DTF Printing

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing prints the design onto a special PET film, dusts it with hot-melt adhesive powder, cures it under heat, and then presses it onto the garment with a heat press. The result is a vibrant, full-color transfer that bonds permanently to almost any fabric.

DTF emerged around 2020 and quickly became one of the fastest-growing techniques in custom apparel. It works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather, and even hard surfaces — something neither screen printing nor DTG can claim. Like DTG, it has no setup fees and no minimum order.

The print sits slightly raised on the fabric with a soft, vinyl-like feel — not quite as soft as DTG but more durable on stretchy and synthetic fabrics. DTF transfers can also be made in batches and stored for later application, which makes it popular for on-demand print shops and small print-on-demand businesses.