Full color fun Direct To You!
Posted by Rachel Fenbert on
Direct to Garment (DTG) and Direct to Film (DTF) have similar histories and similar pathways and indeed seem very much alike in many ways. Both textile processes as we know them today were founded around inkjet printers beginning in the late 1950’s through the 1990’s, and until each process was able to pioneer their respective textile system, they were modifying inkjet printers.
Direct To Garment
The true revolution of DTG started in 1996 with the first commercially available machine created based on the works of Matthew Rhomes. While this process went through its issues, it ultimately came out well. In 2013 additional innovation came about and allowed for this textile process to really flourish.
Direct to Garment is fantastic for highly detailed, multi-color designs on only cotton items. The ink absorbs directly into the fabric allowing for barely there feel on your final product, though this can also result in some muting in color over time.
Direct To Film
The first notable breakthrough for DTF was in 2002 where the underlying technology for these printers was created. Much like DTG this system also had issues with ink, and in 2019 an updated system was introduced to the market that would change how ink is utilized across direct systems, vastly improving quality across the board.
Direct to film is the preferred option for a wide range of fabrics. The ink sits primarily on top of the fabric leaving a thicker feel with a more vibrant and saturated long-term result on any image that is applied, however it is more likely to show weathering than DTG over time.
