Everything you need to know about using the DTFx printing technique
Overview
DTFx is an on-demand printing technique that produces vibrant, long-lasting, and full-color prints. It’s often referred to as “on-demand screen printing” because of the quality, brightness, and longevity of the print. The ink sits on top of the fabric (like screen printing ink), but isn’t as breathable, and thus works best with thicker fabrics and hoodies.
Pros
- No minimums
- Colors are vibrant and sharp
- Long-lasting prints (no fading)
Cons
- Not breathable. Avoid large, blocky graphics (especially on lighter-weight fabrics)
- Prints have a “slick” or glossy feel, which some may not like
- Higher shipping costs for orders outside of the US
What are the best practices for DTFx artwork?
- We recommend having a transparent background behind your artwork. Because DTFx sits on top of the garment and it is not as breathable, we suggest avoiding large, blocky prints (especially on lighter-weight fabrics).
- Use 300 DPI artwork for the sharpest print quality
- Export your art in CMYK color mode vs. RGB
- Avoid fades and transparencies
DTFx FAQs
What is the difference between DTFx and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing? What’s the best on-demand printing technique for my artwork?
Both DTFx and DTG have pros and cons. Here’s our summary and recommendations:
What’s better for printing on lightweight/sheer fabrics?
If you’re printing on a sheer/lightweight t-shirt (such as a tri-blend), we’d recommend DTG. Because DTFx ink sits on top of the garment, it can be a little heavy on lightweight fabrics and “pull” around the edges.
What’s better for printing bright colors and neon?
If you are printing bright colors on a middleweight t-shirt or hoodie, DTFx is the better bet. DTFx prints are sharper, more vibrant, and last longer (100 washes). The difference in print vibrancy is most pronounced when printing on darker fabric colors.
In terms of hand feel, we prefer the feel of DTG prints over DTFx. DTG prints feel like part of the fabric, while DTFx prints sit on top of the fabric and have a “slick” feel that some people don’t love (though we don’t mind it at all – it’s a personal preference thing).
Which print lasts longer before fading?
DTFx prints have great longevity, lasting 100+ washes without fading. DTG prints do see some color fading as you wash them more and more.
Which technique is better for printing large, blocky artwork (e.g., a big, solid rectangle)
DTG prints are soft and breathable, so there’s no issue with printing large, solid shapes.
DTFx prints aren’t breathable, so we wouldn’t advise large, blocky prints (like a solid rectangle that took up the whole printable area). We recommend you take advantage of the ability to print transparency to create some interesting shapes and negative spaces for your artwork.
Which technique produces shaper/higher resolution prints?
DTFx prints are sharper, as the ink sits on top of the fabric. Because DTG print ink is absorbed by the fabric, it can be a little fuzzy around the edges.
What does a DTFx print feel like?
DTFx prints feel like a thin (.1mm) film/ink that sits on top of the fabric. It has a smooth, almost “slick” feel.