How Does Direct Apparel Printing Work?

What is Direct Apparel Printing?

One of our core values at Merchology is to Embrace Change. For us, this means staying in tune with our customers’ needs and our ever-evolving industry, updating and improving our processes constantly. That’s why we’ve added yet another decoration method to our operation! We’re excited to introduce direct apparel printing at Merchology, explain the process, and dive into the benefits of this useful decoration method.

How Does Direct Apparel Printing Work? 

Direct apparel printing, also known as direct-to-garment or direct-to-film printing, is a merchandise printing method that applies ink directly onto a product. The ink is placed on a thin film, powdered glue is added, and the design is applied to the item with a special heated printing machine. This method allows the color to work into the material of the product; the ink isn’t simply sitting on top of the material. That’s why it’s called “direct apparel” or “direct-to-garment” printing—there’s nothing between the ink and the product!

Direct apparel printing is similar to the method used when a computer printer prints ink onto a piece of paper!

 

 

 

What is the Direct-to-Film Printing Process?

For a better understanding, let’s walk through the entire custom apparel logo printing process from start to finish.

1. Upload the Design. Format your logo or artwork as a .JPEG or .PNG file and upload it when you select your product. With direct apparel printing, your design can be as colorful or as detailed as you’d like it to be. Once we have your logo, we’ll take care of the rest!

2. Your Design is Printed on Film. The film, which is very thin and comes in rolls that are 100 feet long, is printed with your design in the DTF printer—there are no color limits with DTF printing! When your design uses darker colors, the artwork will be backed with white to make sure it stands out.

3. Glue is Added. While the ink is still wet, glue powder is applied, which ensures your design will thoroughly stick to your product.

4. Heat is Applied. Using a heat press, the film is pressed into the product, depositing ink deep into the material of your garment or gift. The heat cures the glue and ink to make sure it’s sealed in. Every item that can be decorated with heat transfer can be decorated with direct-to-garment printing, too!

5. The Film is Removed. Without the film between the heat press and the product, heat is applied again to guarantee your design won’t budge.

6. Your Merch is Finished Printing! We’ll make sure any excess glue powder is removed, and your printed product is ready to be shipped!

That’s it! The item is pressed for 30 seconds, and the entire cycle takes about two minutes!

 

Is Direct to Film the Same As Screen Printing?

Although there are similarities, direct-to-garment printing and screen printing are two different decoration processes with different applications and qualities. Here’s how they differ:

• Screen printing uses light rather than direct heat to cure the design onto the product. A photosensitive emulsion is used in screen printing rather than a powdered adhesive.
• Direct-to-film printing allows full-color printing. With DTF, you can create a full-bleed, high-quality design. With screen printing, the maximum number of colors recommended is typically three.
• When screen printing, ink is pushed through a screen in layers, similar to a stencil. DTF apparel printing applies the entire print directly to the product all at once.
• With screen printing, the ink lays on top of the fabric, whereas direct apparel printing causes the ink to soak into the material.
• Direct-to-garment printing requires a special environmentally-controlled room for successful printing: it has to be kept at 75 degrees with 55% humidity. At Merchology, each of our locations now has a direct apparel printing room!

 

 

What are the Benefits of Direct Apparel Printing?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of DTF printing, you might be wondering if it’s right for your merch. Here are some of the benefits of direct apparel printing for merch:

• Quick Application Time. With DTF printing, a turnaround of three days to one week for your merch order is no problem! Depending on the size of your logo or artwork, the direct-to-film printer can produce 2,000 to 4,000 prints a day!
• Color Matches Available. Direct apparel printing allows you to perfectly color-match your design! That way, we’ll ensure your merch perfectly matches your brand’s color pallet for boosted branding recognition!
• Print Any Size. Small or large print sizes are available! Decorate the full backs and fronts of your product, or opt for subtle branding with a smaller logo decoration.
• Softer Feel. Because the ink soaks directly into the product’s material, you’ll avoid the added texture or plastic feel that comes with screen printing.
• Longer Lifespan. Although direct apparel printing is similar to heat transfer, direct apparel printing is more durable, giving your artwork a longer lifespan!
• Endless Decoration Possibilities. Direct-to-garment printing allows for very small print and detailed artwork because fine details can be shown easily!

Which Products Work for Direct-to-Film Printing?

Direct-to-Film printing works well on nearly all fabrics, including cotton, poly, rayon, blends, and more. This decoration print method also works well for custom backpacks, bags, coasters, and any product that takes heat transfer decoration!

Shop Quick Ship Apparel for Direct-to-Film

Get custom apparel fast for upcoming events, giveaways, and gifting opportunities! Shop printed T-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. 

 

Contact Us!

Want to learn more about direct apparel printing? Get custom print apparel and gifts with your logo or artwork, no matter how detailed! Just reach out to us to get started.