What Is DTF Printing? A Plain Explanation of Direct to Film

DTF printing changed small-run custom apparel more than any technology in the last decade. It removed the minimum order. Here is what it actually is.

The process, step by step

1. Your artwork is printed in reverse onto a PET transfer film using specialized water-based pigment inks, including a white ink layer.
2. While the ink is still wet, a hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the back and the excess is shaken off.
3. The powdered film is cured with heat, typically in the range of 250 to 280°F, which melts the adhesive so it bonds permanently to the ink layer.
4. The finished transfer is positioned on the garment and pressed, generally around 300 to 330°F for roughly 12 to 18 seconds under medium pressure.
5. The film is peeled away, hot or cold depending on the film, leaving the design bonded to the fabric.

Why the white underbase matters

On a black shirt, printing red ink directly gives you a muddy maroon, because the garment shows through. DTF lays down a white ink layer beneath the color automatically. That is why a DTF print on a black hoodie looks as bright as the same print on white, with no extra setup or cost.

What it works on

Cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blends, tri-blends, nylon, canvas and most performance fabrics. Because the adhesive bonds mechanically rather than chemically reacting with cotton fibres, DTF handles polyester and blends that other methods struggle with. It also works on tote bags, aprons, caps and non-apparel textiles.

What DTF is good at

• No minimum order. One shirt is a real order.
• No setup cost, because there are no screens to burn.
• Unlimited colors at no extra charge, including photographs and smooth gradients.
• Fine detail such as small text and thin linework that screens struggle to hold.
• Fast turnaround, since production starts as soon as the artwork is approved.
• One transfer design works across mixed garment colors and fabric types in a single order.

Where it is the wrong choice

On very large runs of simple artwork, screen printing will beat it on price. On very large solid prints, some people notice the film's hand more than they would a soft-hand screen print. If you are ordering 300 shirts with a one-color logo, ask about screen printing instead.

Gang sheets

If you own a heat press, you can buy the transfers alone. A gang sheet is a large sheet of film filled with as many of your designs as will fit, printed and powdered, ready for you to cut and press. It is the cheapest way to hold stock of your own designs.

Caring for a DTF print

• Wait 24 hours before the first wash so the adhesive fully sets.
• Wash inside out in cold water.
• Tumble dry low, or hang dry for the longest life.
• Do not iron directly on the print. Press on the reverse side.
• Skip bleach and fabric softener.

We run DTF in house in Jamaica, Queens. See apparel and promo for the full list.