Both DTF and DTG printing have been around for some time. Both have their pros and cons.
DTF is an excellent add-on to have the ability to print on certain material types that were previously difficult to print with DTG. In addition, DTG is more time-efficient; you can print about a hundred shirts in about 3 hours.
Both types of printing are fit for small pieces or personalization, such as T-shirts or masks. However, the results and the printing method are different in both cases, so it can be challenging to decide which one to prefer as a profitable business.
Let's look at some pros and cons.
DTG Pros
• DTG is the most versatile
• Has a great soft feel when executed correctly
• Very efficient - the process can be shorter than DTF; you don't require to transfer.
DTG Cons
• It needs to pre-treatment - This step is necessary before printing, as we will work directly on the fabric, which will allow the ink to be well fixed and avoid transferring it through the material. In addition, we will need to heat the fabric before printing to begin this treatment.
• Very steep learning curve
• Ink cost is expensive
• Easy to crack if not washed properly
• Limited to specific material types - we can only print on cotton garments.
DTF Pros
• Very easy to learn and more convenient compared to DTG printing. You can quickly turn a standard desktop inkjet printer such as Epson L1800 into a DTF printer. The only other piece of tools you will need is a heat press, and you are ready to go.
• No pre-treatment - as it is pre-printed on a film, which will have to transfer, you're not required to pre-treat the fabric.
• DTF uses about 75% less ink - you only need 60% color ink and 40% white inks.
• It has an excellent print quality: printing on a solid sheet of paper
• DTF printing is very versatile - you can print your transfers in advance and press them when required.
• Can use many material types - can be used on various surfaces and things that would differently be very inconvenient to print on.
DTF Cons
• More time consuming compared to DTG
• DTF can be thin or hard, soft or plastic-like
• Thick edges
To conclude, DTF printing seems to be more effective than DTG and has various applications and uses. For example, for small-scale printing, if you're looking for fantastic color effects and don't want to make such a significant investment, DTF may be more suitable. But the DTG now has more ready printing machines with several plates and processes, which allow quicker and more flexible printing.
Check out Lotsa Style DTF Printer and DTF supplies now!
