April 29, 2025 • 14 mins
This episode breaks down the rise of DTF printing in custom apparel, comparing it to traditional methods like screen printing and DTG. Mark and Mo discuss challenges like print quality, machine reliability, and environmental concerns, while sharing their experiences with costs, market saturation, and customer feedback. Learn what makes DTF both an opportunity and a challenge for apparel businesses today.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Alright, let's talk about how DTF,
(00:02):
or Direct-to-Film printing, has basicallystormed into the custom apparel
market.
I mean, it's everywhere, right?
Yeah,
it's definitely become popular fast.
But, you know,it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
There are some serious trade-offscompared to traditional methods like
(00:23):
screen printing or Direct-to-Garment,
or DTG.
Exactly.
With DTF, yeah, you get vibrant,
detailed designs and flexibility-thoseare,
like, the big selling points, right?
But the minute you start talkingdurability...That's where things get
tricky.
DTF prints can look great out of the gate,
(00:45):
but if proper care hasn't been taken,
or cheap materials get used then,
once they've been washed-or even justworn a bit-issues like peeling
or cracking can show up.
Customers lose trust when that happens.
Yeah,
and it's not rare.
I've seen some mainstream brands use DTF,
(01:05):
and in cases where someone spent goodmoney on customized gear only to
end up with a print that looks like it'sbeen through a shredder after
a few washes.
It's like--Like they didn't even botherstress-testing the adhesive layers
or inks, exactly.
And that 100% comes down to qualitycontrol.
Totally.
(01:30):
Plus,let's not forget about the ink itself.
With some of these DTF setups,
you've got manufacturers cuttingcorners-random,
no-name inks getting pushed into themarket.
You've no idea what's in them or ifthey'll last,
and yet......And yet, people still go forit because it's cheaper upfront.
It's like they don't realize thelong-term cost when,
(01:51):
you know, customers start badmouthingyour business over poor quality.
Exactly!
A cheap print may save you today,
but it could cost you big time tomorrow.
The thing is, traditional methods likescreen printing might take more
setup or cost more upfront,but the prints actually last.
That's the whole point, right?
Right.
(02:13):
With screen printing, you're usinghigh-quality inks bonded into the
fabric.
It's like...
craftsmanship really matters there.
DTF, on the other hand,is often used as this quick-fix solution,
and it shows.
You get what you pay for.
And like you said,
it all circles back to quality control-orthe lack of it.
(02:36):
No regulations, no consistency.
It's kinda turning into the wild west outthere.
It really is.
And when you combine that with unknownink sources,
questionable adhesives...
I mean...
it's just inviting reliability issues.
Right.
Reliability-or the lack of it-is what'sundermining the whole "professional-grade"
(02:59):
vibe for DTF prints.
And honestly, that's a huge issue.
And yet,
despite all these challenges we justtalked about,
DTF keeps making waves because it's soaccessible and can have a cheap
entry price.
I mean, you don't need a fancy setup-justa heat press and
some transfers, and boom!
You're in the game.
Right, but that accessibility?
(03:22):
That's also its Achilles' heel.
It's flooding the market with newplayers-and honestly,
not everyone knows what they're doing.
The result?
Prices start dropping,and then we all feel the pinch.
Exactly.
It's like a gold rush,but instead of gold,
you've got a race to the bottom forpricing.
And for small businesses?
That squeeze in profit margins?
(03:44):
It's brutal.
Yeah, it's not just pricing either.
When the market's flooded with cheap,
low-quality, inexperienced work,
customer expectations shift.
They-well, they start assuming everycustom print should cost next to
nothing.
Totally.
And then,when someone tries to charge for quality,
(04:06):
it's like, "Whoa, why so expensive?"-asif the time and skill don't matter.
Honestly,I agree with what you said earlier,
it's killing the value of craftsmanship.
And speaking of value,
let's talk sustainability for a second.
DTF uses adhesives and powders thatrelease VOCs when heated-those Volatile
(04:32):
Organic Compounds, you know,not exactly eco-friendly.
Yeah,
and the way some folks don't even thinkabout the environmental footprint?
It's nuts.
I mean, I get it-profitability matters,
but there's gotta be some balance,
right?
Absolutely.
Simple fixes help,though-proper ventilation,
(04:53):
using quality powders,maintaining your equipment.
It's not rocket science,but it gets ignored way too often.
Right,
and yet you've still got printers outthere just running shortcuts.
And let's be real,cutting corners comes back to bite you.
DTF's already got enough reliabilityissues without adding that to the
(05:13):
mix.
Exactly.
A lot of early DTF adopters struggledwith materials clogging printers,
inconsistent adhesive application-stuffthat seriously slows production
down.
And even now, some setups are just...
finicky.
Like, let's not even get started on thosecolor fidelity headaches.
(05:35):
CMYK is great until you need a richpurple-or God forbid,
metallics!
It's like...
ugh, forget it.
Oh, for sure.
And customers have no idea how limitedthe color spectrum actually is
with DTF.
They just want that perfect shade,
and when it doesn't match,guess who gets the blame?
Yup,
the vendor-every time.
But you know what really stings?
(05:56):
The way DTF's fast turnaround makespeople expect everything yesterday.
Like, no time for quality checks orensuring durability.
It's maddening.
And that lack of durability?
That's where DTF undermines itself.
Sure, it's quicker, cheaper, but if theprint starts cracking a few washes
(06:18):
in...Exactly.
Fast, cheap,and--Not great in the long run.
But here's the thing-DTF's
speed and accessibility are both itsstrengths and its curse.
Like we said, it's easy to get started,
but when the quality takes a hit?
That becomes everyone's problem.
Yeah,
but shortcuts come at a cost, right?
(06:39):
This kind of accessibility means anyonewith a few bucks can jump in,
experienced or not.
And suddenly, the market's flooded with,
well, mediocrity.
Mediocrity's putting it nicely.
It's like, every other week there's somepopup shop running dirt-cheap
prints,knocking quality down with every press.
(07:00):
And when prices tank......It's a race tothe bottom.
Established businesses are leftscrambling to compete,
and not just on pricing.
It hits profits, branding, everything.
Exactly.
And let's not forget equipment.
You know those cheap machines importedfrom overseas,
right?
Great for starting out-until they breakdown after,
(07:22):
like, what?
A hundred prints?
Yeah, and when they break,
good luck finding parts-or even reliablesoftware.
I've heard stories about malwarepiggybacking on some of those machines.
I mean, who thinks to check for that?
Right?
And consumables.
Don't even get me started on ink.
You're telling me half these no-namebrands aren't just rebranded imports
(07:44):
from who-knows-where with zerotransparency?
Pretty much.
White-label ink manufacturers are allover the place now.
And without testing or consistentstandards,
it's gamble territory.
Will it hold up?
Will it peel?
Nobody knows until it's too late.
And you know who gets the blowback when
it doesn't?
The printer.
(08:04):
Every single time.
Like, it's not the ink's fault,
it's "your machine" or "yourskills."Meanwhile,
traditional methods like screen printing?
They can't keep up for small or mediumorders now.
DTF's faster, no setup costs...
it's once again, crushing craftsmanship.
Which is crazy.
Screen printing's the gold standard fordurability and quality-true artistry.
(08:28):
But now, customers don't even understandwhy it's worth more.
They're blinded by these slapdash one-offprints.
It's, ugh, frustrating.
Exactly.
And as more low-quality DTF shops pop up,
they set the baseline lower and lower.
Businesses like ours,that spend the time on quality,
we look expensive.
(08:49):
But really,we're just pricing sustainable work.
And that's the problem.
It's all about the quick buck now,
but long-term?
It's, uh, not sustainable.
Not at all.
You know,
Mark,with everything we just talked about,
it's clear running a DTF setup isn't asstraightforward as people think.
You've got to deal with everything-fromthe fumes to the buildup of gunk.
(09:11):
What's your go-to checklist for keepingthings clean and safe?
Yeah,
the fumes are no joke.
Proper ventilation is the first thing.
I mean, you've got adhesives and powdersheating up,
releasing VOCs-volatile organiccompounds-for anyone keeping score at
home.
If your workspace isn't ventilated,
(09:32):
you're basically asking for headaches,
literally and figuratively.
Oh,
totally.
And, you know, some people just slap afan in the corner and call it
a day, like that's gonna fix it.
Yeah,
no.
Most people are running these in theirhouse or basement in small confined
areas.
You need specialized exhaust systems orat least air purifiers that actually
(09:58):
capture the particles.
I've seen setups where people didn'tbother with any of that,
and you can just feel it in the air-thick,
gross, and unhealthy.
Yuck.
And then there's the machines.
These things need serious TLC.
You've got to clean them out, what?
Daily?
Weekly?
Daily, ideally.
(10:19):
Especially the printheads,humidity in the powder and rollers.
Even a small build-up of adhesive powdercan clog things up,
and, uh, once that happens?
Your prints are toast until you get itclean.
And don't even get me started on skippingmaintenance checks-it's a downhill
(10:40):
slide.
Yeah, because if you're cranking out jobsand suddenly your printer's
down, well, there goes your productionschedule-and your sanity.
Exactly.
Consistency's key, and that includeschecking adhesive applications too.
If the adhesive isn't evenly spread?
Boom, you're looking at prints that peelfaster than cheap wallpaper.
And
(11:04):
the learning curve on some of thesemachines?
It's insane.
Like, companies make it sound like anyonecan walk in and start printing,
but the reality is way more complicatedthan they let on.
Oh,
for sure.
And if you don't know your setup insideand out,
it's not just the machine that'll tripyou up-it's also the materials.
(11:25):
Using the wrong powder or ink?
That's a direct line to bad customerreviews.
And then you've got health
risks on top of it.
Some of these powders and inks...
like, did anyone stop to wonder what'sactually in them?
Right.
That's why protective gear isnon-negotiable.
Gloves, masks,and goggles might feel over-the-top,
(11:48):
but when you're dealing with powders thatcan irritate your skin or worse,
you've got to take it seriously.
It's a lot.
So really, it's about setting yourself upwith good habits from the start.
Ventilation.
Maintenance.
Quality materials.
Protective gear.
Skip any of that, and...
yeah, it's not worth the fallout.
Totally agree.
(12:11):
A well-run DTF operation isn't just aboutprints-it's about staying professional,
keeping it safe, and, well,not cutting corners.
Alright,
after diving into all thosechallenges-ventilation,
maintenance, protective gear-it's clearrunning a DTF setup is no small
feat.
But let's not forget,it does have its perks too,
(12:33):
right?
Yeah, for sure.
I mean, DTF does have its place.
If you're doing short runs?
Or you need vibrant, complex designs?
It gets the job done in a way that screenprinting or embroidery just,
uh, can't match in terms of speed.
That versatility is a big deal.
Exactly.
(12:55):
It's like, when you need quick,
detailed prints?
DTF can save the day.
The key is doing it right-good materials,
reliable machines, and, y'know,
proper setup.
Otherwise,it's just a recipe for frustration.
Right.
But when it's done well, DTF can be agame-changer for small shops and
(13:15):
startups.
It's just about knowing its limits andplaying to its strengths.
No cutting corners, no shortcuts.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed-or
maybe you're hearing all of this andthinking,
"I need help with my printinggame"-here's a tip: check out
contract-dtg.
com.
They've got DTF services dialed in,
(13:35):
plus a whole range of printing options ifyou need something more durable.
Yup,
quality you can count on,backed by real experience.
Honestly, it's worth taking a look ifyou're serious about getting it
done right.
And with that, we're wrapping it up here.
Thanks for talkin' shirt with us,
and don't forget-next week we're flippingthe script and talking about
the upsides of DTF printing.
(13:57):
So, yeah, until next time!
Catch you later!
Alright, let's talk about how DTF,
(00:02):
or Direct-to-Film printing, has basicallystormed into the custom apparel
market.
I mean, it's everywhere, right?
Yeah,
it's definitely become popular fast.
But, you know,it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
There are some serious trade-offscompared to traditional methods like
(00:23):
screen printing or Direct-to-Garment,
or DTG.
Exactly.
With DTF, yeah, you get vibrant,
detailed designs and flexibility-thoseare,
like, the big selling points, right?
But the minute you start talkingdurability...That's where things get
tricky.
DTF prints can look great out of the gate,
(00:45):
but if proper care hasn't been taken,
or cheap materials get used then,
once they've been washed-or even justworn a bit-issues like peeling
or cracking can show up.
Customers lose trust when that happens.
Yeah,
and it's not rare.
I've seen some mainstream brands use DTF,
(01:05):
and in cases where someone spent goodmoney on customized gear only to
end up with a print that looks like it'sbeen through a shredder after
a few washes.
It's like--Like they didn't even botherstress-testing the adhesive layers
or inks, exactly.
And that 100% comes down to qualitycontrol.
Totally.
(01:30):
Plus,let's not forget about the ink itself.
With some of these DTF setups,
you've got manufacturers cuttingcorners-random,
no-name inks getting pushed into themarket.
You've no idea what's in them or ifthey'll last,
and yet......And yet, people still go forit because it's cheaper upfront.
It's like they don't realize thelong-term cost when,
(01:51):
you know, customers start badmouthingyour business over poor quality.
Exactly!
A cheap print may save you today,
but it could cost you big time tomorrow.
The thing is, traditional methods likescreen printing might take more
setup or cost more upfront,but the prints actually last.
That's the whole point, right?
Right.
(02:13):
With screen printing, you're usinghigh-quality inks bonded into the
fabric.
It's like...
craftsmanship really matters there.
DTF, on the other hand,is often used as this quick-fix solution,
and it shows.
You get what you pay for.
And like you said,
it all circles back to quality control-orthe lack of it.
(02:36):
No regulations, no consistency.
It's kinda turning into the wild west outthere.
It really is.
And when you combine that with unknownink sources,
questionable adhesives...
I mean...
it's just inviting reliability issues.
Right.
Reliability-or the lack of it-is what'sundermining the whole "professional-grade"
(02:59):
vibe for DTF prints.
And honestly, that's a huge issue.
And yet,
despite all these challenges we justtalked about,
DTF keeps making waves because it's soaccessible and can have a cheap
entry price.
I mean, you don't need a fancy setup-justa heat press and
some transfers, and boom!
You're in the game.
Right, but that accessibility?
(03:22):
That's also its Achilles' heel.
It's flooding the market with newplayers-and honestly,
not everyone knows what they're doing.
The result?
Prices start dropping,and then we all feel the pinch.
Exactly.
It's like a gold rush,but instead of gold,
you've got a race to the bottom forpricing.
And for small businesses?
That squeeze in profit margins?
(03:44):
It's brutal.
Yeah, it's not just pricing either.
When the market's flooded with cheap,
low-quality, inexperienced work,
customer expectations shift.
They-well, they start assuming everycustom print should cost next to
nothing.
Totally.
And then,when someone tries to charge for quality,
(04:06):
it's like, "Whoa, why so expensive?"-asif the time and skill don't matter.
Honestly,I agree with what you said earlier,
it's killing the value of craftsmanship.
And speaking of value,
let's talk sustainability for a second.
DTF uses adhesives and powders thatrelease VOCs when heated-those Volatile
(04:32):
Organic Compounds, you know,not exactly eco-friendly.
Yeah,
and the way some folks don't even thinkabout the environmental footprint?
It's nuts.
I mean, I get it-profitability matters,
but there's gotta be some balance,
right?
Absolutely.
Simple fixes help,though-proper ventilation,
(04:53):
using quality powders,maintaining your equipment.
It's not rocket science,but it gets ignored way too often.
Right,
and yet you've still got printers outthere just running shortcuts.
And let's be real,cutting corners comes back to bite you.
DTF's already got enough reliabilityissues without adding that to the
(05:13):
mix.
Exactly.
A lot of early DTF adopters struggledwith materials clogging printers,
inconsistent adhesive application-stuffthat seriously slows production
down.
And even now, some setups are just...
finicky.
Like, let's not even get started on thosecolor fidelity headaches.
(05:35):
CMYK is great until you need a richpurple-or God forbid,
metallics!
It's like...
ugh, forget it.
Oh, for sure.
And customers have no idea how limitedthe color spectrum actually is
with DTF.
They just want that perfect shade,
and when it doesn't match,guess who gets the blame?
Yup,
the vendor-every time.
But you know what really stings?
(05:56):
The way DTF's fast turnaround makespeople expect everything yesterday.
Like, no time for quality checks orensuring durability.
It's maddening.
And that lack of durability?
That's where DTF undermines itself.
Sure, it's quicker, cheaper, but if theprint starts cracking a few washes
(06:18):
in...Exactly.
Fast, cheap,and--Not great in the long run.
But here's the thing-DTF's
speed and accessibility are both itsstrengths and its curse.
Like we said, it's easy to get started,
but when the quality takes a hit?
That becomes everyone's problem.
Yeah,
but shortcuts come at a cost, right?
(06:39):
This kind of accessibility means anyonewith a few bucks can jump in,
experienced or not.
And suddenly, the market's flooded with,
well, mediocrity.
Mediocrity's putting it nicely.
It's like, every other week there's somepopup shop running dirt-cheap
prints,knocking quality down with every press.
(07:00):
And when prices tank......It's a race tothe bottom.
Established businesses are leftscrambling to compete,
and not just on pricing.
It hits profits, branding, everything.
Exactly.
And let's not forget equipment.
You know those cheap machines importedfrom overseas,
right?
Great for starting out-until they breakdown after,
(07:22):
like, what?
A hundred prints?
Yeah, and when they break,
good luck finding parts-or even reliablesoftware.
I've heard stories about malwarepiggybacking on some of those machines.
I mean, who thinks to check for that?
Right?
And consumables.
Don't even get me started on ink.
You're telling me half these no-namebrands aren't just rebranded imports
(07:44):
from who-knows-where with zerotransparency?
Pretty much.
White-label ink manufacturers are allover the place now.
And without testing or consistentstandards,
it's gamble territory.
Will it hold up?
Will it peel?
Nobody knows until it's too late.
And you know who gets the blowback when
it doesn't?
The printer.
(08:04):
Every single time.
Like, it's not the ink's fault,
it's "your machine" or "yourskills."Meanwhile,
traditional methods like screen printing?
They can't keep up for small or mediumorders now.
DTF's faster, no setup costs...
it's once again, crushing craftsmanship.
Which is crazy.
Screen printing's the gold standard fordurability and quality-true artistry.
(08:28):
But now, customers don't even understandwhy it's worth more.
They're blinded by these slapdash one-offprints.
It's, ugh, frustrating.
Exactly.
And as more low-quality DTF shops pop up,
they set the baseline lower and lower.
Businesses like ours,that spend the time on quality,
we look expensive.
(08:49):
But really,we're just pricing sustainable work.
And that's the problem.
It's all about the quick buck now,
but long-term?
It's, uh, not sustainable.
Not at all.
You know,
Mark,with everything we just talked about,
it's clear running a DTF setup isn't asstraightforward as people think.
You've got to deal with everything-fromthe fumes to the buildup of gunk.
(09:11):
What's your go-to checklist for keepingthings clean and safe?
Yeah,
the fumes are no joke.
Proper ventilation is the first thing.
I mean, you've got adhesives and powdersheating up,
releasing VOCs-volatile organiccompounds-for anyone keeping score at
home.
If your workspace isn't ventilated,
(09:32):
you're basically asking for headaches,
literally and figuratively.
Oh,
totally.
And, you know, some people just slap afan in the corner and call it
a day, like that's gonna fix it.
Yeah,
no.
Most people are running these in theirhouse or basement in small confined
areas.
You need specialized exhaust systems orat least air purifiers that actually
(09:58):
capture the particles.
I've seen setups where people didn'tbother with any of that,
and you can just feel it in the air-thick,
gross, and unhealthy.
Yuck.
And then there's the machines.
These things need serious TLC.
You've got to clean them out, what?
Daily?
Weekly?
Daily, ideally.
(10:19):
Especially the printheads,humidity in the powder and rollers.
Even a small build-up of adhesive powdercan clog things up,
and, uh, once that happens?
Your prints are toast until you get itclean.
And don't even get me started on skippingmaintenance checks-it's a downhill
(10:40):
slide.
Yeah, because if you're cranking out jobsand suddenly your printer's
down, well, there goes your productionschedule-and your sanity.
Exactly.
Consistency's key, and that includeschecking adhesive applications too.
If the adhesive isn't evenly spread?
Boom, you're looking at prints that peelfaster than cheap wallpaper.
And
(11:04):
the learning curve on some of thesemachines?
It's insane.
Like, companies make it sound like anyonecan walk in and start printing,
but the reality is way more complicatedthan they let on.
Oh,
for sure.
And if you don't know your setup insideand out,
it's not just the machine that'll tripyou up-it's also the materials.
(11:25):
Using the wrong powder or ink?
That's a direct line to bad customerreviews.
And then you've got health
risks on top of it.
Some of these powders and inks...
like, did anyone stop to wonder what'sactually in them?
Right.
That's why protective gear isnon-negotiable.
Gloves, masks,and goggles might feel over-the-top,
(11:48):
but when you're dealing with powders thatcan irritate your skin or worse,
you've got to take it seriously.
It's a lot.
So really, it's about setting yourself upwith good habits from the start.
Ventilation.
Maintenance.
Quality materials.
Protective gear.
Skip any of that, and...
yeah, it's not worth the fallout.
Totally agree.
(12:11):
A well-run DTF operation isn't just aboutprints-it's about staying professional,
keeping it safe, and, well,not cutting corners.
Alright,
after diving into all thosechallenges-ventilation,
maintenance, protective gear-it's clearrunning a DTF setup is no small
feat.
But let's not forget,it does have its perks too,
(12:33):
right?
Yeah, for sure.
I mean, DTF does have its place.
If you're doing short runs?
Or you need vibrant, complex designs?
It gets the job done in a way that screenprinting or embroidery just,
uh, can't match in terms of speed.
That versatility is a big deal.
Exactly.
(12:55):
It's like, when you need quick,
detailed prints?
DTF can save the day.
The key is doing it right-good materials,
reliable machines, and, y'know,
proper setup.
Otherwise,it's just a recipe for frustration.
Right.
But when it's done well, DTF can be agame-changer for small shops and
(13:15):
startups.
It's just about knowing its limits andplaying to its strengths.
No cutting corners, no shortcuts.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed-or
maybe you're hearing all of this andthinking,
"I need help with my printinggame"-here's a tip: check out
contract-dtg.
com.
They've got DTF services dialed in,
(13:35):
plus a whole range of printing options ifyou need something more durable.
Yup,
quality you can count on,backed by real experience.
Honestly, it's worth taking a look ifyou're serious about getting it
done right.
And with that, we're wrapping it up here.
Thanks for talkin' shirt with us,
and don't forget-next week we're flippingthe script and talking about
the upsides of DTF printing.
(13:57):
So, yeah, until next time!
Catch you later!
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