Why Switch from DTG to DTF for Apparel Growth in 2025

05 Jun.,2025

 

Why Switch from DTG to DTF for Apparel Growth in

Have you been thinking about upgrading to DTF printing lately? Maybe you’re coming from DTG or another printing method.

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Either way, we bet the idea of making the switch to DTF has crossed your mind more than once.

Sometimes, we’re our own biggest obstacle—we get in our own way.

Deep down, we know it’s time to upgrade our apparel decorating equipment. We know switching from DTG to DTF is the right thing to do.

Yet, we hesitate.

Why? What’s holding us back?

Are we waiting for a sign? A miracle? A stroke of luck? Maybe we’re hoping it’ll just show up on our doorstep one day?

Sure, that would be great—who doesn’t love free stuff? But that’s just wishful thinking on our part.

The change we need won’t come knocking on its own. It won’t walk through the door. It’s on us to make it happen!

The good news? Often, all it takes to get out of our own way is a subtle shift in thinking—letting go of overthinking and overanalyzing every little detail.

And that’s exactly what this article is here to help with. Think of it as your first step—a bridge that will help you transition from DTG to DTF with as little friction as possible.

On this page (and during our time together), we’ll explore DTF from just about every angle. We’ll start by giving you a basic overview of DTG and DTF printing. Then, we’ll dive into fabric limitations and production constraints of DTG printing, so you can see exactly how DTF printers overcome these challenges.

But that’s just the beginning. We’ll also discuss how adding a DTF printer to your customization business can set you up for growth right from day one.

Finally, we’ll shine a spotlight on ColDesi DTF printers and provide links to educational resources, how-to articles, video demonstrations, and where to buy one.

We hope you’re as excited to read this guide as we were to put it together.

Let’s get started!

DTF is short for “direct-to-film” printing. If the acronym sounds familiar, it’s because two of the three letters overlap with DTG (direct-to-garment) printing. This similarity can make it easy to confuse the two. Once you get your head around it, you’ll see that they’re like two brothers from different mothers—similar but not quite the same.

As the name suggests, DTF involves printing your artwork (using water-based pigment inks) onto a special PET (polyethylene terephthalate) transfer film, which is then transferred onto the material using a heat press.

That’s where the ‘direct-to-film’ name comes from.

DTF is a new and improved technology in the custom apparel and product decoration industry, and one of its most notable advantages is its versatility. Unlike traditional methods, DTF allows you to press transfers immediately, store them for later use, or even sell them to other decorators, offering you flexibility that was previously unavailable.

Imagine adding a logo or image to a t-shirt or hoodie. While there are many ways to do this, DTF printing is one of the newest and most exciting methods.

Before DTF, decorators primarily relied on traditional methods such as screen printing, white toner printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and embroidery to apply designs to products. While these methods were effective, they each had limitations.

However, times have changed, and it’s all about DTF now. It far outperforms traditional printing methods in pretty much every area: image quality, speed, durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness over the long term.

Interestingly, the process behind DTF printing is quite similar to that of white toner printing and even DTG printing, especially if you’ve worked with DTF transfers before. This means decorators familiar with these methods will find the transition to DTF seamless.

Let’s walk through the process to give you a solid understanding of how it works.

If you’ve made it this far, your wallet’s already out, and your credit card’s in hand.

You’re just waiting for us to point you to the DTF printer that’s worth your money and meets your specific needs.

Well, here it is. In this section, we’re shining the spotlight on the ColDesi line of DigitalHeat FX DTF (Direct-to-Film) printers.

The company is the world’s best dtf textile pigment ink supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Each of the printers on this list has undergone rigorous testing with hundreds of production hours logged. Over the years, these models have been continuously refreshed and updated to deliver nothing but the best.

So, take your time to go through each one of them. Learn about the many similarities and differences that make them special in their own right. After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time together.

Once you’ve made up your mind, put yourself forward! At the bottom of this page, you’ll see a quick form. Just fill it out with a few basics—your name, contact info, and the printer you’re interested in—and hit “send.”

After that, a product specialist will reach out to you directly to answer any questions, go over the details, and help you finalize your order.

If you’d like some time to think it over, we’ve made it easy for you to further your knowledge about this technology at your own pace, in one place!

You’ll find a variety of resources—articles to read, videos to watch, and demonstrations to follow—all conveniently gathered in one spot for you.

When you’re ready, simply come back, and we’ll be here for you!

See you on the other side!

1. Discover the Best DTF Ink for Your Printing Needs

   
Discover the Best DTF Ink for Your Printing Needs

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is gaining popularity for custom apparel, promotional products, and textile printing. One of the key factors in successful DTF printing is choosing the right DTF ink. The right ink can significantly impact print quality, durability, and production efficiency. In this blog, we’ll guide you on what makes a good DTF ink and help you choose the best option for your printing needs.

What is DTF Ink?

DTF ink is designed for Direct-to-Film printing. It prints designs onto a transfer film, which is then applied to the material (like fabric) with heat and pressure. These inks are water-based and bond well with various materials, offering vibrant colors, durability, and precision.

Why Choosing the Right Direct-to-Film Ink is Important

Choosing the right Direct-to-Film ink is crucial for several reasons:

  • Vibrant Colors: High-quality inks ensure rich, true-to-life colors.
  • Durability: Good ink resists fading, cracking, and peeling.
  • Compatibility: The ink must work with your printer, transfer films, and heat press.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Some inks provide more prints per cartridge, saving money in the long run.

Key Features to Look for in Direct-to-Film Ink

  1. Ink Quality
    High-quality ink delivers vibrant, crisp prints with high pigment density. It ensures your design stands out.

  2. Ink Adhesion
    Good adhesion helps the ink bond with both the transfer film and the material, keeping the design intact after transfer.

  3. Color Vibrancy
    Look for inks that offer a wide color range and vibrant hues, especially for detailed designs.

  4. Drying Time
    Faster drying inks improve production efficiency and reduce smudging.

  5. Environmental Impact
    Eco-friendly, water-based inks reduce environmental harm and avoid harmful chemicals.

The Best Direct-to-Film Ink Brands to Consider

  1. Insta Graphic Direct-to-Film Ink
    Insta Graphic offers high-quality inks with vibrant colors, excellent adhesion, and long-lasting results. These inks work well with various films and heat presses.

  2. Mutoh DTF Ink
    Mutoh inks provide excellent color accuracy, fast drying, and strong bonding to both the film and fabric. Ideal for high-volume production.

  3. Epson Direct-to-Film Ink
    Epson’s Direct-to-Film ink delivers superior print quality and exceptional vibrancy. It’s known for reliable performance on various materials.

  4. Atexco Direct-to-Film Ink
    Atexco offers cost-effective Direct-to-Film ink with consistent color reproduction and long-lasting results.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Direct-to-Film Ink for Your Business

When choosing Direct-to-Film ink, consider ink quality, color vibrancy, drying time, and environmental impact. The right ink will produce vibrant, durable prints and be compatible with your printer and heat press machine. Test different brands to find the best match for your business needs. With the right ink, you’ll create high-quality, long-lasting prints that help your business grow.

1. What is Direct-to-Film ink?
Direct-to-Film ink is a type of ink used in Direct-to-Film printing. It prints designs onto a transfer film, which is then applied to fabrics or other materials using heat and pressure. The ink provides vibrant colors, durability, and precision.

2. Why is Direct-to-Film ink important for printing?
Choosing the right Direct-to-Film ink ensures vibrant prints, long-lasting results, and smooth production. High-quality Direct-to-Film ink improves color accuracy, adhesion, and durability on different materials.

3. What are the benefits of Direct-to-Film ink?
Direct-to-Film ink offers several advantages, including:

  • Vibrant and consistent colors
  • Durable prints resistant to cracking and peeling
  • Fast drying time
  • Compatibility with various materials like fabrics, leather, and synthetic blends

    4. How does Direct-to-Film ink differ from other printing inks?
    Direct-to-Film ink is specifically formulated for Direct-to-Film printing. Unlike traditional inks, it bonds well with both the transfer film and the material, ensuring high-quality prints. It’s more versatile than methods like DTG (Direct-to-Garment) or screen printing.

    5. Can Direct-to-Film ink be used for all types of fabrics?
    Yes, Direct-to-Film ink works on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, leather, and more. It is particularly effective for printing on dark textiles and synthetic fabrics, which can be challenging for other printing methods.

    For more dtg inkinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.