Are you a novice or seasoned in the apparel printing industry? Or are you ambitious to enter this dynamic world? Whatever your case, you’ve probably come across DTF and screen printing.
These two printing techniques are widely employed in the industry. They apply ink on fabric but do it very differently.
Here, we’ll examine these two printing processes in depth. We’ll compare DTF and screen printing in differing dimensions, like material flexibility. Lastly, we’ll promptly explain why DTF printing is suitable for long-term business growth.
Let’s commence.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
DTF Printing Explained
DTF, short for Direct-to-Film printing, is a printing process that has been swiftly surging in popularity over recent years.
It involves printing the design directly onto a specific film. The design is then transferred to the garment from the film via a heat press.
This printing process necessitates a specialized PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film with a coating that aids in transferring designs. It also requires a DTF printer and a heat press.
With DTF, you can create vibrant, full-color, high-quality prints on various fabrics. Some of these encompass:
- Cotton
- Fleece
- Polyester
- Dark-colored garments
How DTF Printing Works
You now know the key concept regarding this ever-popular printing technique. It’s pivotal to grasp how this printing process works to understand its capabilities better. The following are its vital steps:
Step 1: Creation of design
The process commences with the creation or preparation of a digital design. That’s done via graphic design software.
Step 2: Printing on PET film
In the next step, the design is printed on a unique transparent PET film using water-based inks. The film is coated to permit the inks to adhere appropriately.
Step 3: Adhesive powder application
An adhesive powder layer is applied to the printed design while the ink is wet. This adhesive powder is pivotal in bonding the design to the fabric. It can rightfully be called a bonding agent.
Step 4: Curing
The powdered design is cured using heat afterward. It melts the powder and leads to a stable transfer.
Step 5: DTF Transfer
The last step is the DTF transfer process. Here, the cured design is positioned on the desirable fabric or garment (e.g., a T-shirt). It’s then heat-pressed to perform the transfer and permanently bond the design.
Pros and Cons of DTF Printing
Such a printing procedure has its share of pros and cons. Some noteworthy ones are:
Pros
- It brings about high-quality and vivid prints with superb color reproduction.
- When it comes to fabrics, this printing technology is exceptionally versatile. Whether it’s polyester, cotton, blends or moisture-wicking fabrics, DTF can easily handle them all.
- You can handle fine lines, gradients, and complex designs with DTF.
- DTF can produce durable images that can withstand wear and tear. Typically, they can hold up to over 50 washes. It’s given that the garment is appropriately taken care of.
- Such a printing method results in diminished waste compared to other printing methods. Additionally, varied DTF inks are water-based and comparatively more eco-friendly than conventional plastisol inks.
Cons
- Such printing technology necessitates investing in specialized equipment. That encompasses PET films, DTF printers and adhesive powders. This setup can lead to greater initial expenses than other techniques.
- Routine maintenance and specific technical knowledge are imperative for operating DTF printers. Without appropriate maintenance, problems like print head clogging may arise.
- Such a printing technique can produce fumes from the inks. Appropriate ventilation is necessary for a safer operating environment.
Probing Screen Printing
Screen Printing Basics
Screen printing is also known as silkscreen printing. This technique has been a staple in the printing industry throughout the ages.
In this printing procedure, ink is applied to a surface via a mesh screen holding a stencil. The stencil allows the accurate placement of ink in particular areas, making a printed image.
This method gives your prints desirable texture and thickness. As you can see, it works efficiently on diverse fabrics like denim, cotton, etc., which is a source of long lifespan and consistent prints.
Moreover, such printing typically suits those business owners requiring bulk orders in less time.
Steps in Screen Printing
It involves designing by applying ink via a screen or stencil onto the material. The process comprises the following pivotal steps:
Step 1: Making the design and separating into color layers
The desirable design is initially made. It’s then separated into differing color layers. Note that every color necessitates a distinct screen.
Step 2: Transfer color layers onto every screen
The screens are then coated with light-sensitive emulsion, and the separated layers of color are transferred on every screen via a photographic procedure.
Step 3: Hardening of screens
The emulsion-coated screens harden on light exposure. That’s except where the design transferred.
Step 4: Placement of the material onto the printing press
The material (i.e., a T-shirt) is next positioned onto the printing press. You need to carry out alignment to ascertain precise color registration.
Step 5: Application of ink
In applying the ink, the worker coats the screen’s top and then uses a squeegee to push the ink onto the material through the screen.
The worker redoes this procedure for every color layer.
Step 6: Curing of ink
The operator then passes the printed material through a dryer. The goal is to cure the ink and make it permanent.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Screen Printing
Now, let’s dig into some strengths and weaknesses of this widely adopted printing procedure. These are:
Strengths
- Its thick and strong inks result in designs that bear more stress. That’s a source of more durable prints.
- Such a printing process is renowned for printing bold designs such as text and logos. It’s precisely when only some colors are required, making it ideal for T-shirt printing.
- It’s incredibly effectual and cost-efficient for bulk orders and large-scale projects. That’s particularly true when businesses require greater amounts of printed garments with identical designs.
- It can be used on varying materials (apart from fabric), including glass, wood, metal, etc.
Weaknesses
- In such a technique, a distinct screen should be created for each color in a design. That makes it pricier and less efficient for small orders.
- The conventional plastisol inks employed in such a process can damage the environment. It’s especially true if not correctly disposed of.
- Its setup procedure can be labor-intensive. That makes the printing process less suitable for small runs.
- Such a technique isn’t ideal for multi-colored and highly detailed artwork.
DTF Printing vs. Screen Printing
Let’s see how both printing procedures differ in some noteworthy aspects. That will help you to decide better. These aspects are:
Quality and Precision
DTF printing can produce brilliant, high-quality prints with precise details. Its digital nature allows you to print full-color images, designs, and detailed graphics.
The inks in this technique don’t penetrate the fabric, resulting in a precise print. It can handle gradients and fine lines easily, allowing for the printing of complex designs.
In contrast, screen printing is better suited for bold prints with a textured feel. This method is worthwhile if you have a simple design or text, but it can’t always match the precise details of DTF printing.
Although it can produce vibrant, high-quality prints, it is better to limit the colors. Screen printing necessitates distinct screens for every color within the design.
Color Brightness
As you can see, screen printing shines in color brightness for solid-color designs. Yet, it’s not the ideal fit for designs that necessitate intricate color gradients.
Yet DTF printing employs the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) color mode. It also incorporates a white base ink. That aids in boosting color brightness and allows designs to pop.
That further gives detailed color variations in full-color prints, irrespective of the fabric material.
Material Flexibility
One of the substantial advantages of DTF printing is its material flexibility. You can see that it can adapt to a wide range of substrates. Some prominent ones comprise:
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Such blends
- Nylon
- Silk
- Leather
- Wood
- Metal
While versatile, screen printing occasionally struggles with synthetic materials or stretchy fabrics. In simple terms, it can be used to print on flat surfaces. Some examples include:
- Classic textiles, i.e., cotton, polyester, and blends
- Glass
- Metal
- Plastic
Longevity
Both DTF and screen prints can be durable and long-lasting when cared for properly. As stated before, DTF prints can endure several washes without substantial cracking or fading.
On the other hand, screen prints can be very lasting. Yet, it can crack with time owing to thicker ink layers.
Yet, factors like material quality and application technique can impact longevity. You can also follow proper caring methods (like evading high heat and washing inside out). That aids in prolonging the longevity of any printed garment.
Speed and Workflow
DTF printing can provide swifter turnaround times. That is especially true for small and medium-sized orders. It also applies to designs with several colors since it prints all colors simultaneously.
It also requires less setup time and is comparatively easier to learn. That’s great if you are starting your own business.
This is typically not the case with screen printing. That’s because it necessitates more time to make screens and dry between every color layer, and thus, it takes more time to create multi-color designs.
Pricing Factors
As you see, DTF printing can be expensive. That’s because it requires equipment and consumables that include the following:
- A good DTF printer
- Specialized films
- DTF inks
- Special adhesives
- High-quality T-shirts (or any garment for printing) and more
Thus, the initial investment for such printing can be higher (approaching around $50K or more).
In contrast, you can commence with a lesser investment for screen printing (around $1-3K). That can include:
- Screen
- Inks
- Squeegee
- Products you aim to sell, e.g., T-shirts and canvas.
Screen printing can necessitate more equipment for larger orders. That can substantially drive up expenses.
Why DTF Printing Suits Long-Term Business Growth
Earlier, we compared DTF and screen printing regarding varying aspects. DTF is evolving as a favorite among businesses, especially those concerned with custom apparel.
That’s owing to its high-quality results and versatility. It further gives you the capability to achieve long-term business growth.
Here are some paramount reasons why such printing is a strong option for your business:
1. Flexibility and Range
As previously stated, such printing provides high-quality, fantastic, and vibrant prints. It will provide you with long-lasting and detailed designs.
Yet the boon is that it works on different garment materials. That encompasses cotton, nylon, leather, polyester, blends, and dark and light fabrics. It can even be applied to other surfaces like metal and glass.
With such a method, you can pick out varied products like T-shirts, pillows, hoodies, hats, etc. Thus, you can broaden your inventory by applying designs to varying merchandise.
Moreover, this process is adaptable to large-scale and small-scale production of such products, resulting in flexible selection for businesses of all sizes.
2. Lower Costs in the Long Run
DTF printing can have higher upfront costs than conventional printing methods, but it has no setup costs.
Such a printing method also eliminates the requirement for screen preparation or complex setups. In contrast, screen printing may involve ongoing screens and equipment maintenance expenses.
That implies that DTF is more cost-effective for small-batch production in the long term. All this makes such a printing technique budget-friendly in the long run.
Thus, businesses can aim to attain greater profits and economic growth through this technique.
3. Ideal for Scaling Operations
Such printing is fitting for both small and broad-scale production. Its scalability makes it an attractive selection for businesses of differing sizes.
Let’s consider this printing process on a small scale. It lets you print single items or smaller batches. That’s great for custom orders or limited-edition production runs. That implies that there is no minimal number of orders for such printing.
Small businesses can fully exploit their swift turnaround time. That lets them fulfill orders effectually and quickly.
Let’s also consider such printing technology for large-scale production. Businesses can easily add more DTF printers to boost output on elevated demand. Such printing is a source of consistent results across larger batches. That ascertains quality control in greater volume production.
DTF is more cost-effective than screen printing, especially for large-scale multi-color designs. It also generates less waste, which is pivotal for businesses concerned with sustainability.
