PRINTING GUIDES · DTF
DTF: what it is and how DTF printing on textiles works
DTF lets you print full-colour designs on textiles with no screens or film positives. It suits small runs, many colours or designs that change from garment to garment. This guide explains how it works and what is worth knowing before you order.
Published 5 min read
In short
- DTF stands for “direct to film”: the design is printed on film and then transferred to the garment with heat.
- It needs no film positives or screens, so the number of colours does not change the preparation.
- It pays off for small runs and for designs with many colours, gradients or photos.
- Send each design at actual size, as a PNG with a transparent background at 300 dpi or as a PDF.
- The film is sold by the metre and you can combine several designs on the same metre.
01
What is DTF?
DTF stands for “direct to film”. The design is printed in full colour on a clear film, with a layer of white ink behind the colours. It then receives an adhesive powder which, with heat, bonds it to the fabric.
Unlike screen printing, there are no film positives or screens to prepare. The film comes out ready to press, whether for one garment or a hundred, and each metre can carry different designs. That is why DTF is sold by the metre: you pay for the film your designs take up.
02
How it works, step by step
There are four stages from file to printed garment. The first three make the film; the last one transfers the design to the fabric.
01
File
Each design is prepared at actual size with a transparent background, and the designs are laid out side by side across the width of the film.
02
Printing on film
The design is printed in colour on the film, mirrored, with a layer of white on top so the colours show on dark fabrics.
03
Adhesive powder
While the ink is still wet, the film receives an adhesive powder that only sticks where there is print. With heat, the powder melts and is ready to bond.
04
Heat pressing
The film is placed on the garment and pressed with heat and pressure. Once it has cooled as needed, the film is peeled off and the design stays on the fabric.
03
DTF or screen printing?
They are different techniques, each with its place. The choice mainly depends on quantity, number of colours and substrate.
DTF
- Preparation
- None: the design goes straight from file to film.
- Colours
- No difference: photos, gradients and many colours.
- Quantities
- Small runs, short series and different designs per garment.
- Substrates
- Textiles.
- Finish
- A thin layer on top of the fabric.
Screen printing
- Preparation
- One film positive and one screen per colour before printing.
- Colours
- Each colour adds preparation and a print pass.
- Quantities
- Larger runs, where the preparation is spread out.
- Substrates
- Textiles, PVC, non-woven fabric, components and other substrates.
- Finish
- The ink sits in the material; the feel depends on the ink.
For large runs with few colours, fabric screen printing is usually better value. If in doubt, send us the design and the quantity and we will tell you what makes more sense.
04
Which garments it works on
DTF bonds to most textiles, light or dark: cotton, polyester and blends, on T-shirts, sweatshirts, cloth bags, workwear and many other items.
Heavily textured, waterproof, specially finished or heat-sensitive fabrics should be checked first. If you want us to press onto your garments, tell us what they are and what fabric they are made of.
05
How to prepare your file
The film reproduces the file exactly, so it is worth preparing it well. Use this checklist before sending.
- Actual size
- Prepare each design at the size it will be on the garment. A chest logo is usually 8 to 10 cm wide.
- Transparent background
- In a PNG the background must be transparent. A white background would be printed as a white rectangle.
- Resolution
- 300 dpi at actual size. Low-resolution images end up with jagged edges.
- Format
- PNG with a transparent background or PDF. Send one file per design.
- Fine lines
- Very thin lines and small lettering may not bond well to the fabric. Avoid strokes thinner than 1 mm.
- Several designs
- You can combine several designs on the same film. Tell us how many of each you need.
06
Applying and caring for garments
If you take the film only, you apply it with a heat press. Temperature, time and when to peel the film depend on the film: check the settings with us before pressing the first garment.
- Wash inside out
- Turn the garment inside out before washing and avoid high temperatures.
- No iron on the design
- If you iron the garment, do it inside out or with a cloth on top.
- No bleach or hot tumble drying
- Harsh products and strong heat wear the design faster.
07
How much DTF by the metre costs
The film costs €9 per metre up to 9 m and €8.50 per metre from 10 m, plus VAT. It is charged per 10 cm, with a minimum of half a metre. Pressing onto your garments is quoted separately.
In the DTF by the metre calculator you add your designs, see how they are laid out on the film and what they cost, and send your request.