DTG and DTF printing are the two most common textile printing methods in the print on demand sector. DTG (Direct to Garment) printing is applied directly to the fabric, while DTF (Direct to Film) design first prints onto a transfer film and then transfers it to the product. In Epson’s DTG and DTF guide As mentioned, both methods transfer the design to the product with high quality. However, the working principles, the suitable fabrics, and the feel of the resulting print are distinctly different from one another.
In this article, we take a step-by-step look at the production processes of DTG and DTF printing, compare the two methods, and explain which one should be preferred for which product.
What is DTG Printing?
DTG (Direct to Garment) means printing directly onto the garment. In this method, the printing machine applies the design directly onto the fabric. The print consists of two layers: first a white base layer, then the colors are printed.
The most important advantage of DTG printing is the hand feel. Since the water-based ink is applied directly to the fabric, the printing is extremely smooth. When touched from the back of the fabric, the print is almost imperceptible. This provides a comfortable use for the wearer.
DTG performs at its best %100 pamuklu kumaşlarda gösterir. %100 polyester kumaşlara ise DTG ile baskı yapılamaz.
DTG is a more established but more sensitive method than DTF. The fabric is the most important factor determining the print quality. The word “garment” in the name of the method emphasizes this. If the fabric quality is insufficient, even with the most advanced machine and the highest quality pretreatment liquid, the desired result cannot be achieved.
Pre-treatment on dark-colored fabrics
For DTG printing to be applied to dark-colored t-shirts, the fabric must first undergo a pretreatment process. The pretreatment liquid is applied to the printing area and is dried with heat for about 20 seconds. This process ensures that the white ink remains permanently on the fabric.
Pre-treatment is mandatory only for dark-colored fabrics. There is no need for this step for white fabrics.
The effect of the pretreatment on the print quality was clearly seen in a test conducted at the Podbul workshop. The same design was printed on two dark T-shirts with the same settings: one pre-treated, the other not. The print on the pre-treated T-shirt came out pale and unclear from the machine, but after drying, almost all the colors had disappeared. On the pre-treated T-shirt, the colors remained vivid and clear.
There are two main reasons for the white ink problems encountered in DTG printing: failed pretreatment and low-quality fabric.
DTG Printing Process
The t-shirt that has undergone pre-processing is placed in the printing machine. In double-headed machines, the white layer and colors are printed simultaneously: the front head applies the white color, and the rear head applies the colors.
DTG provides successful results in designs with a wide color gamut. Different shades of the same color are separated, color bleeding does not occur, and black tones appear deeper.
After the printing is complete, the t-shirt is left in the dryer for about 5 minutes, and then it becomes ready for shipment.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF (Direct to Film) means printing directly onto film. In this method, the design is first printed onto a special transfer film, then transferred to the t-shirt or another product using an heat press.
DTF teknolojisi son 2-3 yılda print on demand sektöründe hızla yaygınlaşmıştır. En büyük avantajı, DTG’nin aksine kumaş türüne bağımlı olmamasıdır. %100 polyester, pamuk ve farklı ürün türleri üzerinde başarılı sonuç verir.
DTF Printing Process
1. Mirroring the design: Since the printing is first captured on film and then transferred to the product, the design is converted into a mirror image (mirror) before printing. This way, the design appears in the correct direction on the product.
2. Color and white layer: The layer order is reversed in DTG. First the colors are printed, then a white layer is added on the back.
3. Powder adhesive and drying: Powder adhesive is applied under pressure. This powder ensures that the design adheres to the fabric. The film is then dried for about 1 minute. In a properly dried film, the powder particles are not felt when touched. Excessive drying causes problems during transfer.
4. Heat press: The film is placed on the product and pressed with a heat press for about 10 seconds.
In DTG, preparation is done before printing (pre-processing), while in DTF it is done after printing (powder adhesive and drying). This is the main process difference between the two methods.
The Importance of the Second Press
Many DTF printing manufacturers complete the process from the first press to the final print to save time and cost. However, for a durable DTF print, a second press of approximately 5 seconds must be applied after the first press. This step ensures that the print fits perfectly onto the fabric.
DTF prints produced using this method have undergone at least 50 washing tests. Although slight wear can be seen after 10-15 washes, the print retains its clarity and vibrancy.
Comparison of DTG and DTF
Color: In DTG printing, colors are more matte, while in DTF printing they are brighter.
The feeling that came through: DTG printing is soft and feels like part of the fabric. DTF printing creates a distinct film layer on the fabric. When the fabric is moved, a slight paper-like sound can be heard.
Wrinkling: When DTF printing is crimped, it may wrinkle. In this case, the print may need to be re-heated through a heat press.
Large Designs and the Vinyl Perception
In rectangular designs that cover most of the front of the t-shirt, DTF printing can prevent the fabric from breathing. This can lead to discomfort for the user and customer dissatisfaction.
There is also an emotional aspect to this issue in the US market. Vinyl prints are generally considered low-quality and short-lived by American consumers. The tactile feel of DTF printing, no matter how vivid the colors, can remind vinyl printing.
Bu nedenle büyük tasarımlar için %100 pamuklu ürün ve DTG baskı daha güvenli bir tercihtir.
Which Method for Which Product?
In the print on demand business, both methods have their own advantages. The right choice depends on the fabric content of the product, the design structure, and the targeted price-quality balance.
Etsy, Amazon ve Walmart gibi platformlarda ürün listelerken kumaş içeriği zaten belirtilir: %100 pamuk, polyester ya da tri-blend. Bu bilgi, baskı yöntemini değerlendirirken iyi bir başlangıç noktasıdır.
%100 pamuklu ürünler: Cotton is a fabric that delivers successful results through two methods. DTG offers a soft and natural feel, while DTF provides vibrant colors and cost-effectiveness advantages. In products where the tactile feel is emphasized, DTG is a good choice, while in products where color vibrancy and cost are emphasized, DTF is a good option.
Polyester and tri-blend products: Since DTG does not provide consistent results on these fabrics, DTF is a more suitable option. Cotton-polyester blend hoodies and sweatshirts are also printed with DTF.
Why Choose a Supplier That Offers Both Methods?
Most of the printing companies that have entered the sector in the last 2-3 years only offer DTF services. The main reason for this is that it is possible to print almost any product with a single DTF machine. For a new company, this is a logical investment that increases product variety, even if it offers lower quality in cotton-based products.
From the seller's perspective, this means a restriction. Only when working with a supplier offering DTF can cotton products also be printed with DTF, and the quality advantage provided by DTG is lost.
Therefore, when choosing a print on demand supplier A company that offers both DTG and DTF printing services It should be preferred.
Why Choose a Supplier That Offers Both Methods?
DTG and DTF are two methods that cater to different needs. In cotton products, DTG provides better results when softness is the priority, while DTF works better in polyester-containing products or designs where color vibrancy is emphasized.
Working with a supplier that offers both methods provides the flexibility to choose the most suitable print for each product. This way, you don't have to compromise on quality while expanding your product range.
DTG and DTF Printing in Podbul
Podbul is a US-based platform that offers print on demand service at its production facility in New York. DTG and DTF printing are done in the same facility.
In many products in Podbul, sellers can choose the printing method themselves. In products where the tactile feel is emphasized, DTG can be preferred, while in products where color vibrancy and cost are emphasized, DTF can be preferred. The Podbul team assists sellers who are unsure which method is more suitable.
Podbul works with platforms like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. Orders are automatically transferred to production and shipped directly to customers from the USA. In addition to printing services, Turkish support is provided for questions related to e-commerce. All of the product catalog from here You can reach us.
You can also watch the DTG and DTF printing processes in the video: Comparison of DTG and DTF printing – Podbul YouTube
What is the main difference between DTG and DTF?
DTG printing is performed by applying the design directly onto the fabric. In DTF printing, the design is first printed onto a special transfer film and then transferred to the product using a heat press. DTG is preferred for cotton-based products, while DTF offers more flexible use on different types of fabric.
Should DTG or DTF be preferred for cotton t-shirts?
%100 pamuklu tişörtlerde DTG baskı genellikle daha uygun bir seçenektir. Baskının kumaşın içine işlemesi sayesinde daha yumuşak ve doğal bir yüzey elde edilir. Polyester ve tri-blend gibi karışımlı kumaşlarda ise DTF baskı tercih edilebilir.
Which printing method is used on hoodies and sweatshirts?
Hoodie ve sweatshirt’lerde kullanılacak baskı yöntemi ürünün kumaş içeriğine göre belirlenir. Pamuk-polyester karışımlı ürünlerde DTF baskı sık tercih edilir. %100 pamuk ağırlıklı ürünlerde ise tasarıma ve ürün özelliklerine bağlı olarak DTG baskı da kullanılabilir.
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