Have you met the hottest decorating trends in custom apparel and merchandise? First came Direct-to-Film (DTF), and then we saw UltraViolet Direct-to-Film (UV-DTF) printing hit the scene. These two game-changing print methods are reshaping how decorators customize apparel and hard goods, and unlocking significant profit potential along the way.
But how do you know which technique is best for your business and which has the potential to boost it the most? Let’s look at each printing setup's features and benefits.
Direct-to-Film Printing
DTF is becoming a rising star in the garment decorating industry because of its versatility. Unlike traditional methods such as screen printing or DTG printing, DTF printers transfer full-color designs onto film. Then, you use a heat press to transfer the design to the fabric, allowing you to print more complicated designs, including those with gradients. Another benefit of DTF printing is that it can print smaller quantities and be applied to a broader range of fabrics.
Purchasing a DTF printer, like the Pioneer 24 4-Head, 8 Color DTF Printer System, reduces labor and prints higher volumes at greater speeds, saving you time and money. Depending on the size and volume of your print shop, you can also consider the Pioneer 14 DTF Printer System, which is smaller but still prints quickly. If you want to increase profitability by being more efficient, a DTF printer is a wise investment for your print shop.
UltraViolet Direct-to-Film Printing
UV-DTF is a top choice for decorators because of its versatility, precision, and simplicity. This innovative printing method uses a specialized film to transfer high-quality designs onto almost any hard surface, resulting in a stunning, high-quality look and feel. UV-DTF uses a flexible film, allowing you to mold and shape it to various surfaces. The ability to imprint both flat and curved objects opens up creative possibilities — you can put logos and artwork on almost anything, including tumblers, desk signs, tablet cases, and awards.
Purchasing a UV-DTF printer like the Monarch 24 UV-DTF Printing System results in vivid, pristine prints that resist fading, cracking, and peeling. With UV-cured inks and a protective varnish layer, each design offers exceptional durability and detail, showcasing a vibrant full spectrum of colors, smooth gradients, and fine lines. Best of all, it delivers professional-grade results at an affordable cost for small shops and large-scale production.
The latest innovation in UV-DTF printing is the Monarch FB2436 Vision with an innovative flatbed UV-DTF platen, which allows you to print with even better precision and faster capability! The Monarch features an innovative camera vision system that eliminates the need for jigs or manual registration, enabling precise, dynamic print adjustments on irregularly placed objects.
High Demand for Customization
Customized gear has been taking the marketplace by storm. Businesses recognize the importance of branding and want their logo to be as visible as possible. Consumers love customized swag, logos on water bottles, custom decals, personalized gifts, branded merch for bands or influencers, you name it.
You can capitalize on this buyer demand with both DTF and UV-DTF printing. While these imprinting processes have many similarities, there are a few key differences you will need to consider when selecting which printing method to use.
No Minimums for Print-On-Demand
Both DTF and UV-DTF allow you to print low quantities, which is a great advantage when you want to reach a full spectrum of customers in the retail community. People often turn to local sources to get customized items for parties or events because they don’t have the volume to fill the minimum requirement of the larger promotional product companies.
DTF and UV-DTF are perfect for short runs or one-off items, which means less risk and waste, offering customers flexibility that big manufacturers often can’t. This advantage also lets you fulfill online stores for companies, schools, teams, fundraisers, and more, allowing end-users to purchase just one shirt you fulfill on demand.
Print-On-Demand Apparel and Hard Goods
DTF and UV-DTF transfers both produce vibrant, durable designs on many different surfaces. Fewer printing limitations mean more clients!
DTF prints adhere well to cotton, polyester, blends, and more — so you can offer a wide variety of garments and accessories. Unlike other methods, DTF isn’t picky about fabric type or color. This gives you the flexibility to print on t-shirts, activewear, hoodies, bags, hats, and even odd-shaped items, with more variety for color and fabric content.
You can apply UV-DTF prints to glass, plastic, metal, wood, leather, and ceramics. This opens up huge markets. Think: custom tumblers, signs, packaging, cosmetics, candles, phone cases, and more.
You can print one item or 100 with ease. There’s no setup time or screens, so it’s perfect for small businesses, artists, influencers, and anyone wanting short runs or unique designs, along with webstores that you can keep open and fulfill all year long.
Faster Turnaround Time
At print speeds of up to 220 square feet per hour, you can crank out a huge volume of transfers for a big order in way less time than it takes to burn screens and mix ink. Once the design is printed, it’s press-and-go! Both methods make production a fast and clean process, especially for small businesses or solo operations.
Your Money-Maker
You can charge more because of the high-end look and feel of UV-DTF prints. Customers are often willing to pay extra for high-quality, long-lasting, custom items. You can also position yourself as a supplier, selling DTF and UV-DTF transfers to other creators and apparel businesses that don’t want to invest in equipment. It’s a great B2B angle!
OK, What’s the Catch?
While DTF and UV-DTF can be great advancements to your print shop, there are a few downsides to consider.
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DTF printers require continuous climate monitoring and maintenance, so your shop's environment is crucial to the quality of your printing, as outlined here. When the humidity or temperature of your shop is out of the normal range, it can affect the quality of your transfers. However, with the right methods to manage the climate, a DTF printer can be a fantastic investment for your print shop!
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DTF printers use film and adhesive to create the print, which adds to your expenses. Many shops absorb this expense by including it in their pricing structure. These materials are sensitive and require special handling and storage. The adhesive powder can be toxic if inhaled or ingested, so proper ventilation is a key concern.
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UV-curable inks can emit strong fumes during the printing and curing process. Therefore, you’ll need a well-ventilated workspace, and some people choose to use air purifiers or extraction fans.
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UV inks and films aren’t biodegradable, and the curing process uses UV light and energy. If sustainability is a big concern for your brand, this might not align with your values without additional steps to offset it.
Which Method Is Your Better Investment?
If you’re having difficulty deciding which machine is right for you, evaluate your business and where you’d like to grow. For example, if you currently have a robust apparel clientele and are looking to offer a more full-service printing experience, then investing in a UV-DTF machine would make perfect sense! You can market “hard goods” promotional products to your existing client base and draw new customers in simultaneously. If your new customers find you through promotional items, it also gives you a great opportunity to secure their apparel business.
Likewise, if you already have a presence in the “hard goods” sector, purchasing a DTF machine would allow you to expand your product line and offer your customers unlimited options of customized goods. A great way to offset the investment cost of a new machine is to sell the prints you produce from your machines to other businesses. Now, you aren’t only a producer; you’re also a supplier!
Marketing Strategies for Selling DTF and UV-DTF Goods
If you can have both printing techniques in your shop, whether by purchasing a DTF and UV-DTF machine or choosing one and outsourcing the prints for the other method, it’s easy to market various items together and draw in customers.
You could offer a promotion to businesses that need both apparel and swag to promote their brand. Another great niche to hit with a promo like this is event planners. Brides and moms-to-be are always looking for stylish and thoughtful customized gifts they can hand out to their bridal party or as shower gifts.
If you print a sheet of 12 UV-DTF prints, they can be split up to decorate multiple items — a tumbler, a mug, a laptop case and a notebook — and the customer can bundle them together to create an effective- and eye-catching marketing gift. Since you can print on demand, the customer could throw in a single t-shirt or hoodie to finish it off, and the recipient will feel spoiled with all the customized swag!
How Will I Manage My Growth?
Many custom printing businesses either thrive or get overwhelmed by adding these new decorating techniques to their repertoire of services. Starting with a niche market helps you stand out, focus your marketing, and streamline your workflow.
Here’s how to do it strategically:
1. Pick a Profitable Niche (With Passion + Demand)
Ask yourself:
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What kind of products are people already buying?
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Is there a special event, lifestyle, or community you care about?
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Who can you easily reach or relate to?
Focus on something specific, custom pet shirts, birthday party merch, small business logos, and school spirit wear. This will make your marketing easier and more effective.
2. Limit Your Product Line at First
Don’t offer 20 products. Start with two to four core items that use the same materials/process. That way, your materials, designs, and workflow stay tight — and you avoid any production chaos.
For example: drinkware for corporate settings or events
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Acrylic cups
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Stainless steel tumblers
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Wine glasses
3. Create a Smooth Production Flow
Because you’re working within a niche, your designs can be batched (same size, same material). You’ll have less inventory, making it easier to manage. You’ll quickly get faster and better at making those specific items, so your production will be efficient and hopefully result in less waste. Less waste and less time testing equals more time spent selling and more profit.
Ready to Sell More Merch?
Investing in the hottest trends and latest technology adds to your bottom line and keeps your print shop busy. DTF and UV-DTF printing are powerful tools for any custom product business, offering versatility, vibrant results, and professional durability across a wide range of surfaces. Together, these technologies let you offer your customers premium customization with speed, consistency, and creative flexibility, making your business stand out in today’s fast-growing personalization market.
Arcus Printers provides cutting-edge decorating technologies and equipment nationwide. Specializing in DTF and UV-DTF printing, wide-format digital fabric printing, laser cutting, embroidery, and more, we deliver high-quality solutions backed by expert support. Since 2004, our team has empowered businesses of all sizes to unleash creativity and achieve exceptional results.
Contact the expert team at Arcus Printers today to learn whether a DTF or UV-DTF printer setup makes the most sense for your shop’s growth goals.
Learn more at arcusprinters.com.
