If your objective is to decorate apparel (think t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms, sports gear, etc) you might be asking what type of printer is best? A Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer or Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printer?
But what if your objective is to decorate other varied items - beyond simple apparel - such as home décor, leather goods, luggage, aprons, canvas, wooden items, etc? What type of printer is best for those applications?
In this article we explain what each technology is and involves, the different applications possible with each, and the limitations and advantages of both, so ultimately you can choose what’s best for your custom apparel business whether you’re decorating simple t-shirts or a whole variety of apparel items.
A DTF printed T-Shirt and Tote Bag for St Patrick's Day
First, an overview of DTF and DTG printing…
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing
DTF printing involves printing a design onto a special transfer film with water-based inks, applying and melting a special powder adhesive onto the printed film, and then pressing the design onto the garment or merchandise, using a heat press.
And while the process seems to involve a few steps, production time for one garment using a DTF printer is just a few minutes.
Glitter vinyl used for DTF print on t-shirt
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing
DTG printing is a method of printing images and graphics directly onto fabric using inkjet technology.
The standard DTG printing process starts with the garment being loaded onto a printing platen. You can use/purchase garments that have already been pre-treated to create a bond between the fabric’s fibres and the ink but if you’re not, a special pre-treatment is applied before water-based ink is jetted directly onto the wet, pre-treated area to create the design. The garment is then carefully removed from the printing platen and placed onto a dryer to evaporate the pre-treatment and cure the ink, creating a durable final print.
The end-to-end production time for DTG printing can vary.
Comparing the two…
Material suitability
While DTG printing works best on natural fabrics like 100% cotton, linen and bamboo, a significant advantage to DTF is that it’s suitable for many different garment materials - not just basic, natural fabrics - including nylon, rayon, denim, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, as well as light and dark-coloured fabrics.
A printed apron
DTF transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces such as luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood, and metal allowing you to expand your product offering. The business opportunities DTF printing flexibility offers, are significant.
Print Quality and Durability
DTF print quality is excellent and while the prints have a slight ‘plastic’ feel and might be faintly stiff initially, they wear-in after a few washes. Other than that, DTF prints are smooth and elastic, which ensures longevity. DTF prints are resistant to cracking and can handle heavy use and cold to lukewarm washes, without fading colour.
The DTF method is brilliant for printing photos, colorful designs, graphics, and fine art. The results are amazing because the ink doesn’t soak into the fabric – instead it’s pressed on top – and the prints are very thin, so they don’t feel bulky.
Printed t-shirts
DTF printing allows for vibrant colours, and strong opacity, and is particularly effective for printing on dark fabrics.
DTG printing also provides excellent print quality with a lightweight feel and although a fresh DTG print may feel slightly rough initially, it'll smooth out after a few washes. The DTG technique is great for printing colourful designs, graphics, text, and more, however since the fabric soaks up the ink, the print may be less vibrant, especially on black or colourful garments.
When you follow the DTG-printed garment’s care instructions, the prints will last a long time. They won’t crack or peel. However, over an extended time and multiple washes, colours may start to lose vibrancy with the DTG printing method.
Print complexity
When it comes to print complexity, DTF prints are unmatched. DTF printing supports photos, detailed, full-colour designs, fine art, small text, graphics, and more. The prints are sharp, clear, and realistic, so they’ll be close to the original design. What’s more, you can print gradients easily.
Applying designs to awkward surfaces
Printing onto film transfers with the DTF Printing method means you can place designs on awkward surfaces. As we say in the print industry, ‘If the area can be heated, you can apply a DTF design to it’.
A leather case
On the other hand, DTG printing requires holding the garment in a specific position fixed to the platen. This limits your design placement options and means you can only print onto garments. You can't easily put designs on locations such as seams or zippers or any other type or shaped surface.
Set-up costs
Owning a DTG printer can be very costly. DTG printers are a sizable investment which is only cost-effective if you plan to produce in bulk.
DTF printers tend to be less expensive, depending on the model and its capabilities. You will also need to invest in a heat press however these are very economical. For higher production you may choose to invest in a powder shaker/dryer, which can increase your overall set-up costs.
The good news for Roland DG customers is that your heat press and powder shaker/dryer can be integrated with your VersaSTUDIO BY-20 to create an automated system.
In summary…
DTG works very well with natural fabrics like cotton, offering soft, breathable prints that are perfect for simple, bold designs however the significant equipment costs and limited applications may deter you from choosing this option.
DTF printing, on the other hand, works well on a huge variety of materials and surfaces (more than just garments), providing vibrant, long-lasting prints (especially for complex, colourful designs). DTF printing also entails lower set-up and production costs, a wide range of colour options, and the ability to print on dark and light garments with equal ease.
So, consider your design and material preferences first then make the choice of whether DTG or DTF printing is best for your custom apparel business.
For more information on Roland DG’s range of DTF printers head to our product page.
To speak to a Roland DG Product Expert on our range of DTF printers and their applications please contact us.