2-STEP HEAT TRANSFER Vs. DIRECT TO GARMENT PRINTING (T-Shirt Printing & More)

In this new episode of Apparel Academy, Henry explains the differences between 2-step heat transfer printing with the Luminaris 200 printer and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. By the end of this video, you’ll be able to decide which custom apparel method is best for you and your business.

Learn about our Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer Printer: https://hubs.ly/H0P2FlT0

Check out the RICOH Ri 1000 DTG printer: https://hubs.ly/H0sX6sx0

Learn about the differences between DTG and sublimation here: https://youtu.be/dD8mc8ZdWXc

Watch our comparison between 2-step heat transfer and sublimation here: https://youtu.be/3dmBEtJXPck

Click here to read our blog comparing all printing methods: https://blog.ricoma.com/2021/06/04/printing-method-comparison/

If you want to see more great custom apparel and personalized garments, check out our Facebook group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery:

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Timestamps:

1:15 - 2-step heat transfer

3:07 - DTG printing

4:48 - Quality

7:14 - Variety

9:07 - Quantity

10:45 - DTG printing costs and profit potential

11:55 - 2-step heat transfer costs and profit potential

13:31 - Using both methods in your shop



2-step heat transfer is a type of printing you can do with a white toner transfer printer like the Luminaris 200. You could use a regular printer to print on transfer sheets, but a white toner transfer printer is better because it can print white, making your designs pop even more and allowing the designs to adhere to the substrate better.

The 2-step heat transfer process:

Print your design onto a transparent sheet

Marry it to an adhesive sheet

Transfer design onto substrate using a heat press

Remove the transfer sheet

Cure design using a heat press

DTG, or direct to garment printing, is when you print a design directly onto your substrate.

DTG printing process:

Coat garment with pretreatment liquid

Insert garment into the printer

Wait for the design to print

Curing design with a heat press

Here are the 3 main categories to consider when deciding between the two methods:

1) Quality

You will feel the difference between the design layer and the garment more with 2-step heat transfer. DTG also adds a layer on top of the substrate, but it has a smoother feel. DTG slightly beats heat transfer when it comes to durability because if you don’t do the heat transfer process correctly, the design can peel or fade early. For vibrancy, there is no difference between either method, as they can both print full-color designs.

2) Variety

DTG printers can only print on flat garments like t-shirts, hoodies and more. In contrast, 2-step heat transfer printing is more versatile. With the right heat press type, you can transfer designs onto flat garments, plates, caps, mugs and more. In regards to shirt materials, both methods can be used on light and dark garments and cotton and polyester.

3) Quantity

DTG is better for bulk orders because the process is more streamlined. You can queue up orders in the software for continuous printing and the print time is less than 3 minutes per shirt. Heat transfer is more time-consuming because you need to print and heat press a new sheet for each item. In regards to printing small, one-off orders, both of these methods work great.

What about investment costs?

A DTG printer costs between $13k-22k. The cost of ink for printing on a white garment is $0.50 - $1, while the ink cost for printing on a black garment is $1.25 - $3. Remember, ink costs vary based on the design you are printing. Applying pretreatment liquid costs $0.50 per shirt and a blank garment usually costs $3. When it comes to profit potential, you can sell a DTG printed shirt for $25 or even higher because the feel of a DTG printed shirt is considered a premium.

For 2-step heat transfer, a white toner transfer printer usually costs between $4k-$7k. When it comes to printing, paper is the most expensive supply, with both sheets costing $2-3. Toner is inexpensive at $0.10 per print and a blank garment costs $3. You can sell a shirt with a heat-transferred design for $20.

Even though we discussed the differences between these two methods, they are not meant to replace each other. Many custom apparel decorators use both methods in one shop to provide more variety and to become a one-stop-shop for their customers.

Видео 2-STEP HEAT TRANSFER Vs. DIRECT TO GARMENT PRINTING (T-Shirt Printing & More) канала Ricoma Embroidery Machines