Direct to Film (DTF)
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is an innovative garment printing method that involves printing a design onto a special transfer film, which is then coated with a powdered adhesive and heat-pressed onto fabric. Unlike Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, which prints directly onto the fabric, DTF allows for vibrant, durable prints that adhere to a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-textile surfaces. The process starts by printing a full-color design onto the film using specialized ink, followed by the application of an adhesive powder. After curing the adhesive, the transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment, creating a flexible and long-lasting print with excellent color vibrancy and wash resistance.
When does DTF make sense for me?
DTF printing offers several advantages over traditional methods, including versatility, durability, and cost-efficiency for both small and large production runs. It excels in producing highly detailed, full-color designs without the fabric limitations of DTG. Since the designs are printed on a transfer film rather than directly onto the garment, businesses can create pre-printed transfers in bulk and apply them on demand, reducing waste and allowing for greater efficiency in production. Additionally, DTF prints have a soft feel, strong stretchability, and high durability, making them ideal for activewear, promotional apparel, and custom branding. With its ability to print on various textiles and dark fabrics without pretreatment, DTF has quickly become a popular choice for custom apparel businesses and print-on-demand services.
Looking for Something Else?
Need Screen Printing, Embroidery, Direct to Garment (DTG), custom coffee mugs, pens, business cards, banners, flags, or something else? We print those too!
Send us a message with your request, and we’ll make it happen.