DTF transfer
DTF (direct-to-film) printing prints the design onto a PET film with CMYK plus white ink, coats it with a heat-activated adhesive powder, cures it, then heat-presses it onto the textile. Unlike DTG, which soaks into cotton, DTF bonds to any fiber — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon — with no pre-treatment and regardless of fabric color. Ideal for full-color designs in small and medium runs.
How it works
- 01Mirror-print the design onto the PET film (CMYK + white)
- 02Apply heat-activated adhesive powder to the wet ink
- 03Melt the powder and cure the transfer in the oven
- 04Heat-press onto the textile and peel away the film
Good to know
DTF (direct-to-film) is the most versatile textile transfer method today: the design is printed onto a PET film with CMYK plus white ink, coated with a heat-activated adhesive powder, cured, and the resulting transfer is heat-pressed onto the fabric. Unlike DTG, which soaks into cotton, DTF bonds to any fiber — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon — with no pre-treatment and regardless of fabric color.
The dense white layer keeps colors vivid and opaque even on dark garments, and the transfer stays flexible, so it doesn't crack when stretched. There's no per-color setup cost, so it's cost-effective from a single piece up to medium runs, for full-color or photographic designs. For very large runs with few spot colors, screen printing remains cheaper per unit.
Advantages
- No minimum quantity and no screen cost
- Works on any fiber, no pre-treatment
- Vivid, opaque colors with dense white
- Stretchy transfer, wash-resistant
FAQ
What fabrics does it work on?
On almost any textile — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon — regardless of color and with no pre-treatment.
Is there a minimum quantity?
No — DTF is cost-effective from a single piece up to medium runs, with no screen cost.
How does it compare to DTG?
DTG soaks into cotton and feels softer; DTF bonds to any fiber and gives more opaque colors on dark garments.