DTG VS. DTF

Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing and Direct to Film (DTF) Transfers are two great options for printing custom designs, but each comes with its own strengths:

DTG Printing:

• Best for: Soft, breathable prints on cotton-based fabrics.
• How it works: The printer applies ink directly onto the fabric, similar to how a regular printer works with paper. The ink soaks into the fibers, giving it a smooth, soft finish.
• Pros: Great for detailed, full-color designs with a softer feel. Perfect for smaller orders since there’s no need for setup.
• Cons: Works best on light-colored fabrics and mainly cotton; less vibrant on dark or synthetic fabrics.

DTF Transfers:

• Best for: More versatile applications, including synthetics, and darker fabrics.
• How it works: The design is printed on a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the fabric. It creates a thin, durable layer on top of the material.
• Pros: Excellent for bold colors on any type of fabric, including polyester. Prints are durable and can handle lots of washes. Great for dark colors and complex designs.
• Cons: The transfer can feel slightly less soft compared to DTG since it sits on top of the fabric rather than soaking into it.

In short: Choose DTG if you want a soft, breathable print on cotton shirts with detailed designs. Opt for DTF if you’re printing on synthetic or dark fabrics, or if you need extra durability with vibrant colors.