Printing on fabric has come a long way in a short time. Today, two of the most popular methods are DTF direct printing and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing. While they look similar, they have different types of printer inks, are used for different fabrics, and have other needs. However, if you are the one who is in the printing trade or is even looking to start one, it is important to understand how these two measure up against each other. This guide is going to explain it in an easy-to-understand way..
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Understanding DTF and DTG Printing Technologies
There are various ways to print designs onto fabrics, and two of the more common techniques used today are Direct-to-film (DTF printing) and Direct-to-garment (DTG Printing). Unlike DTG, DTF printing operates on a totally different principle.
- This technology also enables special printing on PET film. It is then transferred onto fabric with heat and pressure.
- For DTG printing, it is like an inkjet printer printing on paper, but it sprays the DTG ink directly on the fabric.
The printer inks used are the main differentiating factor between the methods, along with each having its respective pros and cons.
Why Ink Choice Matters in Textile Printing
Ink is not just about color. It influences the appearance of the print, its longevity, the texture on the fabric, and the substrates it can operate on. Choosing the wrong types of printer inks may lead to prints that fade too quickly, feel stiff, or do not adhere well to particular textiles. So, it is important to know about DTF ink vs. DTG ink to choose the right type for your printing needs.
What Is DTF Ink?
DTF printing uses DTF ink. The design does not print directly on fabric but instead prints on a special PET film with adhesive powder and is then heat transferred to fabric.
How Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing Works
- Design Printing – The design is printed on a PET transfer film with a DTF printer.
- Adhesive Powder Application – A special powder is applied to the wet ink.
- Curing – The film is melted by heat so that the powder becomes sticky.
- Heat Transfer – The design is pressed onto the fabric using a heat press.
- Peeling & Finishing – The film peels off to leave a strong, flexible print.
Key Features of DTF Ink
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Waterbased Pigment Ink – DTF (Direct to Film) ink is a water-based pigment ink designed specifically for producing intricate, colorful designs on a special transfer film for direct application on textiles. With the highest-quality, full-color prints and excellent adhesion.
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CMYK + White Ink to Get Bright Colors – DTF printing is mixed with White ink as well as the basic CMYK ink (this includes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). This white ink helps to ensure there is no fading of color on dark or colored fabric so designs will not fade but remain crisp, bright, and opaque.
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Heat-Transfer Adhesive Works With – After printing on a film, a heat-activated adhesive powder is applied. This property causes the design to stick to the fabric in the heat press process which is both durable and flexible.
- Soft and long-lasting Layer on Fabric – DTF ink does not create a hard and brittle layer which cracks up with the fabric (as with other printing methods). For this reason, DTF is applicable to virtually every fabric of cloth such as cotton, polyester, nylon, leather.
Advantages of DTF Ink
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Compatible with Various Fabrics – in contrast to the Direct to Garment (DTG) printing method, which is best suited for cotton, the DTF inks can also be used with almost all types of fabrics, ranging from polyester, blends and nylon to silk and even leather. Such flexibility makes it perfect for fashion, sports wear, and personalized merchandise companies.
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No Pre-Treatment Needed –DTG printing does need pre-treatment for the ink to stick to the fabric, while DTF requires no pre-treatment. Because the design is printed on a film and transferred, no textile preparation is needed, which saves time and lowers production costs.
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Bright and Opaque Prints —With a white ink layer beneath the image, our prints will appear bright and colorful on dark or black fabrics. The ink remains on the surface of the fabric, rather than sinking into it, helping to preserve brightness and clarity.
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Durability and Stretch Resistance – DTF ink will stretch along with the fabric without cracking or peeling. Just like that, DTF prints can withstand several washes without fading, making them durable and perfect for everyday wear.
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Faster Production and Scalability – Because DTF prints can print multiple designs at once that can be stored for use on other products, the DTF prints are ideal for high-volume productions, making this a perfect product for any businesses that need quick turnaround times and high-volume productions.
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Transfers Onto Any Surface – Unlike many other printing methods which only adhere to fabric, DTF prints can almost be transferred on any surface. This includes:
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets
- Hats and caps
- Bags and backpacks
- Shoes and sneakers
- Textiles for pillowcases and home décor
Their flexibility enables businesses to diversify their product offerings beyond appparel, serving customers seeking custom accessories, promotional items, and specialized products.
Limitations of DTF Ink
- Adhesive powder required – Another additional process that needs to be applied.
- Thicker print feel – As opposed to DTG ink, which soaks into the fabric, DTF prints lay on top.
- Prone to cracking eventually – In case of a poor application or under-curing.
What Is DTG Ink?
DTG ink is meant for Direct-to-Garment printing. The ink is sprayed directly onto the fabric and gets absorbed by the fibers.
How Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing Works
- Pre-Treatment- The T-shirt is dipped into a unique liquid that prepares the fabric, thereby allowing good ink adhesion
- Printing- Inks are used straight on T-shirts using aqueous ink and will print it as per their original design onto the white material.
- Curing- The prints go through hot presses or dryers to dry.
Key Features of DTG Ink
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InkBase Water-Based Ink That Absorbs Into – Fabric DTG ink is a water-based ink, this means that it gets absorbed into the fibres of the fabric rather than sitting on top of the fabric as the screen prints or heat transfers do. This creates a soft, smooth texture that feels like part of the fabric, rather than a layer atop it.
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Uses CMYK + White for Full Color Prints – Ideal for very high-resolution, detailed prints, DTG printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) ink. When printing white on dark material, we apply a layer of white ink first which will give bright and vibrant colours. This permits photorealistic designs, gradients, and illustrative artwork.
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Best for Cotton-Based Fabrics – DTG printing works well with 100% ring spun cotton apparel or cotton-blend fabrics. Because the DTG ink gets absorbed into the fibers, it’s best on natural fibers, which retain the ink better than polyester, for example.
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Dark Fabrics –Treatment Needed Before Upholstery – To print on dark-colored apparel, a pre-treatment solution is required prior to printing with DTG. This allows the white ink to adhere better to the fabric and stop colors from being absorbed, resulting in brighter, sharper prints.
Advantages of DTG Ink
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Soft Hand Feel– Soft texture of DTG ink is one of the best advantages. The ink penetrates the fabric, rather than sitting on the surface, which means the print is part of the very fabric. That’s comfortable to wear, unlike the thick and stiff feel of vinyl or plastisol ink.
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Vivid Color Bleeding for Fine Prints – DTG printing is ideal for high-resolution prints, so you can use it for photographic images with a lot of detail and fine details; It seamlessly blends colors for natural shading and gradients, which can be harder to achieve with screen printing or heat transfers.
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Adhesive without Over-lamination Needed – DTG, unlike DTF or heat transfer printing, doesn’t use an adhesive layer or a film transfer. The fabric is then heat set with a heat press or conveyor dryer. It makes requesting small batch orders or custom prints faster and more direct.
With this all, DTG printing becomes a perfect solution for businesses that sell unique prints and wear on-demand as it allows for high-quality, all-color designs on cotton garments and gives them a soft, and natural feel.
Limitations of DTG Ink
- Does not work as well on certain fabrics, specifically polyester and synthetics.
- Require Pre-treatment- It takes additional time and expense for darker-colored fabrics.
- Lower durability on certain materials - This will fade sooner than DTF ink on anything that is not cotton.
Key Differences Between DTF Ink and DTG Ink
Printing Process & Workflow
- DTF prints onto a film, then transfers to fabric
- DTG prints directly onto the fabric
- DTF ink needs an adhesive powder, while DTG ink requires pre-treatment of fabric
Fabric Compatibility
- DTF ink is applicable to cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather, etc.
- DTG ink is best for printing on cotton and cotton blends.
Print Quality & Color Vibrancy
- DTF prints are bold and vibrant even on dark fabrics
- DTG prints have a softer and more natural finish, especially on cotton
Durability and Washability
- The prints made using DTF ink are durable because the ink sits on top and retains adhesive strength
- DTG prints may fade quicker because there is no adhesive strength to the actual print, especially if they aren't washed right.
- Both need to be taken care of properly – cold water washing and no harsh detergents.
Cost Considerations
- DTF ink has lower setup costs – A DTF printer setup is relatively cheaper than a DTG machine.
- DTG ink is more expensive – Pre-treatment and ink consumption add up.
- Maintenance costs – DTG printers need regular cleaning to prevent ink clogs.
Production Speed and Scalability
- DTF ink printing is better for bulk orders – Fast transfer process, minimal prep time.
- DTG ink printing is slower for high volumes-Each shirt is printed one at a time.
Environmental Impact
- DTF ink uses more materials, adhesive powder, and film
- DTG ink is more eco-friendly-water-based ink, no film or adhesives
Which Ink Is Best for Your Printing Needs?
Choosing the Right Ink Based on Business Goals
- DTF ink is better for versatility when you print on different fabrics or non-garment items.
- DTG ink is best for premium cotton prints – If you are keen on high-quality apparel.
Best Use Cases for DTF and DTG Printing
- DTF ink is great for sportswear, synthetic fabrics, and non-apparel items.
- DTG ink is ideal for soft-feel cotton t-shirts and detailed designs.
Conclusion
There are many types of ink like DTF, DTG, UV, and so on. DTF ink and DTG ink are both used for printing. DTF ink would be what you need if you require durability and versatility, but DTG ink is ideal for soft-feel prints on cotton. It is all about your decision-making on the print you are going to make, your budget, and the volume that you handle. With constant development in printer inks and technology, this method is likely to get even better in the future.
DTG Inks – What You Need to Know?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a popular method for creating detailed and colourful custom apparel. At the heart of this process are DTG inks, which are specially formulated for use with DTG printers. Here’s what you need to know about DTG inks:
1. Composition and Types
Water-Based Inks
Overview
Water-based inks are specifically designed for fabric printing, known for their ability to produce vibrant colours and intricate details. These inks use water as the primary solvent for the pigment they carry and are mostly made of acrylic resins or mixtures of acrylic resin and polyurethanes.
Benefits
Deep Penetration: Water-based inks penetrate textiles deeply, resulting in a soft print.
Soft Feel: Made of soft resins and water, these inks provide a smooth, soft touch on fabrics.
Reactive Inks
Overview
Reactive inks are versatile and can be used for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, even though they were initially created for conventional printing. They are primarily used on natural fibres like cotton, viscose, wool, and silk.
Benefits
Permanent Bond: Reactive dye is the dye that can react with a fibre to form a covalent link, leading to durable prints.
Excellent Color Reproduction: Ideal for complex, colourful designs.
High Wash Fastness: Reactive inks ensure that garments can be washed multiple times without losing the print.
Considerations
Post-Processing: Requires longer post-processing steps like washing and steaming to fix the dye onto the fabric permanently.
Acid Inks
Overview
Acid inks are high-quality inks used in the high-end fashion industry, particularly for printing on delicate silks, soft cashmere, and swimwear.
Benefits
Durable and Vibrant: These inks provide excellent colour fastness and are resistant to fading or washing out.
High Colour Brilliance: Ideal for garments requiring frequent washing, such as swimwear made of lycra and nylon.
Resistance: These inks are known for their versatility, high chlorine and salt water tolerance and ability to produce vibrant and colorfast prints on these fibres.
Sublimation Inks
Overview
Sublimation inks are commonly used for printing on polyester fabrics. These inks have the unique property of transferring the dye directly onto the fabric under heat and pressure.
Benefits
Vibrant and Durable Prints: Resistant to washing out, cracking, and fading.
Colour Accuracy: Known for creating prints with great colour accuracy.
Considerations
Material Compatibility: Not suitable for natural fibres; they require materials like polyester for the dye to bond properly.
Want more information on dtg ink? Feel free to contact us.
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Notes
Not all printers can handle all the above-mentioned ink types. Printing processes will differ according to your printer and printhead type. When in doubt, always consult your ink and printer suppliers.
2. Color Range and Quality
DTG Direct-to-Garment (DTG) inks are available in several colours, enabling the creation of vibrant and precise prints. Consequently, the quality of these inks significantly influences the final product, particularly in aspects such as color brilliance, washability, and longevity. Superior DTG inks ensure that prints remain vivid and intact even after numerous washes, maintaining their original luster and durability.
3. Environmental Impact
Water-based DTG inks are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional plastisol inks used in screen printing. They produce less waste and contain fewer harmful chemicals, making them a preferred choice for eco-conscious businesses.
4. Printer Compatibility
Not all DTG inks are compatible with every DTG printer. It’s essential to use inks recommended by your printer manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and avoid damaging the machine.
5. Pretreatment
For the best results, garments often require pretreatment before printing with DTG inks. This step helps the ink adhere better to the fabric, enhancing colour vibrancy and detail retention. When using white ink, pretreatment is mandatory.
6. Cost Considerations
While the ability to produce small batches and customised designs without the need for screens or ink preparation can offset the cost, DTG inks can be more expensive than traditional screen printing inks.. This makes DTG printing cost-effective for short runs and one-off designs.
7. Maintenance and Storage
Proper maintenance of your DTG printer and ink system is crucial for consistent print quality. To avoid clogs and print issues, a cool, dry place should be used to store DTG inks, and they should be used before their expiration date.
8 .Conclusion
DTG inks play a crucial role in the Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing process, providing versatility, environmental benefits, and high-quality prints. By understanding the various types of DTG inks, their compatibility with different fabrics, and the maintenance requirements, businesses can fully leverage the potential of DTG printing for custom apparel production.
To ensure optimal results, always consult your ink supplier or print manufacturer. They should be your go-to resource for all questions and technical support.
9. Wanna learn more?
Have a look at our DTG printing online course for more info on DTG printing business and t-shirt design. Also, you will find lots of useful information, for free, in our YouTube channel.
10. DTGMerch Online Courses:
Check out this online course that might help you: How to Put Your Art on a t-shirt. In this online course, we will talk about which file formats are suitable for the different t-shirt printing methods.
And that’s about it!
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Thank you for taking the time to read this, and we wish you all the best!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of water based pigment ink. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The DTGMerch Team