What is DTG and DTF Printing?

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 6, 2025

9 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on May 30, 2025

Table of Content

1. What is DTG and DTF Print?

Why It Matters In The Printing World?
Understanding DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing

What is DTG?

Materials and Inks Used

DTG Printing Process

Equipment and Setup

Pros of DTG

Cons of DTG
2. Understanding DTF (Direct to Film) Printing
What is DTF?
Materials and Inks Used
The DTF Printing Process
Equipment and Setup
Pros of DTF
Cons of DTF

3. DTG vs DTF: Comparison Table

4. Applications and Use Cases

A. DTG: Best for Adding a Personal Touch and Small Batch Printing
B. DTF: Built for Multipurposes and Versatile Usage
5. Choosing the Right Printing Method
Key Factors To Consider
6. Future of DTG and DTF Technologies
A. Technological Innovations
B. Market Trends And Consumer Preferences
7. Conclusion

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Have you ever spotted a personalized t-shirt with a catchy phrase or a stylish hoodie with a bold logo? Behind those head-turning designs are one of two powerhouse printing technologies: DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing machines.

So, What’s the difference? Think of a DTG (Direct To Garment) printer as your everyday inkjet machine, printing straight onto a garment like your t-shirt, just swap paper for fabric. On the flip side, a DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer acts more like a transfer—you print on a special film, sprinkle on some magic (okay, adhesive powder), and then press it onto the garment. Boom! Design applied!

As a small business owner, aspiring designer, or even a curious consumer, both these technologies work like a game changer. And if you’re wondering which one fits your goals best, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the two methods, their definitions, and which might suit your next big project.

Why It Matters In The Printing World?

Let’s be real—today consumers don't just buy a piece of cloth, they buy connections. A t-shirt with a message, a tote bag that has your name, or a hoodie with a story–this is what gets people more excited. And with the explosions of e-commerce shops, along with local brands and creators, the demand for personalized apparel has never been higher.

And guess what, DTF Printing and DTG Printing are the frontrunners of the movement. They have streamlined the process of implementing stunning designs to apparel by eliminating the prerequisites of enormous orders or inventory logistics, at an accessible cost.

This is vastly beneficial for small and medium enterprises looking to optimize their creativity and spending. So if you're strategizing on entering the tailored printing market, or simply wish to follow the latest trends in the industry, DTG and DTF is a smart place to start.

Understanding DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing

What is DTG?

Let’s start with the basics. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is exactly how it sounds like printing directly on fabric, similar to your regular printer, but for clothes. It uses advanced inkjet technology to spray “water-based ink” into the fibers of the garment. Result? The prints are soft and vibrant.

Differently from traditional screen printing, which requires stencils or layers of ink, DTG printers work much easier because you are able to go straight from digital design to fabric. With no setup hassle, it’s great for printing intricate full color graphics—no screens needed.

Materials and Inks Used

DTG prints thrives on water-based pigment inks, an eco-friendly and safe option that bonds natural fibers extremely well. These inks are absorbed directly into the fabric, creating that smooth, soft finish.

In terms of fabric, 100% cotton is the best choice. The inks are absorbed beautifully by the cotton fabric, resulting in crisp prints. While other fabric blends could work, they won’t provide the same level of detail and color that pure cotton garments provide.

DTG Printing Process

Wanna know how it all happens? Here’s the breakdown.

●Pre-treatment – Before printing, garments such as dark colored ones require extra pre-treatment. The liquid solution helps the ink sit on the top, instead of soaking in, making color more vibrant and durable.

●Printing – After all the preps, the garment is placed in the DTG printer. The design is done directly on the fabric with water-based inks, with excellent precision, and color depth.

●Curing – After printing, the ink needs to be cured (or dried) using a heat press or conveyor dryer. This locks the ink in and ensures the garment’s long lasting wear without cracking or fading.

Equipment and Setup

Launching a DTG business does not only entail having an innovative mind—it also requires the right equipment. In terms of print quality and performance, the Procolored T11 Pro and T13 Pro are unparalleled. For serious creators, these machines are considered elite because of their exceptional color accuracy and minute detail reproduction.

With that being said, they require constant upkeep and come with a steep learning curve. So, once you get the hand of these machines, they will elevate your custom apparel business tremendously.

Pros of DTG

●Remarkable Print Quality – Banners, pictures, and images can be converted to fantastic prints using DTG Printers. DTG offers an array of unlimited colorful options ensuring smooth gradients, bold details, and photo level resolutions.

●Best For Small Quantity Orders – Looking to print a specific design on one shirt or a couple t-shirts? DTG specializes in on-demand orders, considering all sorts of small batch printing.

●Customization Capabilities – A great choice for detailed artwork, complex graphic designs and personalization.

Cons of DTG

●Fabric Restrictions – Work best on 100% cotton; it is not overly friendly with polyester and performance fabrics.

●Slower Output– If you are looking to do large bulk orders, this might cause trouble.

●Higher Upfront Cost– The equipment is relatively expensive, and regular maintenance is a must.

Understanding DTF (Direct to Film) Printing

What is DTF?

If DTG printers let you print directly onto a shirt, DTF (Direct-to-Film) takes a different route—but arrives at equally impressive results. DTF does not print directly on to cloth; rather, it first prints the design on a special film. That design is then transferred to the garment by means of heat and adhesive powder. Sounds like magic? It kind of is.

The difference between DTF vs DTG is Flexibility. While DTG is a cotton enthusiast, DTF is more of an all arounder. It adheres wonderfully to cotton, polyester, blends, and even performance fabrics. If your target is more than just t-shirts, then DTF transfer printer is your flexible friend.

Materials and Inks Used

The following are the constituents in DTF Printing that play essential roles:

●Pet Film - This heat resistant film serves as the canvas for your design.

●Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder - This is sprinkled on the wet ink. Without it the transfer would be impossible.

●Dtf Specific Inks - These withstand the adhesive and bond properly with the film resulting in strong, stretchable, and durable prints.

Together, these materials work in a transfer that’s bold, durable and ready for almost any fabric.

The DTF Printing Process

The DTF process might seem to have more steps than DTG, but once you learn each part, it’s incredibly streamlined. Here is the general flow:

●Printing Onto Film – The design is printed in layers (white first, then color) onto the PET film.

●Powder Application – While the ink is still wet, you apply a layer of hot-melt adhesive powder over the print.

●Curing The Film – The film is heated just enough to melt the powder, forming a sticky, durable base.

●Heat Transfer – Place the film onto the garment, press it with heat, peel it off, and your design is now part of the fabric.

It integrates relatively quickly while still remaining effective. Furthermore, it's more versatile

Equipment and Setup

To get started with Direct to Film Printing, all you need is to get some set of tools such as Procolored F13 Pro Panda DTF Printer for producing vibrant designs, hot-melt adhesive powder, a heat press, and a personal computer.

This compact setup is ideal for small businesses and advanced studios and ensures a professional grade output no matter the type of fabric chosen for printing.

Pros of DTF

●Fabric Friendly – Works on pretty much any material including: cotton, polyester, blends, and even nylon.

●Tough And Flexible – DTF prints are known for being stretchy while still remaining tough and durable.. even after a few washes.

●Great For Bulk Jobs – Once prints are on film, you can press them later in batches making it cheaper for bulk orders.

Cons of DTF

●Messy Work – That adhesive powder gets everywhere if you’re not careful. You need good ventilation, along with a thorough clean-up after.

●Detail May Vary – DTF prints, though vivid and striking, do not achieve the ultra-fine resolution detail that some fabrics receive from DTG printing.

DTG vs DTF: Comparison Table

Are you still unsure about which printing method would work perfectly for you? Here's a handy comparison table that breaks down each feature of DTG and DTF, so you may take the decision more confidently.

Fabric Compatibility

Color Vibrancy

Durability and Washability

Cost per Print

^{Setup and Maintenance}

^{Print Speed and Volume Suitability}

^{Environmental Impact}

Direct To Garment

Best fit for 100% cotton or cotton heavy blends

High vibrancy, especially on light garments

Good durability, but prints may fade faster on frequent washes

Higher per-print cost due to pretreatment and slower process

Requires more maintenance (daily cleaning, pretreatment machines, etc.)

Slower—great for short runs, personalization

Uses water-based inks (eco-friendlier); but requires more cleaning fluids

Direct To Film

Works almost on all apparel like cotton, polyester, nylon and spandex

Bright and bold on all fabric types, even darks

Excellent durability; stretch- and fade-resistant over time

Lower cost per print, especially in bulk

Lower maintenance overall; less daily upkeep

Faster—ideal for high-volume batches and storing transfers for later use

Less waste in printing; powder and PET film may raise environmental concerns

Applications and Use Cases

So now that you know the distinguishing features of DTG and DTF printing, let’s explore their practical applications: where they truly excel. Whether you are operating a print shop, starting a brand, or working from home, each method of printing offers different advantages.

A. DTG: Best for Adding a Personal Touch and Small Batch Printing

In the world of custom clothing businesses, DTG is the unrivaled king of personalization. Because of the printer’s capability to fully color and intricately detailed designs on a single item at a time, it is best used in:

🎨 T-Shirt On-Demand Printing – Whether it's your Etsy shop, Shopify store, or local brand, DTG allows printers to fulfill orders in real-time. No bulk stock or wasted inventory, and you only print what you make sales on.

🎁 Custom-Made Gifts And Limited Edition Items – Want to offer your customers the chance to add names, photos, or even inside jokes to t-shirts? For custom birthday gifts, bridal party shirts, and even artsy one-off pieces, DTG does exceptional personalization.

To summarize, DTG printers are best suited for those who appreciate a high level of quality, detail, and flexibility—essentially, the artists of the business world.

B. DTF: Built for Multipurposes and Versatile Usage

On the other hand, commercial DTF printers are designed for speed, versatility, and scaling up. Its ability to transfer design on a variety of fabrics make it go for.

🏃‍♀️ Sportswear And Polyester Blends – Unlike DTG which favors cotton, DTF prints stick beautifully to polyester, nylon, and stretch fabrics—best for team uniforms, gym clothes, and performance wear.

🏭 Bulk Production Of Transfer-Ready Designs – DTF prints can be premade, stored, and heat-pressed at a later time—ideal for bulk printing when design orders come in.

🏠 Custom T-Shirt Businesses Run From Home – With lower equipment costs and easy transfer options, DTF provides entrepreneurs with a simple, affordable way to customize apparel.

In other words, DTF printing is an all-in-one speed production tool with a great variety of materials, ideal for anyone looking to grow their business without putting too much money at the start.

Choosing the Right Printing Method

Alright, So you’ve seen the magic of DTG vs DTF printing, but which one should you choose? Well, like all good things in life, the answer is deeply dependent on your goals, budget, and the type of garment you’re working with. Allow us to simplify this further for you.

Key Factors To Consider

Before you decide your printing partner, make sure you answer these few significant questions first.

👕 What Fabric Are You Printing On?
DTG loves 100% cotton and it is where DTG works remarkably. So, if you plan on sticking to soft cotton tees and pillows, DTG is your go-to-choice. However, if you plan on exploring polyester, nylon, or even some performance wear, then best DTF printer is the more adaptable option.

📦 How Many Orders Are You Handling?
If You’re dealing in small batches, one offs or personalized prints, then DTG is great for you. Especially if you’re printing on demand, it makes things efficient. The contrary is true for bulk printing though. If you would like to prepare a batch of designs ahead of time, then DTF makes those processes easy and quick.

💰 What’s Your Budget And Long Term Vision?
If you want to go with DTG, it is an expensive investment upfront–not just in printing but in maintenance and space. DTF setups tend to be more affordable and compact which is always a plus for those just starting out.

🎯 How Much Detail And Precision Of The Print Is Necessary?
DTG has the ability to achieve more photographic accuracy, and intricate detailing, particularly on lighter materials. Though DTF prints are vivid and long-lasting, they might not capture some of the ultra-fine details achievable with DTG.

Future of DTG and DTF Technologies

With the custom apparel market experiencing growth, DTG and DTF printing technologies are advancing at neck-break speeds. Here’s a peek where these two technologies are headed and how emerging tech and consumers are shaping the future.

A. Technological Innovations

⚡ Accelerated Curing Techniques
Producers of DTG and DTF printing machines are competing in terms of speed and efficiency. Expect new curing technologies that accomplish significantly quicker drying times, which also means faster production and less energy usage.

🌱 Inks that are Eco-Conscious
To keep sustainability in check, eco-friendly practices are a must. Future-ready DTG and DTF printing machines are adopting eco-friendlier, non-toxic water based Inks that are gentler on the environment but still maintain print quality.

🤖 Hybrid DTF/DTG Printers
Want the best of both worlds? It happens. New generation DTG DTF combo printers offer DGT’s precision and DTF’s fabric versatility, resulting in greater flexibility without an increase in equipment cost.

B. Market Trends And Consumer Preferences

🌎 Sustainability is The New Focus
Eco-conscious consumers don't just buy apparel that looks good but what literally makes them feel good. Innovative printing practices that minimize waste, harm reduction materials, and uphold production ethics become the bare minimum within the industry.

⚙️ Demand For Speed and Individuality
The new normal is to expect delivery by the next day, and custom orders can be made at any time. Ready-to-wear clothing appears to be the new trend. Both DTG and DTF are being optimized for completing processes in record time—ideal for today’s (design ravenous) consumers.

Conclusion

Direct to Garment printer (DTG) and Direct to Film printer (DTF) each have their own realms of superiority. DTG is best applied to cotton because it has crisp and vibrant prints–great for custom, small batch orders.

For bulk orders and a variety of clothing types, DTF printing is best employed as the print can be done on almost any fabric.

Instead of thinking about the two as competitors, take them as complementary tools. A lot of print companies have adopted the two together to stay versatile and widen the scope of services offered.

So, if you are just starting out, explore both the technologies. Conduct some mock-up prints, identify a few of your targets, and assess which one aligns best with your objectives—be it DIY or hand-on.Either way, stepping into a realm of limitless custom opportunities is undoubtedly thrilling.

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