTG printing, a garment absorbs some of the ink since it is sprayed on the garment directly. That makes DTG a preferred technique for light fabrics when printing multiple colors.

Print quality

When determining the print quality, know that the DTG printing technique is known for absorbing some of the ink. However, that ink does not impact the design. The DGT prints are of great quality and have all the intricate details preserved. The design details also look crisp because they are applied directly to the item. 

While DTF is also known for high print quality, sometimes details are lost and may need to be recovered. This is because the process requires a design first traveling from the transfer film to the garment’s surface.  We can say that DGT is a better option to keep printing quality higher. 

Ease of printing 

There is a big difference between the two methods regarding ease of printing. In the DTG method, inks are applied directly onto the garment, and there is no need to fix the powder. This helps give the garment a lightweight and soft feel. 

On the other hand, the DTF ink has a sticky powder adhesive. This ink becomes heavier and thicker after it is cured. That is why t-shirts with DTF printing have a heavier feel. Such a t-shirt may also feel heavier, especially if the design is big.

Durability

Durability is another major factor to consider when deciding which of the two methods is right. Both DTG and DTF processes are capable of producing durable prints.  

Still, the direct-to-film has a heavier weight, which may result in the design fading or cracking over time. 

Sustainability factor 

Which of the two is a sustainable printing method? Both DTG and DTF have the use of water-based inks. You can order both in minimal quantities so that you do not have to keep an excessive inventory. However, DTG printing is seen as environmentally friendly. 

A drawback of DTF printing is that it consumes white ink, making your business less sustainable. The DTG technique uses much less printing material and ink. Since DTG prints are heat-pressed directly on the garment, no waste is left from transfer film and other materials. 

Tips to pick the perfect printing method

Here are some tips to consider when determining between DTG and DTF. 

• First, know which fabric and color you want to choose for printing a design. DTF is a great option for a wide range of fabrics, while DTG is usually best for organic fabrics such as cotton. 
• If you prefer vibrant printing, then switch to the DTF technique. But DTG is best when printing on lighter-colored garments. 
• Regarding durability and design details, both printing methods score well. Both are great for printing complex designs. However, DTG has the upper hand since these prints are directly applied to a garment. This helps in printing the details of a design. Also, note that DTG prints last longer than DTF prints. 
• You should also consider sustainability. Both printing methods use water-based ink. DTG printing is ideal no excessive waste. There is no film or screen involved in direct-to-garment printing. That makes this method more sustainable than traditional screen printing and DTF printing. 

So, these are the main considerations you need to follow when printing your choice of designs in tees and other garments. Print-on-demand printing is a modern trend that allows people to get their designs printed by a POD site.              

PrintShop is a reputed site by Designhill. Visit this site to create a t-shirt design quickly using its software. Then, you can order the POD site to print the design on t-shirts and other apparel and send it to your address. 

Wrapping Up 

Direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) are two popular modern printing methods for printing quality designs on different garments. Both methods produce high-quality printing designs, however, you should make the right choice between the two depending on the fabric and your printing requirements.