A DTF (Direct to Film) transfer is a design printed onto a special film that you apply to fabric with heat, and it works on cotton, polyester, blends, and even hard surfaces like glass and metal. Press it at 300°F/149°C for 10-15 seconds on cotton (285°F/140°C for 10 seconds on polyester), peel the film, and you have a vibrant print that lasts 100+ wash cycles with proper care.
Direct to Film transfers, or DTF transfers, have created an innovative printing technique that is easy to use, cost-effective, and provides high-quality, colorful images for customizing apparel and many other products. DTF transfers produce vibrant and durable single or full-color images for use on garments of just about any size or material. Read on to learn what DTF transfers are, what makes them unique, and how to order and press your own.
What is a DTF Transfer?
DTF transfer is a garment transfer technique that allows you to customize and print designs, then transfer them to apparel or products of just about any size or material. The DTF transfer process prints designs to a film using water-based inks and a special powder adhesive. After the adhesive has been applied, the DTF transfer cures for a short period of time. Once the film cures, you can transfer the design to t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, or any material or surface.
What Makes DTF Transfers Unique?
The entire DTF transfer process creates remarkably sharp images with vibrant colors. DTF transfers can be applied to a wide range of materials, from cotton to polyester to nylon and more. The transfers can be applied to light and dark fabrics and even to different surfaces such as luggage, glass, and metal if they can withstand the recommended heat settings. The versatility of the materials that the DTF transfers can be applied to opens the door to a wider range of merchandise or apparel for businesses of all kinds.
Printing designs using DTF transfers is more cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses with a smaller merchandise budget. The supplies are significantly less expensive than other printing alternatives, and the materials do not need to be pretreated, allowing for faster production times for your products.
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No weeding or masking: there is nothing to cut or peel away like with vinyl. Just press and go.
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Full color with no limits: photos, gradients, and tiny details print in one single transfer, so there is no layering like with HTV.
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Soft and stretchy: the print moves with the fabric instead of cracking.
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No minimums: order one transfer or a hundred sheets.
What Fabrics Do DTF Transfers Work On?
DTF transfers stick to cotton, polyester, blends, triblends, spandex, canvas, denim, nylon, and leather, on both light and dark colors. That means t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, tote bags, aprons, and more. Unlike sublimation, you are not limited to light polyester.
How Does a DTF Transfer Work?
Direct to film transfer printing only involves a few steps from start to finish. It varies, but unless you own a professional printer, you’ll likely be outsourcing the task of ordering the DTF transfers from a business like ours. The only step you need to take is to create the artwork using a software program like Canva or Photoshop. Once you’ve created the image you’d like, all you have to do is submit your print through our website by selecting the size of your image and the quantity and placing your order. Once your order is placed, we’ll print your DTF transfer and ship it within 72 hours, with transit typically adding 3-5 days.
Learn More: How to save a High-Resolution image in CANVA
What Is a DTF Gang Sheet?
A gang sheet is one big sheet of DTF film with many designs printed on it together. Instead of ordering each transfer one by one, you fit as many designs as you can onto one sheet, then cut them apart and press them. It is the most cost-effective way to order, and it is great for business logos, team shirts, event merch, and size runs.
Wondering how much you can fit? See how many prints fit on a DTF gang sheet, or follow our step-by-step guide to making a gang sheet in Canva.
How to Order Custom DTF Transfers
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Make your artwork big and sharp: a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background prints best.
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Build your sheet: arrange your designs in our gang sheet builder, or order single designs with DTF transfers by size.
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Pick your size and quantity: our size guide shows the recommended design width for every shirt size.
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We print and ship: your order ships within 72 hours.
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Press and enjoy: follow the steps below.
How to Apply DTF Transfers
Once you receive your DTF transfer, apply them to your desired apparel or materials. The instructions will vary based on the material slightly, and whether you’re using a heat press or an iron, but generally, it’s a simple application process. The process is easy, and anyone can follow these steps to create beautiful custom apparel and products.
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Prepare the Material – Ensure the material you transfer to is clean and wrinkle-free.
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Place the Transfer – Carefully place the transfer where you want the design to sit on the material. If you need precision, a placement tool can help you line it up to create consistency across all your products.
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Apply Heat – Once you have perfected the position, using a heat press, iron, or a Cricut EasyPress, apply heat to the DTF transfer. You’ll be provided instructions on the temperature and length of time to apply heat for each type of material.
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Peel the Design – After the design has been pressed and cooled, peel the film gently away from the material to reveal your perfectly pressed, high-quality design.
Our pressing instructions have the exact time, temperature, and pressure for every fabric.
Final Thoughts
DTF transfers have changed the way the apparel industry and businesses can produce high-quality, personalized products and merchandise. Whether you’re a business owner or looking to create custom gifts, DTF transfers offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Still have questions? Our FAQ covers ordering, artwork, pressing, and care.
Shop our website to browse our selection of premade DTF transfer designs, or use our resources to learn how to build custom gang sheets. Submit your designs, and we’ll ship your order within 72 hours. Shop now at www.teddytransfers.com
Learn More: How to make a custom DTF Gang Sheet in CANVA
Ready to order? Browse every option on our DTF transfers page, custom or premade, printed in Arizona and shipped within 72 hours.
