It’s been a while since DTG technology has been revolutionary in the textile industry and no one can deny this fact. But now, the time has changed. Modern technology has shown us that we must be adaptable and always ready to adopt modern technology and our way of living. DTF printing transforms the business with an at-home T-shirt solution. It presents a more convenient and modernized alternative to the now-archaic ways of DTG printing, screen printing, or sublimation.

What is DTF Printing?

Direct to Film (DTF) presents a modernized printing method that gives the power to any person to print digital prints to decorate dark and light t-shirts on cotton, polyester, and even all kind of combinations, leather, nylon, and more without costly machinery. It is a heat transfer process that can last as long as regular silkscreen prints.

With the improvement in DTF technology, there is no doubt that DTF printing is taking the industry by storm. It is rapidly becoming one of the most popular technologies for textile printing compared to traditional printing methods.

How does DTF Printing Work?

Direct Transfer Film works by the principle of printing transfers that are heat pressed to a variety of garments. There are many compatible fabrics, unlike DTG technology which only works on cotton fabrics. This, therefore, implies that this printer works on a much wider variety, making it the most versatile digital printer in the market. Another important benefit is that DTF printers work on both white and dark garments.

Unlike DTG technology, DTF printers are favored, because they are affordable and require no pre-treatment. For quality results, you will need DTF powder and DTF sheets to print transfer film, and DTF Ink.

Benefits of DTF Technology

DTF printers also bring reliability, outclass quality, and great productivity. They can accomplish massive production volumes, which is necessary for this fast-growing industry.

Another benefit of DTF printing over conventional printing is that it is extremely sustainable. There is no doubt that the fashion industry is frequently focusing on sustainability nowadays.

Easier to get started than Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, the method frees up creators and crafters with a few manageable modifications to their existing printers. From there, the easy four-step process results in T-shirts that feel more refined than regular vinyl and allow more exceptional washability.

DTF vs DTG

If you are wondering about the pricing and the maintenance, both of the technologies are almost the same.

If the transfer is done precisely, lightly powdered, with proper ink levels, the result will come out very soft and smooth as well. The whole process is just adding plastic to the wet ink in a layer on the back. Then that plastic is compressed into the shirt as an adhesive. In this case, rather than ink adhering itself like for the DTG method, it now has a layer of plastic under it.

However, if you are looking for a reliable way to start a business and want to maintain a quality product, you will not solely use DTF printing.

DTG technology is still the king in its field. Even though DTF seems a lot better than laser heat transfers, it is still not as soft as good old DTG printed shirts. Luckily, you can use DTF inks in your DTG printers as well if you have old printers.