What is a DTF transfer?
In short
A full-colour design printed with a white underbase onto film, coated with adhesive powder, then heat pressed onto fabric such as cotton, polyester and blends.
How DTF works
DTF stands for direct to film. The design is printed in CMYK onto a clear film, followed by a layer of white ink behind the colours. Adhesive powder is added and cured. To apply it, you place the film on a garment, press it with a heat press and peel the film away, leaving the design bonded to the fabric.
What it works on
DTF bonds to cotton, polyester, blends, nylon and many other fabrics, and works on dark and light garments because of the white layer. It suits t-shirts, hoodies, caps, bags, aprons and uniforms.
DTF compared with screen printing
Screen printing needs a set-up for each colour, so it suits large runs of one design. DTF has no set-up, handles photographic detail and many colours, and lets you order as few as one sheet, so it is the better choice for small runs, mixed sizes and one-off designs.
Gang sheets
A gang sheet places many designs on one large sheet to use the film efficiently. You cut the designs apart and press them as you need them.
Tips
Use a transparent background and leave a gap of at least 10mm between designs. Wash garments inside out in cool water.
Availability
We print DTF transfers as 580 x 1000mm gang sheets (see gang sheet). See our DTF transfers.