DTF, short for direct-to-film, is a transfer printing method. The design is printed onto a special PET film, coated with an adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto the garment. The film is peeled away, leaving the print bonded to the fabric.
DTF has grown quickly because it combines full-colour digital printing with a much wider fabric range than DTG, without screens or pretreatment.
How DTF printing works
- Prepare the artwork. RIP software controls colour and the white layer.
- Print onto film. A DTF printer prints the colours (CMYK) and then a white layer onto PET film. The white layer acts as a base so colours stay bright on any garment colour.
- Apply powder. While the ink is still wet, hot-melt adhesive powder is spread over the print. It sticks only to the ink; the excess is shaken off and reused.
- Cure the powder. The film is heated, typically around 160–170°C for 60–90 seconds, to melt the powder into an even adhesive layer.
- Press onto the garment. The transfer is heat-pressed, typically around 160°C for 15–20 seconds at medium-high pressure.
- Peel and finish. The film is peeled off. Many printers press again briefly through a silicone or parchment sheet to improve durability and texture.
Settings vary by film, powder and garment, so always follow the supplier's specifications and test on a sample.
Which fabrics DTF works on
DTF works on a wide range of materials, including:
- 100% cotton
- Polyester and performance fabrics
- Cotton-polyester blends
- Nylon and some other synthetics, with adjusted settings
- Dark and light colours alike, without pretreatment
Heat-sensitive fabrics need care: high press temperatures can mark or melt some synthetics, and coloured polyester can still release dye into a light print.
What DTF does well
- Full colour and fine detail with no extra cost per colour.
- Very wide fabric range, including polyester that is difficult for DTG printing.
- No pretreatment and no screens.
- Small runs are economical, down to a single piece.
- Print now, press later. Transfers can be produced in batches and stored, which is useful for on-demand or multi-location decoration.
Limitations
- Hand feel. DTF leaves a thin layer on top of the fabric. It is smoother than older heat transfers, but less soft than water-based screen printing or DTG on light cotton.
- Breathability. Large solid print areas let less air through.
- Cost at volume. For large, full-coverage runs, screen printing is usually more cost-effective.
- Process control. Powder application, curing and pressing must be consistent, or prints can peel or crack.
- Workshop conditions. White ink needs regular circulation, and powder handling needs ventilation.
DTF vs heat transfer vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is cut from coloured sheets and weeded by hand, so it suits simple shapes, names and numbers in one or a few colours. DTF prints full-colour artwork with fine detail and no weeding, which makes it better for complex designs.
When DTF is the right choice
DTF suits small to medium runs, full-colour designs, mixed garment types and polyester garments. For a side-by-side comparison with the other main methods, read DTF vs DTG vs screen printing.
Calvi Blanks offers printing and finishing alongside its blanks, so you can source the garment and its decoration in one place. Find out more on our printing and finishing services page, or browse blanks in our T-shirts collection.
Frequently asked questions
What does DTF stand for?
Direct-to-film. The design is printed onto film first, then transferred to the garment with heat.
How long do DTF prints last?
Well-made, correctly pressed DTF prints withstand many washes. Washing inside out at moderate temperatures and avoiding very hot tumble drying helps.
Do DTF prints crack?
They can if the powder is under-cured, the press is too short or too cool, or the garment is stretched hard. Correct settings minimise this.
Can you use DTF on polyester?
Yes. This is one of its main advantages over DTG. Use temperatures suited to the fabric and watch for dye migration on coloured polyester.
Is DTF better than DTG?
DTF handles more fabrics without pretreatment. DTG usually gives a softer feel on light cotton. The better choice depends on fabric and look.