Why Custom Apparel Businesses Should Switch from DTG to DTF to Boost Growth
Have you been thinking about upgrading to DTF printing for 2026? Maybe you’re coming from DTG or another printing method.
Either way, we bet the idea of making the switch to DTF has crossed your mind more than once.
The Internal Struggle: Sometimes, we’re our own biggest obstacle. Deep down, we know it’s time to upgrade our apparel decorating equipment. We know switching from DTG to DTF is the smart play. 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 the perfect solution will 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. The change we need won’t come knocking on its own. 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 overanalyzing every little detail.
That’s exactly what this article is here to do. Think of it as your bridge to transition from DTG to DTF with as little friction as possible.
DTF vs. DTG Printing: What They Are and How They Work
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Quick poll: On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you know about DTF and DTG printing? If you’re above a 5, feel free to skip ahead. If not, stick around—this refresher might just highlight something you missed!
What is DTG Printing?
DTG stands for "Direct-to-Garment" printing. The name says it all: specialized inkjet technology sprays water-based inks directly onto textiles.
DTG is ideal for:
- Smaller print runs (1-100 garments).
- Custom one-offs.
- Designs with high detail and gradients.
What can you print on? Cotton is king here. While it can handle some blends, DTG is primarily for t-shirts and hoodies made of natural fibers.
How DTG Works (Simplified):
1. Pretreatment: The garment is sprayed with a bonding agent (crucial for dark shirts).
2. Printing: The garment is mounted on a platen, and ink is sprayed directly into the fibers.
3. Curing: A heat press cures the wet ink to set the design.
DTG has been a staple for years because of its "Green Benefits":
- 🌱 Minimal Waste: Ink is only applied where needed.
- 💧 Water-Based Inks: Less harmful than solvent or plastisol inks.
- ⚡ Energy Efficiency: Generally consumes less power than massive screen print setups.
What is DTF Printing? (The Upgrade)
DTF stands for “Direct-to-Film” printing. While it shares two letters with DTG, they are like brothers from different mothers—similar, but one has evolved.
DTF involves printing your artwork onto a special PET transfer film, which is then transferred onto the material using a heat press.
Here is the Game-Changer: Unlike DTG, which requires you to bring the shirt to the printer, DTF lets you print the transfer now and press it later (or sell the transfer itself!).
It outperforms traditional methods in:
🚀 Speed | 👁️ Image Quality | 💪 Durability | 💰 Cost-Effectiveness
How does DTF printing work?
▶ Watch: The DTF Process in Action
- Design Creation: Create your digital art (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
- Printing onto Film: The printer applies CMYK + White ink to the PET film.
- Powdering: An adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink.
- Curing/Baking: The film is heated to melt the powder.
- Transfer: Heat press the film onto the garment.
- Peel: Remove the film to reveal the design.
You can read more about the deep-dive DTF process by clicking here.
✅ Why Switch? The Major Benefits of DTF
1. Unmatched Versatility
Cotton, nylon, polyester, treated leather, silk, 50/50 blends—DTF sticks to almost anything. DTG struggles heavily outside of cotton.
2. NO Pre-Treatment
Forget the spray bottle or the pre-treat machine. DTF eliminates this step entirely, making production faster and easier.
3. Profit Portability
You can stack thousands of printed transfers in a drawer. Sell them to other shops, take them to a live event and press on-site, or ship them globally. You cannot do that with DTG.
Limitations of DTG for Growing Businesses
DTG had its time. But if you are trying to scale, you have likely hit these walls:
- Fabric Constraints: "Sorry, I can't print on that polyester jersey."
- Placement Limits: Printing on a sleeve or a hat with DTG is a logistical nightmare.
- Vibrancy Issues: Getting a bright white or neon on a dark shirt takes a lot of ink and time.
*** Note, prices, details, and specials subject to change without notice..
How Incorporating DTF Enhances Business Growth
You’ve asked yourself, "Will this enable me to do more?"
The answer is a resounding YES.
🔥 Expand Your Catalog: Don't just sell shirts. Sell backpacks, hats, koozies, and corporate gear that DTG can't touch.
💰 Increase Margins: Lower ink costs + no pre-treat liquid + faster production = higher profit per hour.
🤝 Say "Yes" More Often: When a customer asks for a logo on a weird location or a synthetic fabric, you don't have to turn them away.
Spotlight on ColDesi DTF Printers
If you’ve made it this far, you know it's time to move. You are looking for the right machine.
The ColDesi line of DigitalHeat FX DTF printers has been rigorously tested with hundreds of production hours. We don't just sell them; we support them.
Ready to Upgrade?
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Or, if you want to keep learning, check out our resources:
Read the 2026 Buyer's GuideContinue growing your DTF knowledge with detailed explainers, guides, articles, video demonstrations, and podcasts.
