DTF Printers vs. Inkjet Printers: All You Need To Know!

Printers are essential in modern times and are used in homes and businesses. As a crafter, it’s important to understand different types of printers depending on the project you have in mind. This is where the dilemma kicks in, especially for DIY crafters and small businesses involved in personalized items.

Crafters are torn between the time-tested Inkjet printers and the new printing technology, DTF Printers. It’s like choosing between your reliable old car and a new electric car on the market. Both will get you where you’re going, but the driving experience will be different.

This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers and Inkjet printers. We’ll cover their functionality, applications, pros, and cons so that you can decide which is ideal for your project. Let’s have a look!

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers started becoming popular in 2022 and many assumed the custom printing industry was going to revolutionize. On the other hand, Inkjet printers have been popular for a very long time and it’s considered a time-tested technology. However, to better understand the differences between DTF and Inkjet printers, we have to analyze them from two distinct angles:

1. From the point of an excited optimist, DTF printers are ideal because they’re finally available at reasonable prices. They also enable on-demand and one-off custom garments so it makes sense that most crafters will be interested in having such a printer. The lifespan of inkjet printers in the custom garments industry will soon be cut short.

2. From the point of view of a sober evaluator, DTF printers are emerging technologies that are great in the right hands but not quite ready for prime time in most custom garment shops. These printers are perfect for certain jobs but they will not conquer the industry and replace existing printers. By comparison, Inkjet printers are here to stay as they have been for a long time.

With such a range of opinions, some practical questions need to be answered such as:

DTF printing is commonly used in the garment industry to decorate items. The DTF printer applies ink to a film that is made out of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). An adhesive is then applied to the print before it’s cured under high temperatures. Because the curing is done under high temperatures, the PET film can be stored for very long periods without the print losing its quality.

DTF printers are designed for textile printing because they’re able to bring out detailed and vibrant images and texts on both dark and light fabrics. However, they require a specific setup with compatible inks, film, and adhesive powder.

A DTF printer works like a normal printer but it uses a high-quality adhesive so that the prints can be fasted to a garment. Most DTF printers have a powder-based adhesive which crafters use to determine the hand-feel of their prints depending on the decoration they’re working with. For instance, a crafter can decide to use either a glossy, matter or even softer adhesive depending on the application and the material of the garment.

The good thing is, DTF printers can be used to apply prints to almost anything that can withstand heat and pressure. 

You are most likely to find DTF printers in small businesses that specialize in custom apparel. Crafting enthusiasts also prefer using DTF printers when creating unique fabric projects because of the precision involved. Large-scale textile producers also use DTF printers in their production process.

DTF printing is very flexible and can be used in many applications such as:

• T-shirts, Hoodies, and Tote bags among other common garments.

• Hand-to-print surfaces, jeans, and nylons.

• Athletic apparels.

• Leather items.

Some of the Advantages of DTF Printers include:

Some of the Disadvantages of DTF Printers include:

Inkjet printers have been around for ages. They work by printing your designs on special paper that you can use to transfer the images and texts onto fabrics using a hot iron or heat press. These printers are typically designed for paper; however, they can be adapted for other creative uses with minor modifications or specialized print media such as printable vinyl or sublimation paper. 

Inkjet printers spray microscopic droplets of ink directly onto surfaces and depending on the media, the ink can be heated or allowed to dry naturally.

Inkjet printers are very popular in the market because of their simplicity and accessibility. Anyone with an inkjet printer and a heat press can easily jump into the world of custom T-shirt designs. Inkjet printers are ideal for quick DIY projects involving garment decoration. Other than their usage in custom projects such as sublimation transfers, inkjet printers are used in everyday printing needs at home and businesses.

Some of the advantages of Inkjet Printers include:

Some of the Disadvantages of Inkjet Printers include:

Deciding between having a DTF printer or an Inkjet printer is not just about picking a side. It all comes down to comparing the two, outlining the differences, and deciding which best suits your creative project.

Let’s dive in and compare these two printers across several factors:

Purchasing an Inkjet Printer is affordable and readily available in the market. The setup costs are relatively low but you might spend more on transfer papers in your custom project.

On the other hand, DTF printers are quite expensive. You’re going to spend a good amount during the initial stage because you’ll need to purchase the powder adhesive and other consumables.

However, when you break down the costs involved and the potential savings one gets from each printer for your small business, you’ll realize DTF printers are cost-effective in the long run. Despite the high initial setup costs of DTF printers, the price per print is lower. As your business scales up, you can be able to handle large volumes within a short time leading to significant savings over time.

No crafter or customer will want the designs to fade away after a few washes. DTF printers are the best for durable prints that can stand many washes with little to no fading. DTF printers bring out the vibrancy in each color with sharp images wash after wash.

With each new technology comes a new learning curve. Using Inkjet printers can be quite simple because they’re easily accessible but also mastering how DTF printers work can open up a new world of opportunities. It can take you approximately some hours a day to learn the basics of operating an Inkjet printer. And within days to a week, you’ll have known almost all the functions of the printer.

However, for DTF printers, it can take you some weeks to be a pro at it. There are some skills you must master for you to successfully set up and operate a DTF printer.

Do not let the learning curve of DTF printers discourage you because understanding its functions will provide a solid background of knowing which printer will be best for a certain design. You’ll be able to align your aspirations with the quality you want for your customers.

DTF printers are the best for DIY custom items such as T-shirts. Looking back on the differences between the two printers, DTF printers stand out for compelling reasons. They offer quality prints with detailed accuracy which is important in bringing creating visions to life. 

DTF printing offers incredible versatility because the printers can be used to print on any surface that can withstand heat. This versatility is what most DIY crafters and businesses like because they can now use different types of designs in their custom projects.

The sea of custom apparel printing is not only about your creativity but also about having the right tools and techniques to unlock a universe of possibilities for your imagination. With a DTF printer as your compass, you are guaranteed to have smooth navigation in the industry even as new trends emerge. When you’re armed with the right tips and tools, even as a first-time user you can be able to come up with professional-quality prints in no time.

Ultimately, your choice depends on the specific needs of the project. You decide to go with DTF printers for professional garment production or Inkjet printers for all-around versatility with occasional crafting. This guide has provided you with all the important information to inform your decision on which printer will be best for your crafting projects.

Remember your next custom project could be the start of a rewarding adventure inspired by your creativity and vision. Share your experience with DTF printers and Inkjet printers so that we can inform more crafters. We wish you a Happy crafting time!