DTF Ink vs. DTG Ink: Key Differences Explained - Allprintheads

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

1. Design Printing – The design is printed on a PET transfer film with a DTF printer.
2. Adhesive Powder Application – A special powder is applied to the wet ink.
3. Curing – The film is melted by heat so that the powder becomes sticky.
4. Heat Transfer – The design is pressed onto the fabric using a heat press.
5. Peeling & Finishing – The film peels off to leave a strong, flexible print.

Key Features of DTF Ink

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website SAVEN.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

FIREBIRD Direct-To-Garment (DTG) ink (CMYK) is compatible with Epson(R)-based Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printers. Cure for 60-90 seconds at 345°F with light pressure.

• MAX VIBRANCY – FIREBIRD inks are pigment-optimized to generate high density color prints. GET BOLD!
• LONG LIVE COLOR – Engineered to withstand cold & warm water laundry cycles, keep those beautiful prints looking new with each wash.
• PLUG + PRINT – FIREBIRD inks are colormatched and 100% compatible. Use existing RIP color profiles. No line flushing required when switching over.
• OEM DIRECT – Shipped directly from the manufacturer.
• Made in USA

Compatible With

All American: Neoflex
Anajet:FP-125, Sprint
Belquette: Flexi Jet, MOD1
DTG Brand: Kiosk, Kiosk 2, Kiosk 3, HM1, M2, M4, Viper
Fast T-Jet: TJet (SDT-), TJet 2 (SDT-), TJet 3 (SDT-), Blazer Pro, TJet Jumbo
Free Jet: 330 TX, 500 TX, 700 TX
M&R Digital: i-Dot , i-Dot , M-Link OV1
Melco: FP-125, MelcoJet , Melco G2,  Melco G3,
MS Brand: MS-Zero, MS-One, MS-Two
PolyPrint SA: TexJet, SuperJet
Resolute DTG: RJet- Is, RJet – R4, RJet – R5
Sawgrass: Advantage
Veloci-Jet: Veloci-Jet
MISC: Easy T, Spectra

The Direct-To-Garment Ink – EPSON® DTG Compatible is neither produced nor endorsed by the above listed companies. User assumes liability in using this product. The above listed companies are registered trademarks of the respective companies.

Want more information on DTG Ink For Epson? Feel free to contact us.