Recently, you may have encountered a discussion about DTF transfer vs. DTG printing and wondered about the advantages of DTF technology. While DTG printing produces high-quality full-size prints with vibrant colors and a very soft hand, DTF transfer definitely has some advantages that make it the perfect complement to your apparel printing business.
DTF transfer printing involves printing the design onto a special film, applying and melting a powder adhesive onto the printed film, and pressing the design onto the garment or merchandise. You will need transfer film and DFT hot melt powder, as well as software to create the print, no other special equipment is required.
1. DTF transfer printing is suitable for a variety of materials
While direct-to-garment printing works best on 100% cotton, DTF transfers are suitable for many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, and light and dark fabrics. The transfer can even be applied to different types of surfaces like luggage, shoes and even glass, wood and metal! You can expand your inventory by applying your designs to a variety of merchandise using DTF pet transfer film.
2. DTF transfer printing does not require pretreatment, and less white ink is used
If you already own a DTG printer, you're probably very familiar with the preprocessing process (not to mention drying times). The hot melt capability applied to the DTF bonds the print directly to the material, which means no pretreatment is required.
DTF transfer requires less DTF white ink, about 40% white, while DTG printing requires 200% white. White ink tends to be the most expensive because it's used more, so reducing the amount of white ink used for printing can save a lot of money.
3. DTF transfer printing is more durable than DTG printing and easy to complete
There's no denying that DTG prints have a soft, almost no-feel feel, as the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF transfers don't have the soft feel that DTG boasts, transfers are more durable. Transfer directly to film washes well and is flexible - meaning they won't crack or peel, making them great for heavily used items.
Printing onto film transfers means you can place your designs on hard-to-reach or awkward surfaces. If the area can be heated, you can apply a DTF design to it. Because only heat is required to adhere the design, you can even transfer your prints directly to your customers and allow them to ease the design onto any surface or item of their choice without the need for special equipment.
