PRINTING METHODS
Printing Methods
Different designs, garments and order sizes suit different print methods. At Branza, we use the most suitable process for the artwork, fabric and finish required, so you get the best result rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Quick overview
DTG
Great for cotton garments, full-colour artwork and a softer print feel.
DTF
Excellent for detailed, vibrant designs across a wider range of fabric types.
Vinyl
Best for bold, single-colour text and simple graphics.
Flock
Ideal when you want a raised, velvet-like finish with more texture.
Direct to Garment (DTG)
Soft, detailed printing directly into the garment
DTG printing applies ink directly onto the garment, making it ideal for high-detail, full-colour designs. It is especially well suited to cotton garments and is often chosen when a softer, more breathable finish is preferred.
- Excellent for detailed artwork and full-colour prints
- Soft handle with less of a transfer feel
- Best suited to cotton garments or cotton-rich outers
- Works well from low to high quantities
[DTG printing in action pic]
Direct to Film (DTF)
Versatile, vibrant printing for a wide range of fabrics
DTF printing uses a printed transfer film which is then heat applied to the garment. It is a strong option for synthetic fabrics, sportswear and designs that need sharp colour accuracy across different garment types.
- Great for photos, colourful graphics and complex designs
- Suitable for polyester and other non-cotton fabrics
- Strong colour reproduction and crisp detail
- Very versatile across garment types and quantities
[DTF transfer / pressing process pic]
Vinyl Printing
Bold single-colour graphics with a clean, solid finish
Vinyl printing uses a cut sheet of coloured vinyl that is heat pressed onto the garment. It is ideal for simple text, numbers and bold single-colour graphics, especially on smaller runs.
- Best for names, numbers, text and simple shapes
- Creates a bold, solid finish
- Strong option for small to medium quantities
- Not suitable for full-colour or highly complex designs
[Vinyl cutting / press process pic]
Flock Printing
A textured, raised finish with a premium feel
Flock works in a similar way to vinyl, but uses a textured material with a soft, velvet-like finish. It is usually chosen when you want more depth and a tactile look rather than a flat print.
- Distinctive raised and textured finish
- Great for bold graphics, lettering and statement designs
- Limited colour and detail compared with DTG or DTF
- Best for simpler artwork rather than photographic detail
[Flock sample close-up pic]
Print type guide
Which print method suits which job?
The table below gives a quick guide to where each print process is usually most suitable. It is adapted to help Branza customers compare methods more easily.
| Print Type | DTG | Vinyl | Flock | DTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photos | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Single-colour print | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-colour print | ✓ | — | Limited | ✓ |
| Single-colour print under 250 pieces | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-colour print under 250 pieces | ✓ | — | Limited | ✓ |
| Single-colour print over 250 pieces | ✓ | Usually not ideal | Usually not ideal | ✓ |
| Multi-colour print over 250 pieces | ✓ | — | Limited | ✓ |
| Complex artwork with background | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Complex artwork with transparent background | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
Choosing the right method
The best print method depends on the artwork, the fabric, the finish you want and the quantity ordered. As a general guide:
- Choose DTG for cotton garments and softer full-colour prints
- Choose DTF for sportswear, synthetics and highly detailed designs
- Choose Vinyl for simple text, names and bold one-colour graphics
- Choose Flock for texture, depth and a premium raised look
Not sure which print method is best?
Send us your artwork and garment choice and we will recommend the most suitable print method for the result you want.
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