DTF versus other apparel printing methods

Screen printing

Each colour needs its own screen, so setup is costly but the price per piece falls quickly on large runs. Best for big orders with few, flat colours. DTF is usually better for small runs and full-colour or photographic designs.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment)

Ink is printed straight into the fabric, giving a very soft feel. It works best on cotton and needs pre-treatment for dark garments. DTF works on a wider range of fabrics and gives more consistent colour on dark items, with a slightly more noticeable feel.

Heat-transfer vinyl (HTV)

Vinyl is cut from solid-colour sheets and weeded by hand. It is great for simple text and names, but multi-colour or detailed designs become slow and layered. DTF handles detail and many colours in one transfer with no weeding.

Sublimation

The ink becomes part of the fabric, so there is no feel at all — but it only works well on white or light polyester. DTF works on cotton and on dark colours.

Quick guide

• One to a few hundred pieces, full colour → DTF.
• Very large runs, one or two colours → screen printing may be cheaper — ask us.
• White polyester sportswear, all-over print → sublimation.
• Hard surfaces like mugs, tumblers and bottles → see UV DTF instead.