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DTF Printing vs. DTG: Which is Better for Your Canadian Print Business?
- Papipapi Papiarea
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 30
When it comes to printing custom designs on t-shirts and apparel, two technologies dominate the conversation: DTF (Direct to Film) and DTG (Direct to Garment). Both produce high-quality prints, but they work very differently – and one may be a much better fit for your Canadian print business.
What is DTG Printing?
DTG printing works like an inkjet printer directly onto the garment. It's great for photographic full-color designs, but comes with a major catch: it requires pretreatment (especially on dark garments), works best on 100% cotton, and has higher per-print maintenance costs.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF printing transfers a design from a specially printed film to the garment using heat. It doesn't care about fabric type – cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, even leather – all work beautifully. There's no pretreatment, no weeding, and no setup fees.
DTF vs. DTG: Head-to-Head Comparison
Fabric compatibility: DTF works on almost anything; DTG is best on 100% cotton.
Pretreatment: DTF requires none; DTG requires pretreatment on dark garments.
Color vibrancy: Both produce vibrant, detailed prints.
Durability: DTF prints are highly wash-resistant; DTG durability depends on pretreatment quality.
Startup cost: DTF is generally lower cost to enter.
Maintenance: DTF printers are easier to maintain daily.
Run sizes: Both work well for small runs; DTF has the edge on mixed-fabric orders.
Which is Better for Canadian Print Shops?
For most Canadian print shops – especially those just starting out or serving a mix of clients – DTF printing is the clear winner. You can print on any garment type your customers bring in, without worrying about fabric content. You also avoid the pretreatment step, which saves time and chemical costs.
DTG still has a place in established shops with high cotton-only volume, but for versatility and value, DTF is hard to beat.
Get Started with DTF in Canada
DTF Toronto offers everything you need to launch or expand your DTF printing operation. From the Super Mini Starter Bundle to Supreme HD professional machines, our equipment ships free across Canada and the USA from our Vaughan, Ontario warehouse.
Call us at 647-822-4657 or visit dtfsuppliescanada.com to explore our full lineup of DTF printers, inks, film, and accessories.
Start Your DTF Setup at DTF Toronto
DTF Toronto supplies Canadian print shops with everything needed for a complete DTF operation: DTF film, DTF inks for Epson printers, and the Supreme HD DTF printer — our top-rated all-in-one DTF machine. Fast shipping across Canada.
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