Direct To Film (DTF)
No minimum required!
Direct to Film (DTF)
DTF, or direct to film, prints your design onto a specialized film using ink, then applies an adhesive powder and uses heat to transfer the design onto the garment. Because the design is carried on the film rather than soaked into the fabric, DTF produces vibrant, high-resolution results and works well on dark garments.
It handles full-color artwork, photographic images, gradients, and intricate designs, and it is an excellent choice for small quantities and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Key Features
- Full-color artwork, photographs, gradients, and fine detail
- Vibrant color, including on dark garments
- No minimum order
- Ideal for one-of-a-kind and small-batch pieces
Occasions
- One-of-a-kind custom pieces, photographic designs, small-quantity orders, dark garments, personalized merchandise.
How It Works
- Artwork is checked for resolution, fonts, and background. If the background needs removing, it is done before printing.
- The design is printed in mirror image onto the specialized film, so it reads correctly once transferred.
- Adhesive powder is applied evenly over the wet ink, and any excess is shaken off.
- The film is passed through a curing oven, which melts the powder so it bonds to the ink.
- The garment is laid flat, smoothed, and its print placement is marked.
- The film is positioned on the garment with the adhesive side against the fabric.
- A heat press bonds the design to the fabric. Once it has cooled, the film is peeled away as directed for that film type.
Artwork Requirements
- File formats: PNG preferred. PDF, AI, PSD, and EPS are accepted. JPEG is accepted but not recommended.
- Resolution: minimum 300 DPI at final print size
- Transparent background strongly preferred for clean edges. Charges apply if background removal is needed.
- Fonts embedded or converted to outlines
- Artwork is printed as submitted. We do not adjust colors, reposition, or modify files unless design service is requested.
History
DTF was developed in the late 2010s as a hybrid between direct-to-garment printing and heat-transfer methods. It uses film and adhesive powder to broaden the range of garments it can decorate, and to simplify printing on dark fabrics.
FAQ
What are the print areas?
With Direct to Film there are no limits! We will make suggestions on how big
Is there a minimum order?
No. Single transfers are welcome.
Can I print on dark garments? Yes. This is one of the main reasons to choose DTF.
Do I need a transparent background?
A transparent background is strongly preferred for clean edges. White in the design will be printed.
How fast is it?
Average turnaround is 2-5 days. Allow longer production for holidays & bigger orders.