The garment decoration industry is evolving at lightning speed, and one of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the rise of direct-to-film (DTF) printing. In our latest episode of Let’s Talk Shop, we sat down with Victor Peña, founder and CEO of OmniPrint International, to dive into the transition from direct-to-garment (DTG) to DTF, the challenges of starting and scaling a print business, and what the future holds for the apparel industry.
If you're a screen printer, DTG operator, or someone exploring DTF for your shop, this episode is packed with insights that can help you navigate this rapidly changing space. Let’s break it down!
Victor Peña’s Journey into Garment Decoration
Victor’s entry into the print industry wasn’t a straight path. With a background in engineering and tech, he originally worked in internet infrastructure before pivoting into digital printing nearly 20 years ago. What started as an idea—"Why can’t we print on T-shirts the same way we print on paper?"—led him to a bold move: flying to Korea on a credit card to pitch a manufacturer on building his vision for a DTG printer.
Fast forward to today, OmniPrint International is a leader in digital printing solutions, helping thousands of print shops produce high-quality garments with innovative technology. But like any entrepreneur, Victor faced major challenges along the way.
Lesson learned: Starting a business is hard. Instead of building from scratch, Victor now recommends acquiring an existing business or partnering with someone established to skip the most difficult early stages.
The Rise of DTF: Why OmniPrint Made the Shift
DTG printing revolutionized custom apparel by allowing on-demand, full-color prints directly onto garments. But as Victor observed, shop owners wanted more flexibility—printing on more materials, avoiding pre-treatment, and reducing production time. That’s where OmniDTF came in.
DTF vs. DTG: Key Differences
| Factor | DTG Printing | DTF Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Treatment | Required for dark garments | Not required |
| Material Compatibility | Mostly cotton, some blends | Works on cotton, polyester, nylon, leather, more |
| Production Time | Slower for small orders | Faster turnaround |
| Feel (Hand) | Softer, natural feel | Improving significantly, near screen print quality (design dependent) |
| Setup & Maintenance | More involved | More streamlined |
At first, Victor was hesitant about DTF. "Who wants to do transfers?" he thought. But once he focused on the value for customers, it became clear—DTF was a game-changer.
By late 2020, OmniPrint developed its Gamut Plus Ink, which allowed DTG printers to also print DTF transfers. This hybrid approach helped existing customers expand their capabilities without purchasing an entirely new machine.
RELATED: DTF DEEP DIVE: ENGINEERING BEHIND OMNIDTF PRINTERS
Should You Outsource DTF or Bring It In-House?
For screen printers and DTG shops considering DTF, one big question remains: Do I invest in equipment or outsource transfers?
According to Victor, outsourcing first is the best way to test the market.
🔹 If you’re just starting, ordering transfers lets you focus on marketing and selling before investing in machinery.
🔹 Once your order volume reaches a point where in-house printing makes financial sense, that’s the time to buy a DTF printer.
🔹 Bringing DTF in-house also gives you the opportunity to become a transfer supplier for local businesses, adding a new revenue stream.
👉 Key takeaway: Use real numbers to decide when to transition. If your outsourced transfers cost more than what a machine would save you, it’s time to invest.
RELATED: HOW TO BUILD CLIENTELE FOR YOUR NEW BUSINESS
What’s Next for DTF Printing?
DTF has already made a massive impact, but where is it heading?
1. Improved Automation & Workflow
DTF is getting smarter, with more efficient software for order processing, layout automation, and color accuracy. Shops investing in on-demand printing software will have the edge.
2. Better Print Quality & Feel
New ink formulations and adhesives are making DTF prints softer and more durable, to match the finish of screen printing.
3. Expansion into High-Volume Shops
Larger print shops, traditionally reliant on screen printing, are integrating DTF for low-run, full-color jobs—keeping their automatic presses free for large bulk orders.
4. Sustainability & Efficiency
With less water waste than DTG and more energy-efficient curing processes, DTF is gaining attention as a more sustainable printing method.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Apparel Decoration
Victor Peña’s insights reveal a clear trend: DTF isn’t replacing DTG or screen printing—it’s becoming an essential tool in the print shop arsenal. Whether you’re a screen printer looking to diversify, a DTG printer exploring new markets, or an entrepreneur ready to start a business, DTF opens up new opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways:
✅ If you're starting fresh, test the market by outsourcing DTF transfers before investing in equipment.
✅ For established screen print shops, DTF can handle short-run, full-color jobs, freeing up automatic presses for large orders.
✅ As technology improves, DTF’s quality, efficiency, and sustainability will continue to rise.
✅ The businesses that thrive will be those that embrace education, automation, and innovation.