What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct to film) prints your design in full colour onto a special film, coats it in a fine adhesive powder and cures it. The finished transfer is then heat pressed onto the garment.
It gives you the detail and colour of digital printing without the limits of DTG. DTF isn't restricted to cotton, and it works just as well on dark garments as on light ones.
What DTF is best for
- Full-colour and detailed designs: gradients, photos and fine lines with no extra cost per colour.
- Small runs and one-offs: no screens and no minimum order, so one tee costs the same to set up as fifty.
- Mixed fabrics: cotton, polyester and most blends, so hoodies, sportswear, bags and workwear can all match.
- Dark garments: a white underbase is built into every transfer, so colours stay bright on black.
- Several print positions: chest, back, sleeves and neck labels from the same order.
DTF compared with other methods
| Method | Best for | Fabrics | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTF | Full colour, small to large runs | Cotton, polyester, blends | None |
| DTG | Soft-feel full colour | 100% cotton | None |
| Screen printing | Bigger runs, few colours | Most garments | 20 pieces |
| Embroidery | Logos on workwear and caps | Most garments that can be hooped | None |
Still unsure? Read our printing methods guide, or just send us your design and we'll recommend the best option.
Our DTF setup
We print everything in-house on three DTF machines, including a 7-head, 9-colour machine and an automated line with Epson i3200 printheads. Printing, powdering and curing run as one process at up to 15 square metres an hour, so large orders and rush jobs don't hold up the queue.
Garments
Choose from our clothing catalogue of tees, hoodies, polos, workwear and bags from the brands we stock, or ask us about printing on your own garments.
Artwork
For the sharpest result, send a high-resolution PNG (300 dpi at print size) with a transparent background, or a vector file (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG). Lower-resolution images can be printed, but the result will be softer. If you're not sure, send what you have and we'll check it before printing.
Prices
DTF prints start from £1. The price depends on the print size, the number of positions and the quantity, and it drops as quantities go up. Tell us what you need using the form below for an exact price.
