DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) Transfer Printing Services

SERVICE LIST

If you're looking for high-quality, customizable garment decoration options, DTF transfers are a great choice.

What are DTF Transfers?

A sheet of DTF transfers printed on an EPSON DTG Printer

DTF printing is a relatively new technology that has been gaining popularity in the industry due to its versatility and high-quality results. DTF printing involves printing a design onto a special film, which is then transferred onto the garment using heat and pressure. Unlike traditional screen printing, DTF transfers can reproduce highly-detailed and colorful designs with ease, making it an excellent option for those looking for a premium finish.

At our shop, we use Epson DTG printers to create DTF transfers. Our printers are highly versatile and can be used for both direct-to-garment printing and DTF transfer printing. This means that we can offer a wider range of services and can easily switch between printing methods depending on the needs of each project.

How are DTF Transfers Made?

Creating DTF transfers is a straightforward process. First, we print the mirrored design onto a special film using our Epson DTG printer. The film is then dusted with a hot-melt powder that will act as the bonding agent between the printed design and the garment similar to screen-printed transfers. The films are cured using a high-temperature belt dryer and then either used immediately or they can be stored for later use. Once ready to use, the film is then placed on top of the garment and heat is applied using a heat press, which transfers the design onto the fabric. DTF transfers are ready to press, which means they do not require weeding or additional steps to prep like vinyl transfers, making the application process quick and easy.

Cutting a sheet of DTF transfers down to individual transfersA DTF transfer about to be heat-pressedPeeling the transfer film off a pressed transfer

Pros and Cons of DTF Transfers

One of the biggest advantages of DTF printing is that it allows for customization on a wide range of materials. Whether you're looking to decorate cotton, polyester, or blends, DTF transfers can provide excellent adhesion and durability. This makes it a great option for sports teams, businesses, and individuals looking to create custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items. However, there can be some potential drawbacks to this option depending on your project.

Pros

Closeup view of a DTF Transfer on polyblend t-shirt
  • High-quality results: DTF transfers can produce high-quality, detailed designs with ease similar to DTG. They are perfect for reproducing logos, photographs, and other designs that require a high level of detail and color accuracy on garments that are not 100% cotton or may not DTG well.
  • Durability: DTF transfers are durable and can withstand repeated washing and wear. This makes them a great option for garments that will be used frequently, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets.
  • Flexibility: DTF transfers can be a great way to explore a new design concept without necessarily sacrificing any blank apparel. A sheet of transfers can be printed and stored to be used as needed. This allows you to keep a design on hand and press it onto the required garment after it's been purchased. This works great if you have an on-demand business structure and can be more affordable than printing DTG in bulk or even on-demand through a third party.

Cons

Large solid DTF transfer on polyblend t-shirt
  • Cost: The cost can be either a pro or a con but typically, a DTF transfer can be approximately 50% more than a similar DTG print if we are transferring them onto your garment. However, if your design is small and can be gang printed, it may be more cost effective than DTG.
  • Application: DTF transfers require a significant amount of heat and pressure. Some nylon, polyester or other synthetic materials may not be able to withstand prolonged exposure to 300+ degrees of heat or 60 PSI of pressure long enough to properly affix the transfer to your garment. We've found that some athleisure apparel may discolor from its exposure to heat.
  • Feel: While DTF transfers work great to replicate color gradients and more photographic elements, larger areas of an ink-heavy design may end up feeling waxy and plasticy once pressed onto a garment. This could alter the wearability and comfort of the garment significantly.

How to Order DTF Transfers:

To order DTF transfers, simply contact us and provide us with the details of your project. We will work with you to make sure DTF is the best solution for your needs and fits your budget.