DTF vs DTG Printing: Which Is Better?

Stepping into fabric printing? You may have come across two digital printing methods, DTF and DTG. Don’t they sound similar? 

The only similarity is they both rely on a digital printer to transfer the design. However, DTG prints directly onto the garment, while DTF uses a transfer film first. How does that affect the final outcome?

Read on to learn more. This DTF vs. DTG printing guide compares them across different factors (process, design complexity, texture, durability, cost) and shares specific use cases where each method excels. 

Understanding DTF Printing

DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. It’s a type of heat transfer printing method in which the design is first printed onto a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, which is then heat-transferred onto the fabric.

Unlike some traditional transfer processes, DTF isn’t restricted by color counts or complex designs. If it’s digitally possible, you can print it on various types of fabrics: both natural and synthetic.

Here’s the detailed breakdown of the DTF printing process:

• Create or upload your artwork in the DTF-compatible printer software.
• Print the design directly onto the PET film.
• While the ink is still wet, sprinkle adhesive DTF powder onto the design.
• Pass the film (with powder) through a curing oven or use a heat press to melt and bond the powder to the ink.
• Position the cured film onto the desired fabric and heat-press it. Gently peel off the film after pressing.

DTF Printing Pros

• Achieves bright, high-resolution prints without worrying about color limitations.
• Works across all types of natural and synthetic fabrics.
• No fabric pre-treatment is needed.
• White base ink that lets design shine on both light and dark fabrics.

 DTF Printing Cons

• The breathability of the printed area will be affected.

Understanding DTG printing

DTG stands for Direct to Garment – the technique mimics regular paper printing but is a specialized version for fabrics. DTG printers inject the ink directly onto the garment to form the design. However, the fabric requires a pretreatment beforehand to ensure the ink adheres properly.

DTG is best suited for printing vibrant, detailed images on cotton and cotton blends. It doesn’t perform quite well on synthetics.

Here’s a look at the DTG printing process:

• Feed your design in DTG-compatible software.
• Coat the fabric with a pretreatment solution, which helps the ink bond to the fibers.
• Load the pretreated garment into a DTG printer and let the machine print your design directly onto the fabric.
• Cover the design with a teflon sheet and use a heat press to cure the ink.

DTG Printing Pros

• Perfect for intricate, multi-colored designs.
• Preserves the soft feel of the fabric.
• Uses water-based inks that are gentle on the environment.

DTG printing Cons

• Doesn’t work well on synthetics like polyester.

DTF Vs DTG Printing: What’s the Difference?

Now that you understand how DTF and DTG each work, it’s time to compare them directly. We will look at their transfer method, design and material compatibility, texture, durability, speed, and cost.

Transfer Method

DTG is purely an ink-based printing process. Once the design is fed, a specialized printer sprays tiny ink droplets onto the fabric, much like a standard paper printer. The only difference is the fabric is pre-treated to catch that ink.

Whereas, DTF, besides printing, involves a heat-transfer step. You first print your design onto a PET film and apply adhesive powder. This film is then heat-pressed onto the garment, transferring the design.

Design Complexity

Both methods use digital designs, so technically, vibrant, photorealistic images are possible in each. However, practically different results are seen.

In DTF, since the design transfers via a film, very small details might lose adhesion, especially if they’re not well-connected to the main design.

Whereas in DTG, because the design is sprayed directly and absorbed into the fabric, fine details and subtle gradients usually stay crisp and intact. 

Material Compatibility

DTF can be used on virtually any fabric that can handle heat transfer, from natural materials like cotton and linen to synthetics such as polyester, nylon, and fleece. Because a white base layer is applied every time, fabric color makes no difference; DTF prints look equally vibrant on both light and dark garments.

In contrast, DTG tends to work best on cotton and cotton blends. The water-based inks bond more effectively with natural fibers once they’re pretreated. 

Moreover, with DTG, the garment must fit inside the printer, so it is limited to flat, standard-sized items. Meanwhile, DTF offers more versatility, as you can press the printed sheets onto other objects (mugs, phone cases, wood objects).

Color Vibrancy

Both methods use CMYK inks and can incorporate a white base, but the application process affects the final appearance. DTF always employs white ink, which boosts color brightness and makes designs pop. 

In contrast, DTG only uses white ink on darker fabrics. On lighter garments, the ink is printed directly and partially absorbed, which results in a slightly less vibrant (fade) finish compared to DTF.

Design Feel

DTF graphics sit on top of the fabric, much like a vinyl or screen print, and can initially feel a bit plastic. This texture usually softens over multiple washes. In darker fabrics, where a heavier coat of white base is required, the design is more pronounced.

In DTG, the pre-treatment helps the ink bond and soak into the fibers, which allows the fabric to retain much of its original softness.

Durability

Both DTF and DTG prints are known to be very durable and can last for years. However, due to DTF’s layered, slightly plastic nature, there is a chance of cracking or peeling after about 50 or 100 washes. With DTG, the ink absorbs into the fabric, so it won’t peel off, though it can gradually fade over time and multiple washes.

Production Time

It’s useful to think about two scenarios when comparing production speed. For a single design, DTG is quicker because you can print directly onto the garment in about 5 minutes. 

DTF, on the other hand, involves printing on a film, applying adhesive powder, curing, and then heat pressing. So, for a single shirt, this can feel lengthy.

But when handling bulk orders, DTF can be faster if you prepare all your transfer films in advance. Each garment then only needs a few seconds of heat press to apply the design, while DTG still takes roughly the same amount of time per piece.

Per Print Cost

The cost per garment largely depends on the initial printer investment and the price of consumables. High-quality DTG printers often start at around $10,000, whereas basic DTF machines –those converted from other printer models – are available for around $2,000. Fully automated DTF setups with integrated dryers do cost more – at around $7,000.

DTF Vs DTG Printing: Which One to Choose?

The previous sections have highlighted the key differences and pinpointed where each method truly excels. Your choice should be guided by how closely each method aligns with your specific requirements. To make things simpler, we present some best-fit scenarios. 

You can choose DTF when you:

• Work on fabrics like polyester, nylon, or fleece, which can be challenging for other printing methods.
• Want bold, vibrant, multi-colored prints that pop.
• Plan on printing onto substrates besides fabric (mugs or phone cases).
• Prefer designs that have a tactile feel.

Choose DTG if you:

• Focus on garment-only printing.
• Work with cotton fabrics or blends.
• Need colorful images with intricate details and sharp gradients.
• Want to preserve the garment’s natural softness.

FAQs Related to DTF vs DTG Printing

Which is better, DTG or DTF?

The best method is the one that fits your needs. If you’re working with challenging fabrics like polyester or want vibrant designs, DTF printing might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re primarily printing on cotton and want to maintain the garment’s natural feel with intricate details, DTG is the wiser choice.

Which lasts longer, DTG or DTF?

Both methods generally last about 50 to 100 washes. However, because DTF involves a layered film, it can be prone to peeling or cracking over time. DTG prints don’t peel but may gradually fade after many washes.

Related Reading:

DTF Vs Sublimation Printing: Which is Better?

DTF Vs Screen Printing: Which is Better?

DTF Vs HTV: Which One to Choose?

UV DTF Vs DTF

Screen Printing Vs Sublimation: Which is Better?

Screen Printing Vs Digital Printing: Which is Better?

Screen Printing Vs Heat Transfer: Which is Better?

How to Put a Picture on a Shirt?