advantages and disadvantages of DTF printing - P&M

01 Sep.,2025

 

advantages and disadvantages of DTF printing - P&M

DTF (Direct to Film) printing is another popular method of printing on garments, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of DTF printing:

Advantages of DTF printing

High print quality

DTF printing is characterised by excellent reproduction quality of graphics and details. You can achieve crisp colours, precise lines and sharp text on garments.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Multi-colour patterns

The DTF method allows multiple colours to be printed in a single pattern, giving you great freedom to design and create colourful graphics.

Multifunctionality of DTF printing

DTF printing can be used on a variety of materials such as cotton, polyester, cotton blends and many more. This means that it can be applied to a wide variety of clothing products, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, etc.

Ability to print DTF prints on a variety of fabric colours

DTF printing allows it to be printed on dark coloured materials, making it more versatile compared to some other printing methods.

Durable and wash-resistant

DTF printing is durable and wash-resistant, so the graphics on the garments will look good even after many washings.

Disadvantages of DTF printing

Higher costs for smaller orders: For smaller orders, DTF printing can be more costly than other methods such as DTG printing. Therefore, it may not be the best option for small orders.

Time-consuming nature of DTF printing

The DTF printing process can be more time-consuming compared to some other methods. It requires preparation of the film and its application to the garment followed by application using a heat press.

DTF printing can be felt

In some cases, DTF printing may be more tactile than some other printing methods, which may not be desirable for certain designs or preferences.

The need for additional chemical products

The DTF printing process requires the use of additional chemical products such as adhesives and fixatives. Some people may prefer printing methods that are more environmentally friendly and do not require such additives.

DTF printing price

The price of DTF (Direct to Film) printing can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the print, the complexity of the design, the type and quality of film used and the cost of inks. In addition, the price can also depend on the size of the order - for larger quantities it is often possible to get a lower price per piece.

Companies such as P&M can offer competitive prices thanks to their own advanced printing technologies and optimised production processes. An important aspect is also the individual approach to each order, allowing the offer to be tailored to the customer's specific needs and budget.

DTF print pricing

To get an accurate price quote for DTF printing from P&M or any other company offering similar services, it is best to contact the company directly. Companies often offer quotes based on designs and order specifications sent to them. This provides the customer with a price quote that exactly matches their requirements and expectations.

'P&M', being a leader in the garment personalisation industry, raises the bar of quality and innovation by using Japanese Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers for its DTF (Direct to Film) printing projects. The choice of this advanced technology is no accident. Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers are known for their exceptional precision, speed and efficiency, making them the ideal tool for high-quality, long-lasting prints.

Why P&M chose Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers

Unmatched DTF print quality

Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers use genuine certified inks that guarantee vibrant colours, deep blacks and exceptional fade resistance. This is crucial for "P&M", which is committed to the highest quality of its products.

Resistance and durability of DTF printing

The original inks used in these printers provide the prints with exceptional durability, which is particularly important in the clothing industry, where products are regularly washed and subjected to intensive use.

Efficiency and Ecology of Brother GTX Bulk printers

Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers are characterised by high efficiency and lower ink consumption, which translates not only into lower production costs, but also a lower environmental impact. This enables 'P&M' to offer its customers not only high-quality products, but also more sustainable ones.

Versatility of Brother GTX Bulk printers

These printers allow printing on a wide range of materials, which is ideal for 'P&M', which offers a variety of textiles, from T-shirts to more specialised products. This enables a wide range of customer designs and ideas to be realised.

Reliability and Maintainability of Brother GTX Bulk printers

Brother's Japanese printer technology is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, which is invaluable in the fast-paced production and high quality demands of 'P&M'.

Advantages of Brother GTX Bulk printers

Through the use of Brother GTX Bulk Pro printers, 'P&M' provides its customers not only with prints of unparalleled quality, but also with durability and resilience, which are crucial for everyday garments. This choice demonstrates the company's commitment to providing products that are not only stunning to look at, but also last a long time, reflecting the "P&M" philosophy of - combining tradition with modern technology, always with the welfare of the customer and the environment in mind.

Remember that investing in a high-quality DTF print not only adds to the aesthetic value of the garment, but can also contribute to its longer life and better visual impression. When choosing a quote, it is therefore worth paying attention not only to the price, but also to the quality of the services and materials offered.

In summary, DTF printing

offers high print quality, the ability to create multi-colour designs and durability of graphics on garments. However, it can be more expensive for smaller orders

PRIVACY AND COOKIES POLICY

1. This Privacy Policy (hereinafter referred to as the " Policy ") is addressed to users of the website available in the domain www.pm.com.pl (hereinafter referred to as the " Online Store ") and defines the type, scope, methods of using data and protection of personal data. The policy is informative and constitutes an integral part of the regulations of the Online Store. All terms used in the Policy written with a capital letter have the same meaning as assigned to them in the regulations of the Online Store, unless otherwise provided in this Policy.

2. The administrator of personal data obtained from Users and Orderers using the Online Store is the Seller, i.e. Mrs. Mariola Kubiak, running a sole proprietorship under the name Kubiak Mariola PPHU P & M at the address: ul. Tomaszowska 22H, 96-200 Rawa Mazowiecka, NIP: 835-112-69-08, REGON , entered into the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity of the Republic of Poland, contact number +48 504 287 478, : .pl (hereinafter also referred to as " Personal data administrator " or " Seller ").

3. By placing an Order via the Online Store without registering the Orderer's Account, and/or by registering the Orderer's Account, and/or by contacting the Seller (by or by ), and/or using other services provided by the Seller electronically, as indicated in Chapter III of the Regulations Online Store - provides the Seller with his personal data (name, address, address, number, possibly company name, business address, tax identification number, IP address of the computer used by the User when using the Online Store).

4. Purposes and activities of personal data processing:

4.1. placing an Order without registering the Orderer's Account - providing data is voluntary, but necessary for the performance of the Sales Agreement and the delivery of the Order. The data provided when placing the Order are used to implement the Sales Agreement concluded with the Ordering Party, and the legal basis for their processing is Art. 6 sec. 1 lit. b) Regulation (EU) /679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation data) (hereinafter referred to as the " GDPR Regulation "). The data will be processed by the Personal Data Administrator for the period necessary to perform the Sales Agreement, however, the Personal Data Administrator will still store the Ordering Party's data in order to defend against any claims related to withdrawal from the Sales Agreement, consideration of complaints, for the purposes of tax settlements, which is the Administrator's legitimate interest personal data referred to in art. 6 sec. 1. lit. f) GDPR Regulations. The user can correct his data at any time. The user also has the right to transfer data referred to in art. 20 of the GDPR;

4.2. registration of the Orderer's Account - the User may register the Orderer's Account in order not to provide personal data during subsequent purchases. Providing data is voluntary, but necessary to register the Ordering Party's Account. The data provided during registration is used to maintain the Orderer's Account and perform the Sales Agreements concluded by the User, and the legal basis for their processing is the consent given by the User during the registration of the Orderer's Account (in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR Regulation). The data will be processed by the Personal Data Administrator for the duration of the Ordering Party's Account, unless the Online Store User resigns from having it earlier. However, resignation from the Customer's Account does not lead to the removal of data from the database. The personal data administrator will continue to store the User's data in order to defend against any claims related to the maintenance of the Ordering Party's Account, in particular for the purposes of demonstrating the User's consent to registration, which is the legitimate interest of the personal data Administrator referred to in art. 6 sec. 1. lit. f) GDPR Regulations. The user can correct his data at any time. The user also has the right to transfer data referred to in art. 20 of the GDPR;

4.3. contact of the Online Store User with the Administrator of personal data - by contacting via , by , the User provides the Administrator of personal data with his address as the address of the sender of the message, his name and surname, contact number and address. Providing data is voluntary, but necessary for the Administrator of personal data to be able to contact the User of the Online Store. In this case, the User's data is processed in order to contact the Personal Data Administrator, based on the activities requested and initiated by the User, and the basis for processing is art. 6 sec. 1 lit. b) GDPR Regulations. The legal basis for data processing after the end of contact is the justified purpose of archiving correspondence for the purpose of demonstrating its course in the future (Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR Regulation). The content of the correspondence may be archived, the Personal Data Administrator is not able to clearly determine when the correspondence will be deleted. The Online Store User has the right to request a history of correspondence he conducted with the Personal Data Administrator (if it was subject to archiving), as well as to demand its removal, unless archiving is justified due to the overriding interest of the Personal Data Administrator, e.g. claims on the part of the Online Store User;

4.4. using the services provided by the Seller electronically, consisting in sending by the Seller by a reminder of the Password to the Orderer's Account, saving the Goods on the wish list or in the storage room - providing data is voluntary, but necessary in order to perform the contract for the provision of electronic services by the Seller selected by service user. The data provided when using the selected service is used to implement the contract concluded with the User (e.g. to remind the User of the Password to the Ordering Party Account), and the legal basis for their processing is the performance of the contract concluded with the User, in accordance with art. 6 sec. 1 lit. b) GDPR Regulations. The data will be processed by the Personal Data Administrator for the period necessary to perform the contract for the provision of electronic services. After the contract is performed, the Personal Data Administrator will continue to store the User's data in order to defend against any claims regarding the services provided by the Seller electronically, to consider complaints, which is the legitimate interest of the Personal Data Administrator referred to in art. 6 sec. 1. lit. f) GDPR Regulations. The user can correct his data at any time. The user also has the right to transfer data referred to in art. 20 of the GDPR;

4.5. newsletter - the Online Store User who wants to subscribe to the newsletter, in order to receive commercial information from the Personal Data Administrator by , must provide his address via the newsletter subscription form or when placing the Order, tick the appropriate check-box with consent. Providing data is voluntary, but necessary to subscribe to the newsletter. The data provided when subscribing to the newsletter is used to send the newsletter to the User, and the legal basis for their processing is the consent given by the User when subscribing to the newsletter (in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR Regulation. The data will be processed by the Administrator of personal data for the duration of the newsletter, unless the User of the Online Store resigns from receiving it earlier. However, resignation from receiving the newsletter does not lead to the removal of data from the database. The personal data administrator will continue to store the User's data in the mailing system in order to defend against any claims related to sending the newsletter, in particular for the purpose of demonstrating the User's consent to receive the newsletter, which is the legitimate interest of the personal data Administrator referred to in art. 6 sec. 1. lit. f) GDPR Regulations. The user may at any time correct his data stored in the newsletter database. The user also has the right to transfer data referred to in art. 20 of the GDPR;

4.6. transfer of the User's personal data to ING Bank Śląski SA (" Bank ") in connection with:

a. provision by the Bank to the Seller in the Online Store of the service of providing infrastructure for handling payments via the Internet (service imoje.pl) - the legal basis is art. 6 sec. 1 lit. f) GDPR Regulations;

b. handling and settlement by the Bank of payments made by Orderers in the Online Store via the Internet using payment instruments - the legal basis is art. 6 sec. 1 lit. f) GDPR Regulations;

c. in order for the Bank to verify the proper performance of contracts concluded with the Seller via the Online Store, in particular to ensure the protection of payers' interests in connection with their complaints - the legal basis is art. 6 sec. 1 lit. f) GDPR Regulations.

In the case of transferring the User's personal data to the Bank in connection with the handling and settlement of payments made by the Ordering Party for payments to the Seller in the Online Store via the Internet using payment instruments, providing the data is required in order to make the payment and provide confirmation of its execution by the Bank to the seller.
In the case of transferring the User's personal data to the Bank in order for the Bank to verify the proper performance of contracts concluded with the Seller via the Online Store, in particular to ensure the protection of payers' interests in connection with their complaints, providing these data is required to enable the performance of the contract concluded between the Seller and the Bank.

4.7. transfer of the User's personal data to Twisto Polska sp. z oo in connection with the possibility of proposing payment for the purchased Goods by Twisto Polska sp. z oo under the contract of mandate covering the purchase formula "Buy with Twisto" and making this purchase formula available by the Seller in the Online Store and for the purpose of verification by Twisto Polska Sp. z o. o. for the proper performance of such mandate contracts (the legal basis is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR Regulation). In the case of providing personal data in order to transfer them to Twisto Polska sp. z o. o. before concluding the contract for the sale of Goods purchased in the Online Store, the provision of such data is a condition for concluding the Sales Agreement in connection with the business model adopted by the Online Store. In the case of transferring the User's personal data to Twisto Polska sp. z oo in connection with the possibility of offering the User to pay the price for the Goods purchased by him available in the Online Store by Twisto Polska sp. and making this formula available by the Seller in the Online Store, providing this data and processing it for this purpose is required in connection with the business model adopted by the Seller in the Online Store and in order to perform the contract concluded between the Seller and Twisto Polska sp. z o. o.

5. The personal data administrator may also use the personal data of the Online Store User in order to implement other personal data incumbent on the Administrator, e.g. to pursue claims arising from Sales Agreements, pursuant to art. 6 sec. 1 lit. f) and Art. 9 sec. 2 lit. h) Regulations of the GDPR - for periods of limitation of claims, specified in the law.

6. The personal data administrator informs that the Online Store User has, at any time, the right to transfer data, the right to access the content of personal data and the possibility of correcting them, objecting to data processing, and the consent to data processing may be granted by the Store User website revoked at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing that was made on the basis of consent before its withdrawal. The personal data administrator may refuse to delete the User's personal data if there are premises resulting from the law. The user also has the right to lodge a complaint regarding the processing of personal data to the President of the Office for Personal Data Protection. The rules related to the implementation of the indicated rights are described in detail in Art. 16 - 21 of the GDPR Regulation. Data of Online Store Users and Orderers will not be subject to automated decision making, including profiling.

7. The personal data administrator hereby also informs that he never transfers, sells or lends the collected personal data of Users and Orderers in the Online Store to third parties other than those indicated in this Policy, unless with the express consent or at the request of the User or Orderer, or at the request of state authorities authorized under the law in connection with pending proceedings (e.g. law enforcement authorities, Trade Inspection).

8. The personal data administrator processes personal data provided by the User or Ordering Party in a manner consistent with the scope of the granted permission and legal requirements, including the provisions of the GDPR Regulation, in particular, it protects the personal data of Users and Ordering Parties against disclosure to unauthorized persons, loss or damage, guaranteeing and the confidentiality of any personal data provided to him. The personal data administrator undertakes to make every effort to ensure proper protection of personal data provided to him by the User.

9. Personal data provided to the Administrator will not be made available to third parties other than those indicated in the regulations available in the Online Store (e.g. companies supplying Goods, banks, companies operating electronic payment systems, accounting company, ING Bank Śląski SA, Twisto Polska sp. o. o., a company providing technical support for the server on which the Online Store is located) for purposes other than those indicated in the Online Store regulations. All entities to which the Personal Data Administrator entrusts the processing of personal data guarantee the use of appropriate measures for the protection and security of personal data required by law.

10. The Online Store website uses the Google Analytics plug-in - the so-called tracking code that indicates age, gender, location of people entering the website and traffic in the Online Store. The data obtained in this way are used only for statistical purposes. Personal data obtained in this way are stored for a maximum of 36 months. At any time, the Online Store User may block the Google Analytics JavaScript code by going to the link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout and following the tips and instructions contained therein.

SAVEN supply professional and honest service.

11. The online store uses "cookies" (cookies), which are used to identify the browser when using the online store, so that it is known which page to display. Cookies do not contain any personal data. By entering the Online Store website, certain information may be placed on the User's computer, which may be in the form of a "cookie" file. Detailed and most up-to-date information on this subject can be found directly on the manufacturer's website http://www.google.pl/intl/pl/policies/technologies/types/

12. "Cookies" are small files consisting of a string of letters and characters, saved on the computer by the Internet server when visiting a given page of the product presented in the Online Store. Cookies are used by the Online Store only to better adapt the website to the User's individual preferences. In addition, "cookies" used in the Online Store can be used for the following purposes:

a) ensuring proper operation and improving the functionality of the Online Store - "cookies" allow access to certain parts of the website, e.g.

b) improving the efficiency and optimization of the operation of the Online Store - "cookies" enable reading information on how Users navigate the website, and thus help to improve its operation;

c) targeting information and promotional content - "cookies" are intended to automatically adjust the content of the Online Store to the User's needs;

d) to prevent sending spam .

13. The information collected and generated by "cookies" in the Online Store does not allow for personalization and identification of the User, and as a result of their use, no personal data of the Online Store User is stored.

14. "Cookies" used in the Online Store are safe and do not have a harmful effect on the User's computer. By using the Online Store, the User agrees to the use of "cookies" in accordance with this Policy. The user may at any time change the way cookies are used by the browser, including blocking or deleting those that come from the Online Store. In most web browsers, you can delete or delete "cookies" from your computer's hard drive, block all sent "cookies" or set a warning before saving such files on the disk. To do this, refer to the user manual or help topics of the web browser you are using. The process of controlling and deleting "cookies" may differ depending on the browser used. Restricting the use of "cookies" may affect some of the functionalities available in the Online Store.

15. The online store contains links to other websites not administered by the Administrator of personal data (e.g. Facebook, Google), therefore it cannot be held responsible neither for the content of these websites nor for the degree of privacy protection implemented by the administrators of these websites. The personal data administrator also informs that this Policy applies only to the Online Store and that after switching to other websites, it is recommended that the User read the privacy policy applicable to a given website before providing their personal data there. When deciding to go to such websites and visit them, the User does so at his own risk.

16. The personal data administrator is entitled to make changes to this Policy for important reasons (e.g. change in the law, change in the rules for placing Orders in the Online Store). In the event of changes, the User will be notified at least 14 days in advance before the date of entry into force of the changes - relevant information about changes to the Policy will be placed in the Online Store, and Users with a registered Ordering Party Account or subscribers to the newsletter - will be notified of changes in Policy also by .

17. In the absence of acceptance of the amended Policy, the Online Store User has the right to terminate the Policy, and thus refuse to leave their personal data.

18. The User is asked to immediately notify the Personal Data Administrator of any breaches of security rules related to the use of the Online Store found by him. In the event of any questions, comments and requests or suggestions regarding this Policy, a request to provide information about the User, the Ordering Party, information about the data about the User, the Ordering Party in the Online Store, the Administrator of personal data has and for what purposes it processes them - the User or the Ordering Party is asked is to contact the Administrator of personal data by : or by : +48 504 28 74 78

Rawa Mazowiecka, 03 October

Pros and Cons of DTF Printing for Beginners and DIY Enthusiasts

Those who are ready to start their own business or beginners who want to know more about DIY DTF printing can take great help from this guide. The pros and cons of DTF printing can help you understand how those advantages and limitations align with your goals, budget, and production needs. 

Plus, you can easily compare DTF printing with other printing methods. Here you go!

Direct to Film Printing

DTF Printing is a new method to transfer designs onto various fabrics such as cotton, linen, polyester, and more. You can transfer the design on the PET film and then print it on the fabric with the help of a heat press and adhesive powder.

This printing method delivers vibrant, colorful results with relatively low startup costs. With DTF printing, businesses can get high-quality prints on demand, even with detailed multi-color designs.

PROS of DTF Printing

Here are the advantages of DTF printing that help you understand its positive image:

Get Material Versatility

DTF printing works on nearly any fabric or hard surface, including cotton, polyester, silk, leather, denim, canvas, and even wood or metal with pretreatment.

This flexibility is vast, and people can expand their product lines beyond apparel, and now you can use DTF for non-textile surfaces such as shoes, tote bags, hats, or promotional items like mouse pads and coasters.

Lasting Colors 

Due to the use of water-based pigment inks, it offers great vibrancy. These inks are layered over a white underbase to ensure opacity and saturation even on black fabrics. The ink is cured with heat and creates a bond that withstands 50+ industrial washes without cracking or fading.

If we compare it with other printing methods like screen printing that use plastisol inks, which can feel stiff, and DTG inks that sit on the fabric surface and degrade faster, then we clearly understand DTF provides a perfect balance between durability and softness.

DTF achieves 90% Pantone color accuracy, with gradients and photorealistic details that screen printing can’t replicate without costly halftone screens. Get vibrant DTF transfers fromDTF San Antonio.

Cost-Effective for Small Batches

DTF eliminates the need for screens that are used in screen printing or pretreatment sprays required for DTG, as they cost a lot! DTF just needs transfer film, adhesive powder, and ink, which is a much more affordable option for small batch or one-off prints.

This easy process cuts down the setup cost, time, and materials, and beginners or small business owners can easily produce high-quality prints without heavy upfront investment or waste. 

High-Resolution & Perfect Detailing

DTF printers support resolutions up to dpi however, they just need 300 to 600 dpi to produce crisp, vibrant, and highly detailed designs. It shows DTF provides high detail transfers and is ideal for intricate artwork like photorealistic portraits, geometric patterns, watercolor designs, fine text, and complex color gradients.

Even without the highest resolution settings, the output quality is professional-grade. It gives DIY creators the ability to deliver premium results without the complexity. If the quality of your prints is not as per your requirement then you might prefer UV DTF over DTF printing. 

Minimal Pretreatment Requirements

Another great advantage of DTF transfer is that they are not like DTG printing, which needs pre-spraying fabrics with a coating to bind inks, which can add time and labor.

DTF skips this step; instead, use adhesive powder on the film that can do the job. The workflow efficiency is great: Print - Apply powder - Cure - Press. Fewer variables mean fewer errors.

CONS of DTF Printing 

Here are a few challenges that often come with every advantageous printing technique: 

Initial Investment

DTF startup expenses may seem high because a complete DTF setup ranges from $5,000 to $15,000+, which depends on the equipment brand and level of automation. Entry-level DTF printers start around $1,500 to $3,000, and more advanced or professional-grade printers can go up to $10,000 or more.

You'll also need a reliable heat press (costing between $1,800 to $3,000) and a curing oven for proper powder bonding. You can also add up the cost of transfer film, adhesive powder, and inks average $0.30 to $1 per transfer.

However, DTF printing is still more affordable than many traditional printing methods and is often justified by the flexibility and quality it offers.

Texture and Comfort Limitations

One downside of DTF printing is the feel of the final print. Since the design is transferred as a film layer, it can sometimes feel thicker or more plasticky compared to DTG or screen printing.

The adhesive layer creates a slightly raised, plasticky feel that’s noticeable on thin fabrics like rayon or lightweight cotton compared to DTG or screen printing.

This may affect breathability and comfort, but DTF excels in color and detail; it might not be the best choice for baby clothing or undergarments where a soft, seamless finish is a top priority.

Slower Production for Large Orders

DTF printing is excellent for small batches and custom jobs, but it can become time-consuming for large-scale production. Each transfer involves multiple steps, printing and drying the film, which takes almost 5-10 minutes,  powdering, curing (2-3) minutes, and then heat pressing, which takes a few seconds per item.

It may slow down the workflow, but DTF transfer is best for small batches or hybrid workflows.

Environmental Impact

DTF printing is efficient and versatile, but its environmental footprint is worth considering, especially for eco-conscious creators. The process uses PET film, which is not biodegradable, and the inks often contain chemical solvents that may not be eco-friendly.

The adhesive powder used in transfers can contribute to waste if not handled properly. However, many manufacturers are now developing eco-solvent inks andrecyclable film options that offer greener alternatives for sustainable printing practices..

Why Choose DTF Printing?

Many people are still confused and asking, 'Should I choose DTF printing over other printing methods? The answer is yes, because DTF printing offers a powerful mix of flexibility, quality, and ease of use, especially for beginners and small businesses.

Its ability to print on a wide range of fabrics without pretreatment, combined with vibrant colors, fine details, and lower setup costs, makes it a smart choice for custom apparel, DIY projects, and on-demand orders. You can easily overcome the limitations and challenges that come with it, but ignoring the benefits is not wise. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit DTF Ink.