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DTF vs DTG Quick Comparison

If you’re considering adding Direct-to-Film transfer prints to your custom apparel business, direct to garment printing is probably on your list to compare.  

We’ve distilled our expertise in BOTH technologies to highlight DTF’s real-world advantages for you below. During this comparison we’ll be considering DTG printer models like the Epson Surecolor F2200 and the DigitalHeat FX 24H2 and 24H4 high volume DTF printers.  

Print Quality:

Because modern DTG printers and DTF printers both use white ink, you’ll get bright, beautiful prints from each. But there are differences: 

DTF

Supports detailed, full-color designs, photos, fine art, small text, graphics, and more, offering sharp, clear, and realistic prints. 

Because the original substrate you’re printing on is a film rather than a fabric small text is typically more well defined and easier to read. 

There’s an even larger quality difference depending on the color and material of the shirt you’re working with. 

DTF transfers only require :10 to  :15 seconds to heat press onto a garment, vs. DTG’s 1 minute or more, not including pretreat application. That’s important because at the heat and pressure DTG requires some fabrics change color which brings the quality of the end result into question.

DigitalHeat_FX_DTF_24H4_printer2-2042x2048-new-e1724082261656

DTG

Also supports colorful, high-quality designs, graphics and photos. However, the fabric soaks up the ink, which may affect the clarity of the design. DTG’s best print quality just may be in how well it creates gradients.

Direct to garment also requires pretreatments, which can leave residue on the shirt if not done absolutely correctly. If you have seen a “box” outline around a DTG shirt, this is the cause. 

Once the shirt is washed that box typically goes away, but if you’re delivering shirts to a client or hanging them in a retail outlet without washing, this can be a problem. 

The DTF Advantage

The hidden advantage to direct to film here is the ability to dial in your quality targets without wasting t-shirts or material.

When you’re choosing quality or resolution setting on either of these technologies you’re impacting productivity as well. That’s because the higher resolution you choose, AND the amount of ink you lay down directly impacts the speed of the printing.

Because the roll to roll DTF printers are so efficient and fast you’ll have much more leeway to choose higher resolution, or lower, without impacting your job’s timeline

Color Vibrancy and Washability

While both systems use a CMYK and White ink set and produce vibrant prints, the flexible nature of a PET Film based DTF transfer is more flexible and retains its colors and image quality. 

DTF can produce prints that last as long as screen printed designs or better depending on conditions.

Direct to Garment printed shirt prints are much more dependent on the fabric and quality of the t-shirt preserve it’s washability. While the same will impact any print, of course, DTF is more resilient.

This is especially true of synthetic fabrics and the process of printing with DTG onto dark synthetic fabrics, for example, is complex and variable depending on the blend. And if it’s not done properly the prints turn out dark or washed out.  

Direct to film transfers actual adhere even better to blends and 100% synthetic garments, which are far more popular than the 100% cotton alternatives best used with DTG.

DTF Printing Colours

Fabric Suitability

Because modern DTG printers and DTF printers both use white ink, you’ll get bright, beautiful prints from each. But there are differences: 

DTF

Offers flexibility to print on various fabrics including polyester, cotton, fleece, and nylon, without the material affecting the print.

DTG

Best suited for natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and linen, as the ink binds better with natural fabric fibers than synthetic fabrics. 

On-Demand Fulfillment:

Both techniques are suitable for on-demand fulfillment, allowing the order of single or multiple items without a change in cost, eliminating overproduction. 

But in this case, for the lowest volume, immediate turn fulfillment, DTG has a slight edge. 
 
That’s because roll to roll dtf printing is designed for large batch production.

So you can create 1-4 tshirt prints on a “while you wait” basis, but it’s much better suited to become a part of a larger production run. Whereas in all cases, dtg is printing directly onto 1 shirt at a time.  

The Transfer Printing Advantage

One of the key benefits to direct to film is that the printed film transfers are very stable, EASY to apply on site and are easy to mail or ship.  
 
That means that a DigitalHeat FX DTF purchase can put you into the wholesale transfer business and open up an entirely new market as well.

But this also allows you to optimize your print runs for bigger brands or those business customers that typically have repeat orders of the same design. Because you can print and store transfers, you might run hundreds of left chest logo or tag prints for a specific customer, for example, then store for future use.

One of the key benefits to direct to film is that the printed film transfers are very stable, EASY to apply on site and are easy to mail or ship.  
 
That means that a DigitalHeat FX DTF purchase can put you into the wholesale transfer business and open up an entirely new market as well.

But this also allows you to optimize your print runs for bigger brands or those business customers that typically have repeat orders of the same design. Because you can print and store transfers, you might run hundreds of left chest logo or tag prints for a specific customer, for example, then store for future use.

Other Considerations:

Believe it or not, there’s more to choosing the right equipment than what’s been discussed here. Many people new to customization neglect to consider the physical requirements of their equipment.

For example, while smaller high volume DTF printers might fit through a standard sized doorway, the larger Digital HeatFX models will not. AND they will require the commensurate space to house as well.

Any direct to garment printer in the same class as the Epson F2200 or DTG G4, for example, will take less space both for installation and operation.

Also, don’t forget to consider power requirements in general as well as space for 1 or more professional heat presses.

YES Group can help you by talking through your physical environment and your production needs to get the right equipment.

Conclusion: 

Clearly, there are advantages to both technogologies – and your options include one or more of each depending on the size and scale of your business.

However, in MOST circumstances your best choice is typically direct to film. And that accounts for its huge popularity and impact on the custom products marketplace.

The best way to choose? Talk to a professional that knows BOTH!

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