Which is more expensive DTF or DTG?
DTF vs. DTG Printing – Which Is More Affordable for Small Businesses?
When you’re starting or scaling a small apparel business, one of the biggest questions is: Which printing method saves me money—DTF or DTG? Both are popular, but their costs, speed, and long-term profitability differ dramatically. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your shop.
💡 What Is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing sprays water-based ink directly onto fabric. It’s known for producing highly detailed, photorealistic prints—but it comes with some major limitations.
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Works best only on 100% cotton
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Requires pretreatment spray and curing before pressing
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High white-ink usage makes dark garments costly
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Each shirt must be printed one at a time
While DTG is excellent for small, detailed orders, it can be very expensive for bulk printing.
🎨 What Is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing uses a printer to print designs on special film, which is then coated with adhesive powder and heat-cured. The transfer is later pressed onto apparel.
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Works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and more
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No pretreatment required
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Designs can be stored for later use
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Multiple designs can be printed on one gang sheet for efficiency
For small businesses, this means lower cost, faster turnaround, and more versatility.
📊 DTF vs. DTG: Cost Breakdown
| Factor | DTF Printing | DTG Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Lower (few thousand) | High ($15K – $250K+) |
| Per-Print Cost | Low (cheap ink + gang sheets) | High (expensive inks, pretreatment) |
| Fabric Compatibility | Works on most fabrics | Works best on 100% cotton |
| Bulk Efficiency | Excellent – print & store transfers | Poor – must print directly each time |
| Maintenance | Moderate | High (white ink clogs, cleaning daily) |
✅ Verdict: DTF is far more affordable and scalable for small businesses.
🏆 Why Small Businesses Prefer DTF
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Lower Cost Per Print – Maximize profits with cheap, high-quality transfers.
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Flexibility – Works on more fabric types than DTG.
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Bulk Advantage – Use gang sheets to print multiple designs at once.
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Fast Turnaround – Same-day production with ready-to-press transfers.
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Less Maintenance – Save time and costs on upkeep.
📍 Local & Nationwide Service
At Blind Dog Graphics, we provide:
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Same-Day Pickup in Pineville, Alexandria, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
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Nationwide Shipping so you can grow your brand anywhere in the USA.
🔗 Get Started Today with DTF Printing
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✅ Contact Us for bulk pricing