From Screen Printing to DTF: How Technology is Changing the Game 

I sell DTF transfers among another things and I just got into screen printing because nothing beats screen printing. It has been around for a very long time and it isn’t going anywhere. The one issue I have with DTF is the color range in the CMYK color gamut. Even if you add 8 colors and white, you will still struggle to match colors. Not to mention Pantone color matching is harder with DTF (or digital printing modalities) as the white ink is used for the under base and does not impact the color. Having both methods is a good thing because you are able to provide the best services to those customers who just don’t trust DTF or heat transfers in general. I also want to add, most of the DTF transfer companies selling transfers for dirt cheap are using the cheapest consumables so the customers really get what they pay for. I spend a decent amount of change on my consumables to make sure my customers get the best product that will last the longest. I can’t count how many times we have been told our transfers are better than the big box names. Don’t aim to be the cheapest. Aim to have the best product and the customers will come.

The internet is not good about keeping business models and trade secrets. DTF has definitely impacted screen printed goods and demand for S P equipment. Here are the problems. Consumers are bypassing the traditional t-shirt shops and buying just the transfers directly and heat pressing at home. People use to complain about garage screen printing shop, now we have a transfer press in the house and many wholesale transfer sites selling directly to the consumer (your customers). No overhead costs to do this.

Every method definitely has its time and place. I always felt like DTF was looked down on as a small shop thing. Glad to see big shops are using them as well in this way. What temperature do you find works best for your application?

Do you agree with the video conclusion on screen printing and digital printing?