What I learned about halftones after working with DTF printing every day
I work with DTF printing every day, and one thing I’ve noticed is that many people use halftones without really understanding what problem they’re trying to solve.
In my experience, halftones can be especially useful for large solid areas where the print would otherwise feel heavy or plastic-like. But I’ve also found that simply converting an image to dots isn’t enough. Dot size, spacing, image resolution, transparency, and the characteristics of the artwork can completely change the final result.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is using very small dots because the image looks better on screen. After printing, some of those details may not transfer consistently, especially depending on the printer, powder, film and press settings.
Another interesting problem is balancing visual quality with breathability. Larger empty areas can improve the feel of the print, but removing too much information can noticeably affect gradients and details. I’m curious about how other DTF printers handle this.
Do you use halftones mainly to reduce the plastic feel, for visual effects, or both? And what minimum dot size have you found reliable in real production?