DTF printing — Direct to Film — is one of the fastest-growing garment decoration methods in the UK. If you’ve heard the term and aren’t sure exactly how it works, or how it compares to DTG printing or screen printing, this guide covers everything you need to know.
How DTF Printing Works
Unlike DTG, which prints ink directly onto fabric, DTF uses a five-stage transfer process:
- Print to film. Your design is printed in full colour onto a clear PET film using a specialist DTF printer loaded with CMYK and white inks.
- Apply adhesive powder. While the ink is still wet, a hot melt adhesive powder is applied over the printed design.
- Cure. The film passes through a curing unit, bonding the adhesive to the ink layers.
- Heat press onto garment. The finished transfer is placed face-down on the garment and pressed at around 160°C for 15–20 seconds.
- Peel and finish. The film is peeled away, leaving a vibrant, full-colour print bonded to the fabric.
The process is fast, handles unlimited colours, and — crucially — works on a much wider range of fabrics than DTG.
DTF vs DTG Printing — What’s the Difference?
DTF and DTG are often confused because both produce high-quality, full-colour prints without screen setup costs. They work differently though, and each suits different jobs.
| DTF Printing | DTG Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Printed to film, transferred via heat press | Ink printed directly onto fabric |
| Best fabrics | Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, canvas — almost anything | Best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends |
| Dark garments | Excellent — white ink layer, no pre-treatment needed | Pre-treatment required on dark fabrics |
| Print feel | Slight layer on fabric surface | Very soft, breathable hand feel |
| Setup cost | None | None |
| Minimum order | No minimum | No minimum |
As a general rule: if you need to print on synthetic or mixed fabrics, DTF is the more versatile choice. For a very soft feel on premium cotton, DTG often produces the better result.
DTF vs Screen Printing
Screen printing is the most cost-effective method for larger runs. Once you’re ordering 30 or more identical items, the per-unit cost is hard to beat, and the colour vibrancy is outstanding. But it requires a separate screen for each colour in the design, and doesn’t suit jobs where every garment is different.
DTF has no setup cost and handles any design complexity, making it the better choice when:
- You’re ordering fewer than 20–30 pieces
- Your design uses gradients, photographic detail, or more than 5–6 colours
- Each garment needs a different design, name, or number
- You need a fast turnaround without waiting for screen preparation
For a bulk run of a single design, screen printing is typically more economical. For complex, low-volume, or personalised jobs, DTF is hard to beat.
What Fabrics Can You DTF Print On?
One of DTF’s biggest advantages is its fabric compatibility. Unlike DTG, which produces inconsistent results on synthetic fibres, DTF transfers bond reliably to:
- Cotton and cotton blends — t-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, sweatshirts
- Polyester — sportswear, performance fabrics, soft-shell jackets
- Nylon — outerwear, bags, accessories
- Canvas — tote bags, aprons, equipment covers
- Leather and faux leather — patches, accessories, bags
This makes DTF particularly useful for promotional clothing and merchandise orders where garment types vary, or for branded workwear where the fabric may be a polyester-cotton blend or technical synthetic.
When to Choose DTF Printing
DTF is the right call when:
- Small quantities. Fewer than 20–30 pieces, where screen printing setup makes no economic sense.
- Complex artwork. Gradients, halftones, photographic images, or designs with many colours.
- Mixed fabric orders. Printing across cotton t-shirts, polyester sportswear, and canvas bags in a single job.
- Personalised items. Individual names, numbers, or unique designs per garment — DTF handles variable data with no extra cost per variant.
- Dark garments. No pre-treatment needed; the white underbase handles dark backgrounds.
At Indigo, we offer DTF alongside DTG, screen printing, embroidery, and heat transfer printing. For most orders we’ll recommend the method that delivers the best quality at the best price — and we’re happy to advise before you commit to anything.
DTF Printing FAQs
Does DTF printing work on dark fabrics?
Yes. DTF uses a white ink underbase so the design colours show clearly on dark and black garments without any pre-treatment. This is one advantage over DTG, which requires a pre-treatment step on dark textiles before printing.
How long does a DTF print last?
DTF prints are durable and wash well when cared for correctly. Turn garments inside out before washing, use 30–40°C, and avoid tumble-drying at high heat. With proper care, a DTF print should last the life of the garment.
Is there a minimum order for DTF printing?
No — DTF has no minimum order requirement. It’s cost-effective from a single piece, making it ideal for samples, small runs, and personalised orders. For larger quantities (30+ identical items), screen printing often becomes more economical per unit.
What’s the difference between DTF and vinyl transfer printing?
Vinyl transfer printing uses a single-colour film cut to shape — it’s best for simple logos and text. DTF prints a full-colour inkjet image to film and handles any design complexity: gradients, photographs, multi-colour artwork. For anything beyond a flat single-colour logo, DTF is the more capable method.
Can I get a quote for DTF printing?
Yes — request a free quote here and let us know the garment type, quantity, and design brief. We’ll confirm the best printing method for your job and come back with a price.