What Are the Key Advantages of Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?

If you’re in the process of figuring out which printed method will suit your print project, you may have come across terms like DTF or direct to film printing. So, what is it and how does it differ to the other options out there and why should you choose DTF over the other techniques? This will depend on a few different factors which we’ll dive into!

Understanding Direct to Film (DTF) Printing

This method involves printing on a layer of specialty film with eco water-based ink. It begins with printing the coloured image first which is followed by a white underbase, this helps to increase the vibrancy of the colours when pressed onto fabric. The next step is to cover the back of the print with an adhesive powder which is then cured by heat using the internal oven. Once this has come out the other side of the DTF machine and is all set, our print team will cut up the multiple designs that have been laid out on a sheet of film and then we are ready to get pressing!

The adhesive powder is what reacts with heat and adheres it onto the garment you’ve chosen. We allow the print to cool for a moment before we peel back the film to reveal the result. This is then pressed one more time to ensure adhesion, durability, and longevity.

Advantages of Direct to Film (DTF) Printing for Your Custom Apparel

The result of direct to film printing is considered as the middle ground between direct to garment (DTG-digital/CMYK inks) and screen print (Pantone inks).

The colours produced in DTG prints can vary due to garment fabrication/brand and are limited to cotton only garments (as is the nature of this method). With DTF printing there is more consistency in the result because of the way it’s printed on film first and more flexibility in the material that it can be pressed on. When we quickly compare it to screen print, DTF allows you to reproduce complex designs with multiple colours without additional fees whereas screen print is limited by the artwork colours as it adds to the set-up costs.

Specific Placements

Choosing where to press your design is only limited by your imagination and the palette size (and seam allowances). DTF is the most flexible method of printing since we can place and manoeuvre your garment and art to exactly where you want it.

This superior adaptability arises because designs are first printed onto a transferable film, not directly onto the fabric. This key difference allows for pinpoint accurate application of your artwork onto typically challenging areas such as structured cap panels, directly over existing seams or even for creating internal neck labels.

For Brisbane businesses aiming for distinctive branding, this means your logo can feature prominently on unconventional items like umbrellas or custom-shaped fabric keyrings, where direct printing methods would face significant struggles. This ability to precisely apply detailed graphics to such a wide array of surfaces truly empowers more creative and memorable merchandise strategies.

Colour Reproduction and Quality

DTF gives you the freedom to create multi-colour designs and retain fine detail when printed. You’ll see nothing but vibrant colours and crisp lines with this method if you follow the artwork guidelines.

A key to this exceptional output is the opaque white ink underbase, which makes colours brilliantly vivid, especially across dark textiles where other methods might lose punch. Additionally, printing first onto the transfer film means even the most intricate lines and delicate text are captured with remarkable sharpness, free from fabric-induced blurring.

This consistent colour fidelity across diverse fabric types and colours within a single order is invaluable, ensuring your brand appears uniformly professional whether on cotton tees for a relaxed gathering or on durable polyester workwear for a project in Brisbane.

Final Texture/Hand-Feel

With those who are particular about hand feel, DTF produces a smooth result compared to DTG. Similar to screen print but a little bit different. DTF print feels surprisingly lightweight and flexible, almost becoming one with the fabric, preserving more of the garment’s natural drape and softness than some traditional, heavier print applications.

This characteristic is particularly beneficial for apparel intended for the Australian climate, as the print generally interferes less with the fabric’s natural breathability compared to thicker, less permeable prints, enhancing comfort even on items with larger design coverage. As such, it’s an excellent choice for fashion-forward brands in Brisbane businesses creating premium promotional wear where a refined, non-intrusive feel against the skin is paramount for the end-user.

Durability and Flexibility

DTF is incredibly durable and will last through wash and wear, perfect for those in industries that require their uniforms to work hard and their branding to work harder. It’s also quite flexible as a print method as it’s not limited to cotton-only materials, can print on light and dark fabrics, and can be applied to a larger range of fabrications such as cotton, polyester, neoprene, fleece, bags, hats and much more. Its exceptional resistance to cracking or peeling is achieved from its specialised inks and adhesive powders. They fuse directly with the fabric’s fibres, creating a strong and flexible bond.

This strong construction makes it possible to endure prolonged use and wash cycles, keeping your branding looking crisp and professional much longer. Consequently, this wide fabric compatibility is a strategic asset, allowing Brisbane businesses to maintain consistent, high-quality branding across an entire range of apparel and promotional items, from performance sportswear to everyday corporate wear and unique accessories.

Cost-Effective For Small to Medium Print Runs

We generally recommend DTF to clients that are looking to enter the merch world or wanting to create their own uniforms who want a good, lasting print result and aren’t able to hit the larger quantities required by screen print to make it cost-effective.
DTF printing bypasses the individual screen setup required for each colour in traditional screen printing, meaning complex, multi-colour designs don’t automatically escalate initial costs.

Meaning that Brisbane businesses or event planners can confidently pilot new designs or create targeted merchandise for specific occasions with minimal upfront risk. It also facilitates greater design diversity within a single project, allowing brands to offer, for instance, multiple colourways or graphic variations across a smaller apparel run without the setup cost for each becoming prohibitive.

What Are the Set-Up Costs?

We do have initial setup fees for DTF. The good news, unlike screen print where you pay for re-set-up of screens, once we have your artwork established, repeat orders attract no additional set-up costs.

When Does DTF Printing Offer the Best Solution?

If you are looking to do a small to medium run of branded merch, prefer the look and feel of screen print but have a detailed/colourful design (or can’t reach the quantities needed to make screen print cost-effective) and want something that is a step up from DTG printing that is durable with a smoother hand-feel, DTF may be the solution for you.

Is DTF Better than DTG or Screen Print?

There is a time and place for every print method, and it also comes down to personal preference. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each one.

If you’re looking for a more consistent result across different fabric types, have a design that is detailed and multi-coloured, and want a similar hand feel to screen print but have lower numbers, DTF is certainly the method for you.

What Are the Disadvantages of DTF?

With artwork that has transparencies, glows, and gradients without a solid colour behind it, it does not replicate how you think it would. The white underbase that goes beneath the coloured print means any part of your image that has a low transparency will appear crackled and mottled once pressed or not appear at all!

DTF also uses CMYK for colour reproduction which means neon’s and super vibrant colours will be converted by our system and this may result in a more pastel version of the colour you see on screen (especially for bright pinks, lime greens, yellows, oranges etc.). This print method also does not offer Pantone colour matching as screen print is the only print method that uses Pantone inks.

The way it’s printed also means the final print result may be felt, depending on how large the design is.

Compared to DTG printing, DTF is more time-consuming and costly as it requires more manual handling and setup and may not as cost-effective as DTG prints.

Maximising Your DTF Print Quality: Artwork & Care Tips

DTF prints are quite resistant to cracking and flaking as long as you follow the care instructions, it can also withstand daily wear and tear and last through frequent washing.

In summary

Direct to film is the optimal choice when you’re looking for a premium print and finish and want to brand a range of garments/items that aren’t created from 100% cotton.