What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct-to-film) prints your design on a special film, coats it with adhesive powder, cures it, and heat-presses it onto the garment. It handles full color with no minimum, which makes it ideal for small runs, crews, events and merch tests.
How DTF works
- Your full-color design is printed onto DTF film.
- Adhesive powder is applied and heat-cured onto the print.
- The transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment and the film is peeled off.
DTF vs screen printing
- Quantity: DTF has no minimum; screen printing gets cheaper per shirt at larger runs
- Colors: DTF prints full color and gradients in one pass; screen printing sets up each color separately
- Setup: DTF needs no screens, so one-offs and mixed designs are easy
- Best for: DTF for small batches, names on the back, photos and many colors; screen printing for big runs of a simple design
What can DTF go on?
T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags, aprons and more: cotton, polyester and blends. Tell us the garment and we confirm before printing.
How to wash DTF shirts
- Wait a day or two after pressing before the first wash
- Turn the garment inside out
- Wash cold or warm, gentle cycle
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Do not iron directly on the print
DTF prints are wash-resistant, and there is no minimum: one shirt is fine. Prints go up to 22 x 60 inches.
Questions
Is there a minimum for DTF printing?
No minimum. One shirt is fine.
Is DTF better than screen printing?
For small runs and full-color designs, usually yes. For hundreds of identical one-color shirts, screen printing can be cheaper per piece.
How big can a DTF print be?
Up to 22 x 60 inches.
