The discussion of direct-to-film (DTF) printing versus DTG (direct-to-garment, direct-to-print) printing begs the question, “What are the advantages of DTF technology?” While DTG printing produces high-quality, full-size prints with brilliant colors and a very soft hand, DTF printing definitely has some advantages that make it the perfect complement to your garment printing business.

Direct film printing involves printing a design onto a special film, applying and melting a powdered adhesive to the printed film, and then pressing the design onto the garment or item. You will need the transfer film and hot melt powder, as well as the software to create the prints – no other special equipment is required! Below, we’ll discuss seven advantages of this new technology.

Applicable to a wide range of materials

While direct-to-garment printing works best on 100% cotton, DTF is suitable for many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, and light and dark fabrics. Transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces, such as luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood and metal! You can expand your inventory by using DTF to apply your designs to a variety of items.

No pre-processing required

If you already own a DTG printer, you are probably familiar with the pre-processing process (not to mention the drying time). The hot melt capability applied to the DTF transfer bonds the print directly to the material, which means no pretreatment is required.

White ink savings

DTF requires less white ink – about 40% white, while DTG printing requires 200% white. White ink is often the most expensive because it is used more and the pigment is titanium oxide, so reducing the amount of white ink used for printing can save a lot of money.

More durable than DTG printing

DTG prints undeniably have a soft, almost hand-free feel because the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF prints do not have the soft feel that DTG boasts, transfers are more durable. Direct transfers to film wash well and are flexible – which means they won’t crack or peel, perfect for heavy use items.

Easy to apply

Printing onto film transfers means you can place designs on hard-to-reach or awkward surfaces. If the area can be heated, you can apply a DTF design to it! Because only heat is required to adhere the design, you can even sell the printed transfer directly to your customers and allow them to place the design on any surface or item of their choice without special equipment!

Production process is faster

Because you can eliminate the need to pre-treat and dry your garments, you can significantly reduce production time. This is good news for one-off or small-lot orders that are not traditionally profitable.

Help make your inventory more diverse

While it may not be feasible to print a bunch of the most popular designs on every size or color of garment, with DTF printing, you can print popular designs ahead of time and use very little space for storage. Then, you can always have your best sellers ready to fit any garment as needed!

While DTF printing is still not a replacement for DTG, there are many reasons why DTF can be a great addition to your business.

Another advantage of DTF printing over traditional printing is that it is highly sustainable. There is no question that the fashion industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability.

If you are looking for top-notch and affordable DTF printers to meet your high-volume printing needs, look no further than Textek DTF Printer. We are a reputable company with unmatched experience in selling high quality DTF printers from popular brands and manufacturers.