Direct-to-film and direct-to-garment printing each have their strengths, but they serve different purposes and have four important differences which we explain below. This is especially important If you're deciding between DTF vs DTG printing for your company’s workwear, as understanding their differences ahead of your decision can save you significant time and money.

Read on to discover the key differences between these garment printing methods so you can decide whether DTG printing vs DTF printing is the best option for you.

Fabric Compatibility

DTF printing sticks to nearly anything, including cotton, polyester, nylon and fleece. If the material can handle heat, then it can take a DTF print, which is why it is one of the best garment printing methods ​for workwear and sports kits, as well as any mixed-material garments that other printing techniques struggle with. The adhesive backing always ensures strong adhesion even on slippery or stretchable fabrics.

In contrast, DTG printing works best on natural fibres like cotton, bamboo and linen, as they absorb ink well to allow the design to fuse with the fabric itself. DTG struggles with synthetic materials where ink absorption is poor, with the likes of polyester and nylon requiring special pre-treatments which adds time and complexity to the process.

Production Efficiency

DTF printing involves a few extra steps. First, the design is printed onto a transfer film. Then, an adhesive powder is applied and cured before the final heat press fuses it to the fabric. While this might sound slow, individual garments can be printed in minutes. Plus, DTF transfers can be prepared in bulk and stored for later use, streamlining production for repeat orders.

DTG printing skips the transfer step and prints directly onto the fabric. After pre-treating the garment, ink is applied, and the print is cured using heat. While this method is ideal for one-off prints or detailed and multi-coloured designs, the drying time and fabric limitations can slow things down, especially for larger orders.

Print Durability and Feel

DTF prints resist cracking, peeling and fading even after repeated washes, which can be one of the most important factors when deciding between DTG printing vs DTF printing. The adhesive layer keeps the print secure, though it does add a slight texture. The extra durability makes up for that though, especially on workwear and uniforms that need to withstand heavy use.

DTG prints feel softer because the ink soaks into the fabric rather than sitting on top. This means that the print’s longevity is dependent on the type of fabric as well as how regularly the fabric is washed. Cotton prints tend to last well enough, but the colours on synthetic materials may fade faster.

Cost Considerations

Cost can be a significant factor when it comes to DTF vs DTG printing, and the former is often the more affordable choice for small-to-medium runs. The ability to print and store transfers reduces waste, and the process handles large, vibrant designs without excessive ink costs.

DTG printing tends to cost more per print, mainly due to ink consumption and machine maintenance. It excels in fine-detail designs with subtle shading, but for bulk production, the costs can start adding up.

To find out more about our Direct-to-film services and how we can help your custom apparel needs, get in touch with our team today.

Image source: Canva