DTF vs HTV: Which is right for your print business?

If you’re looking to scale your apparel and textile decoration business in the UK, you’ll likely face the decision between the two major techniques: direct-to-film (DTF) printing and heat-transfer vinyl (HTV). In this blog we’ll unpack how DTF printing compares vs HTV printing, and how the machines offered by Resolute fit into your workflow should you decide to go DTF.

What is DTF printing?

DTF (direct-to-film) printing is a transfer process where you print your design using DTF inks onto a special DTF film, apply adhesive DTF powder, cure it, then heat press the film onto the substrate (garment, tote, etc). It allows full colour prints and more flexibility than other methods of printing, including HTV.

Why go DTF?

• Full-colour capability in one pass (no layer for each colour as with screen printing)

• Works on light and dark fabrics

• More efficient than HTV in volume and complexity of design

• Easier to enable multiple garment types (hoodies, polos, bags, etc) from one machine

If you’re at a point whether you’re entering the market or you’re scaling up from hobby or small run to mid-volume decoration, there is a DTF printer for every level of production.

What is HTV (Heat-Transfer Vinyl)?

HTV is a popular method where shapes or designs are cut from coloured vinyl sheets, weeded (removing excess material), then heat pressed onto the substrate. It has been a mainstay of smaller print businesses, custom decoration, hobbyists and sports names/numbers for many years.

Strengths of HTV

• Low entry cost (cutting machine + heat press + vinyl)

• Great for simple designs with limited colours

• Very good for names/numbers, single-colour prints, small runs

• Lots of flexibility in vinyl types (metallic, puff, flock, glitter etc)

Limitations of HTV

• Each colour often requires a separate cut/weed/press step

• Less efficient for full-colour photographic prints

• Weeding can be labour-intensive

• Not as easily scalable for large-volume production

DTF vs HTV: Head-to-Head

Feature	DTF Printing	HTV
Full-colour photographic prints	✅ Excellent	⚠️ Limited / costly
Works easily on dark fabrics	✅ Yes (white ink layer)	❓ Yes, but more steps/complexity
Labour involved (weeding/cutting)	✅ Lower once set-up	❌ Higher, especially for multi-colour designs
Suitable for high volume	✅ Very suitable	❓ Less suited for large volumes
Entry cost	🔸 Higher than basic HTV setup	🔹 Lower initial cost
Versatility (substrates, print size)	✅ High	⚠️ Moderate

For a UK business ready to step up from hobby customisation to mid-volume production, DTF printing typically offers better scalability and design flexibility.

How Resolute’s DTF printers can work for you

On our DTF printers page you’ll find a range of systems suitable for different scales of business: from compact starter machines to full production workflows.

Entry:

• CraftyJet™: Desktop printer designed for hobbyists and specifically for the home crafting market. Ideal for those wanting to try out a DTF printer in the UK market.

• R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini: Compact footprint for smaller spaces or pilot production runs.

Mid-range:

• R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini: Also works for mid-range operations that are working in smaller spaces.

• R‑Jet PRO DTF™ V4i: Positioned as a gateway to professional DTF printing, ideal if you’re moving up from HTV and want a reliable mid-range DTF printer.

High-volume / Production:

• R-Jet PRO DTF™ V8i: Built for speed and efficiency, ideal for serious UK print businesses scaling up.

• R-Jet PRO DTF™ V9: Next-generation, nine-colour ink system, excellent for premium, high‐throughput workflows.

Specialised / Hard Substrate:

• R-Jet PRO DTF™ UVi & UV61: These take the DTF principle into rigid/hard substrates (mugs, bottles, promotional items) rather than just garments.

Related equipment:

• A DTF cutter, such as the R-Jet PRO DTF™ FB1A, essential for supporting workflows where you’d cut DTF film ready for pressing.

• Heat presses are an essential part of the process and come in different shapes and sizes, from cap and pocket presses or single platen heat presses for those starting out up to twin pneumatic presses and even robotic auto heat presses for production level businesses.

So how should your UK print business choose between HTV and DTF?

Here are some decision-points:

1. Volume & variety: If you are doing mostly simple designs, names/numbers, low volume, HTV still makes sense. But if your business aims for full‐colour, frequent designs, frequent order turnaround, DTF printing is more future-proof.

2. Space & investment: DTF printer systems are higher investment and require space and specialist DTF consumables (films, powders, inks), but the throughput gains can justify it.

3. Design complexity: For photographic or multi-colour artwork, DTF printing wins. If you’re cutting simple vinyl shapes, HTV remains valid.

4. Substrate flexibility: If you want to branch into bags, promotional items, dark fabrics, etc, DTF printing gives broader options.

5. Workflow & labour: HTV can be labour-intensive (weeding, cutting each colour). DTF simplifies that.

6. Growth strategy: If your business in the UK is looking at scaling, offering more variety, faster turnaround, going for a DTF printer is a strong competitive move.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to upgrade your UK print business from HTV and small‐run work towards full-colour, higher-volume, flexible production, investing in a DTF printer is the clear step forward. And the range from Resolute gives you options from entry-level machines of manageable cost, up to full production systems.

In short:

• For simple, small-run, single-colour jobs: HTV is still viable.

• For full-colour, high-volume jobs: DTF printing is the smarter investment.

From a UK perspective, look for machines supported locally, with consumables, service and training included, which is exactly what Resolute provide. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements in more detail.