DTF vs DTG Printing: Which Is Better For You?
In digital clothing printing, DTF (direct-to-film) and DTG (direct-to-garment) are two mainstream printing methods, each with unique advantages and characteristics.
For merchants or individuals seeking efficient and high-quality clothing printing, choosing which technology is more suitable for them has become an important decision point.
This article will explore several key aspects to help you better understand the differences between DTF and DTG Printing and make a wise choice.
Table of Contents
DTF VS DTG Printing technologies
The main difference between DTF and DTG is that DTG printers print directly on pure cotton fabrics, while DTF printers print on film and then transfer the pattern on the film to the item through a heat press machine.
To quickly understand the differences between them, you can check the following table:
| Printer | DTG | DTF |
| Technical Principle | Pre-treatment(dark fabrics)-printing | Printing-shaking powder-drying-transfer |
| Pre-treatment | Need | No |
| Printing Speed | Fast | Faster than DTG, especially suitable for large-volume orders |
| Touch Feeling | Soft touch | Poor hand feel |
| Breathability | good | bad |
| Printing Effect | Bright colors | Bright colors |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Applied Materials | Cotton | Almost all textile fabrics: cotton, nylon, polyester, denim, etc. |
| Versatility | Can only print clothing | Widely used, can print clothes, shoes, hats, bags, etc. |
| Consumables Required | Ink | Ink, DTF PET film, hot melt powder |
| Costs | Low initial investment cost, but high white ink consumption in the later stage | Initial investment is slightly higher, and long-term printing costs are lower |
What is DTF printing?
DTF printing (direct-to-film) is an innovative direct-injection transfer technology that prints the design pattern directly onto a special transfer film through a dedicated printer, and then uses a heat press to transfer the pattern from the transfer film to the clothing.
In this process, white ink primer is a key step, which ensures the color vividness and clarity of the pattern on dark clothing.
For more information about DTF printers, please refer to this article: “What is DTF printer?”
What is DTG printing?
DTG printing (direct-to-garment), that is, direct-injection clothing technology, is a printing method that directly sprays ink into clothing fibers. It uses special water-based inks that can be closely combined with fabric fibers to form a durable and delicate pattern.
DTG printing eliminates the tedious steps of plate making and plate exposure in traditional printing and realizes truly personalized customization.
Pros and Cons of DTF VS DTG Printing
DTF vs DTG printers need to be maintained and printed regularly.
Both are suitable for mass production or personalized custom printing.
Both are suitable for T-shirts, clothing, light-colored, dark-colored materials, and natural fabrics.
Pros of DTF printing
Bright colors: White ink primer technology allows the patterns on dark clothing to remain bright and vivid.
Clear patterns: Fine edge processing and smooth lines make it suitable for printing fine patterns.
Strong fabric compatibility: Widely applicable to a variety of fabrics, including pure cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.
High production efficiency: Once the printing is completed, it can be quickly transferred to clothing through a thermal transfer machine.
Cons of DTF printing
Not as breathable and soft as DTG
High initial investment: Need to purchase equipment such as printers, transfer films, and heat presses.
Errors may occur during the transfer process: Improper temperature control may cause the pattern to deform or fall off.
Pros of DTG printing
Applicable to 100% pure cotton, the printed pattern is very soft and almost imperceptible.
High printing quality: the ink is closely combined with the fabric fiber, and the pattern is delicate and durable.
Good breathability: the pattern is integrated with the clothing and does not affect the breathability of the clothing.
No transfer film is required: it is printed directly on the clothing, eliminating the need for transfer film.
Suitable for small batch customization: especially suitable for orders with high personalized requirements.
Cons of DTG printing
Cannot handle transparency well
Dark fabrics need to be pre-treated
Cannot print transfer patterns in advance to save time
Requirements for fabrics: most suitable for pure cotton and blended fabrics with high cotton content, and the printing effect of other synthetic fabrics may be limited.
Comparison of DTF VS DTG Printing methods
Cost
DTF printing may have a high initial investment and require the purchase of related transfer equipment, but the long-term operating cost is relatively low and suitable for mass production.
DTG printing has a lower initial investment, but the printing cost per T-shirt is higher, and it is more suitable for small to medium-batch production.
Fabric selection
DTF printing is widely applicable to various fabrics, such as pure cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.
DTG printing is a bit limited in terms of fabric types. Since DTG printing is to apply ink directly to clothing, it works best with natural fabrics (such as cotton clothing). Therefore, DTG printing is most suitable for pure cotton and blended fabrics with high cotton content.
Breathability
The breathability of DTF vs DTG Printing T-shirts is different. DTG printing is to apply ink directly to clothing and integrates it with clothing without hot melt powder, which gives the clothing a soft and light feeling, good breathability, and strong durability.
DTF printing requires the use of water-based pigment ink with hot melt powder. After the pattern is cured, it will feel heavy, non-breathable, and plastic-like, and the breathability is slightly inferior to DTG.
Production Speed
DTF printing requires only one round of curing, and the printing is completed after the pattern is transferred using a heat press. It is fast and suitable for fast delivery.
DTG printing tends to be slower than DTF printing, which is usually partly due to the two-step curing process. It may take longer to cure the DTG pretreatment solution first, then cure the ink, and finally use a forced air dryer to dry.
Order Quantity
Both DTG and DTF are suitable for custom clothing compared to traditional screen printing, but in terms of printing speed, DTF will have a higher production quantity and is more suitable for large-volume orders.
Printing Color
Both DTF vs DTG Printing can achieve colorful printing and complex pattern printing, but DTG printers spray ink directly on the garment instead of on the transfer film, so the garment can absorb and darken some of the ink, which can enhance the color vividness of the transferred design elements, so DTG may be better in color gradients and details.
Printing durability
Both DTF vs DTG can produce durable T-shirts. DTG is printed directly on the garment, and the pattern is less likely to fall off, while DTF is transferred to the garment, which may crack or fade over time.
Sustainable development
Both DTF vs DTG Printing use pigment inks and other environmentally friendly materials, which are friendly to the environment and the human body and are in line with the concept of green and environmentally friendly development.
Summary
DTF vs DTG Printing technologies have their advantages. Choosing which one is more suitable for you depends on your specific needs, budget, target market, and production scale.
If you are looking for bright colors, fast delivery, and diverse fabric compatibility, and the order volume is large, then DTF may be a good choice.
If you focus on print quality, small batch customization, and the best performance of pure cotton fabrics, DTG may be more in line with your needs.
No matter which printing technology you choose, you should pay attention to its cost-effectiveness, production efficiency, environmental performance, and other aspects to ensure that your business can continue to develop healthily.
I hope the above DTF vs DTG Printing knowledge can provide you with valuable references for choosing the right DTF printer or DTG printer and maximizing profits for your business. If you still don’t know how to choose, please contact the professional KingJet team now.
FAQ
What fabrics can DTF technology be applied to?
Any fabric which can stand 170℃ heat press temperature can be transferred by DTF, like cotton, T-shirts, jeans, canvas, sweatshirts, polyester, etc.
How long will the print last on the garment? How many times will it be washed?
Under normal wear and standard washing operations, DTF print can usually withstand approximately 50 to 100 washing cycles in accordance with the international washing standard.
What is the print cost for DTF?
Print cost for 1 sqm transfer fabric pattern is about 1-2 usd, and about 0.07-0.1usd for A4 size Printing.
