DTG Printer vs DTF Printer: The Ins & Outs

• By Sal Lucchese

⭐ DTG Printer vs DTF Printer: The Ins & Outs — And Why Your Business Should Add Them

In the last few years, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing have exploded in popularity. Embroidery shops, screen-print shops, heat-press users, and brand creators are adopting these machines to expand capabilities, lower production time, and offer services that embroidery alone can’t cover.

If you run an embroidery or apparel business, understanding both DTG and DTF can open doors to higher profits, shorter turnaround times, and completely new customer categories.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know — the differences, setups, maintenance, costs, print quality, and which one is right for your shop.

🔵 What Is a DTG Printer?

A DTG printer applies ink directly to fabric, similar to how an inkjet printer prints on paper. It produces soft-feel prints, perfect for fashion, retail garments, and single-run orders.

✔ Best For:

  • Soft cotton shirts (ring-spun cotton recommended)

  • Fashion brands seeking a soft-touch print

  • Small batches and one-offs

  • High-resolution artwork (photographs, gradients)

✔ Advantages:

  • Softest print feel

  • No transfer film

  • Fast setup for one-offs

  • High color accuracy

  • Eco-friendly water-based inks

❌ Challenges:

  • Works best ONLY on high-cotton fabrics

  • White ink requires constant circulation

  • Higher maintenance (daily head cleanings)

  • Pretreating shirts is required

  • Slower production than DTF

🔶 What Is a DTF Printer?

DTF prints a design onto a PET film, applies powdered adhesive, cures the print, and then heat-presses it onto the garment.

✔ Best For:

  • Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, spandex

  • Hats, totes, hoodies, jackets

  • Large production runs

  • Heat-press shops

  • Embroidery businesses wanting fuller product lines

✔ Advantages:

  • Works on nearly ANY garment or fabric

  • No pretreat required

  • Extreme durability

  • Faster production

  • Can stock pre-printed transfers

  • Easy to train employees

❌ Challenges:

  • Print feel is heavier than DTG

  • Powder curing adds a processing step

  • Ventilation required

  • White ink still needs maintenance

🆚 DTG vs DTF — Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature DTG DTF
Print feel Softest in industry Slightly heavier
Fabric compatibility Best on cotton Works on any fabric
Durability High Extremely high
Small runs Excellent Excellent
Large runs Slower Very fast
Pretreat needed YES No
Maintenance High Medium
Color brights Excellent Very good
Cost to print Moderate Low

💲 What Does It Cost to Add DTG or DTF?

DTG Startup Cost Range:

  • Entry-level: $12,000–$18,000

  • Mid-range: $20,000–$30,000

  • Industrial: $40,000+

DTF Startup Cost Range:

  • Entry-level: $3,000–$6,500

  • Mid-range/roll printers: $8,000–$12,000

  • Industrial: $15,000+

Operating Costs:

DTG

  • Pretreat solution

  • High ink usage on dark shirts

  • Higher maintenance consumables

DTF

  • Film rolls

  • Adhesive powder

  • Ink

  • Powder dryer maintenance

DTF generally has a lower cost per print and fewer material variables.

🧵 Why Embroidery Shops Should Add DTG or DTF

Adding DTG or DTF doesn’t compete with embroidery — it enhances it.

✔ Take orders you currently turn away

  • Photorealistic prints

  • Multi-color prints with no digitizing

  • Polyester performance wear

  • Light jackets and difficult-to-hoop fabrics

✔ Cross-sell: Embroidery + Printing Bundles

Example:

  • Left chest embroidery + full back DTF print

  • Hat embroidery + DTG shirt combos

✔ Offer cheaper, faster options for customers on a budget

Great for family reunions, events, gyms, schools.

✔ No digitizing cost for customers

This removes a sales barrier and increases conversion.

📈 Business Benefits

1. Higher Profit Margins

DTF especially has extremely low consumable cost per print.
Profit margins often exceed 60–80%.

2. Faster Production

No hoops, no bobbins, no backing… prints run fast and smooth.

3. Predictable Quality

Artwork transfers perfectly without push/pull handling.

4. Expand Your Customer Base

  • Streetwear brands

  • Sports teams

  • Schools

  • Corporate identity clients

  • Etsy sellers

5. Drop-Ship & Fulfillment Ready

DTF makes it easy to run an entire fulfillment business with minimal training.

🛠 Maintenance Considerations

DTG:

  • Must run ink daily

  • White ink clogs if not maintained

  • Pretreat improperly = ruined shirts

  • Humidity control required

DTF:

  • White ink agitation

  • Regular head cleanings

  • Powder ventilation needed

  • Clean curing area

DTF is less maintenance-sensitive, but both require consistent care.

⭐ Which One Should You Buy?

Choose DTG if:
✔ You print mostly on cotton
✔ You want the softest print feel
✔ You run small batches with high-detail designs
✔ You want a fashion-forward output

Choose DTF if:
✔ You want to print on ANY garment
✔ You need fast production
✔ You want lower operating costs
✔ You need versatility above all

Most modern shops today start with DTF, then add DTG later.

🧠 Final Thoughts — Why YOU Should Add One Now

Whether you choose DTG or DTF, adding a printing solution gives your embroidery business:

  • New revenue streams

  • Faster turnaround options

  • Higher-ticket bundles

  • Full-service capability

  • Lower dependence on digitizing labor

Embroidery alone leaves money on the table.

DTG and DTF fill the gaps, expand your product range, and make your shop more competitive than ever.

 

Direct-to-Film printing machines

DTF Printing with DTG G4 FREE DTF Transfer Kit Included!

Vision DTG/DTF Printer


 

    Previous Next