Direct to Film DTF vs Vinyl | What's the Difference

Direct to Film DTF vs Vinyl | What's the Difference

Direct to Film Printing vs Heat Transfer Vinyl - which one is right for YOUR business?

Yes – High volume DTF Printing [direct-to-film] will always be a significantly faster way to produce full color t-shirt transfers. But is that what is most important for your business?

This comparison is between heat transfer vinyl cutters + print and cut eco solvent printers like the Roland BN-20a and the newest… direct to film.

DTF, or Direct to Film, has many features that make it an attractive option for busy shops.

- Very fast transfer production
- Use with any fabric
- Stretchable – and looks great afterwards
- Low cost per print
- Sell transfers as well as completed custom apparel
- Low heat press time
- Washes like screen printing

But on the other end is vinyl. Now there is traditional heat transfer vinyl that is one color and can be layered to create multi colored designs, OR there is printable vinyl and printer cutters.

And print cutters like the Roland BN-20 and Roland BN-20a have some great features too:

- Beautiful prints
- Lower up front costs
- Much quieter than high volume DTF
- No odor or fumes
- Smaller footprint

One significant differences in these two printers though is speed. The DTF-24H2 can print hundreds of transfers in minutes.
The Roland BN20 is slower and while it produces high quality prints like the DTF-24H2 there is a noticeable difference in print speed.

[BoostKingEVO]

I think you hit the nail on the head. thank you so much! I do more decals and signs right now. so, i think a print and cut is right for me especially since i want to be able to offer shirts to my customers. but i would love to eventually do DTF transfers in the future. I love the idea of being able to sell the transfers themselves.

[annagaddisnetwork]

Thanks for the education. I knew this was the method I was looking for. Thanks!

[TeenyWeeny]

I want to use heat transfers for sure but I can't afford to spend the minimum requirement for DTF heat transfer (ordering from outsource) to only test the design. Which is why I think vinyl I need and I am ordering them from etsy with no minimum. I just need to test a shirt to lower my risk in a design and having 18 heat transfers for $200 just sitting in a cabinet not earning me anything.

[FurkanAkyuz]

it's a great video man! i did like that video a lot, especially the way you explain it! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[ty.orgvsn]

Great information and explanation here, awesome job!! Thank you!!

[derkwizethewisekingsolo]

I can’t wait to get wait to get my DTF!!

[mohamedkande]

Bonsoir Mr le Génie DTF, j'aime beaucoup vos tutoriels et je suis l'un de vos fidèle qui consulte vos vidéos publier,

[malachi]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

[lmcustomerch]

Im thinking of switching to dtf from white toner but to tell you honestly. I'd rather have white toner than dtf. dtf is too slow. its like 17-20 mins per shirt. just know the right temp of your heat press to your white toner and youll be good. dtf print quality might be better than white toner but all and all i think white toner is better. (2 years white toner user.)

[dreanicole]

This was veryyyy helpful because I did not know they difference. I customize shoes, 95% leather and I was wondering would DTF be the best approach. And what printer. I did not want to spend so much on something I was not sure about. Doing by hand is not a problem but with my day to day life this would save me so much time.

[me-ow]

Best video ! Thanks for your beautiful video

[edivaldodionicio]

A huge price difference BN20 is $8, 000 print vinyl - DTF is $25, 000 you can order DTF's for like $1-3 per sheet, if i could go back i would just order them, saves you from the hassle of maintaining the printers and your not in $8000 in a machine.

[rommycougar]

How do you adjust the printer please to get matching colors!! Thanks

[toniam]

This is amazing! I just want to ask what kind of paper do you use when doing second press?

[curtismiedzinski]

Is solvent ink used in the DTF process? Would be handy if I could utilize the same 8nk as my large format printer

[barryalto]

Why not compare the same design? Not in favor for the Roland. I've used both.

[rainshop]

Hello can I have information on how to purchase ?

[retrographics]

I was hoping you were going to also address the comparison between DTF for solid objects (i.e. mugs) vs printed vinyl. even the dtf UV vs UV printed vinyl. I'm very curious as to what real differences would come into play.

[janiquedixon]

Can it be use to print vinyl for sign and wrap cars etc?

[Jerry-LZ]

How short of a sheet can be ran through the dryer/shaker?