Direct To Film (DTF) Printing

Bold Colours. No Limits. Small Runs Welcome. Digital textile printing is changing the game. Offering unmatched colour variety, cleaner detail, and faster turnaround than traditional screen printing. Perfect for short runs starting at just 10 pieces, DTF printing brings your designs to life with ease, flexibility, and serious vibrancy.

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What is DTF Printing?

As its name suggests, Direct To Film printing is full colour printing on a sheet of film which is then applied to the fabric by heat transfer. It is a relatively new technique which is gaining ground within digital textile printing because it can be applied on any surface: cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, among others.

We highly recommend it for companies that want a durable print with good visibility on their uniforms. Also for clothing brands that need the versatility of vinyl or transfer, but with the durability of screen printing.

The feel is very similar to transfer or vinyl printing, but the advantage is that you don’t have to ‘chop’ the excess material, and it has better durability and rebound.

Why Choose DTF Printing?

The textile industry has been growing rapidly in recent times, and many have started to opt for digital textile printing over screen printing. The use of digital printers provides ease, simplicity and, most importantly, a huge variety of colours on textiles, especially for small print runs of 10 or more per design. Within digital printing there are several techniques:

Behind the Print: The 6-Steps of DTF Printing

1. Printing on Film

In this step, instead of printing directly onto the garment, the printer prints onto a PET film. First the mirror print of the design is made and then another layer of white is printed on top.

2. Powdering & Melt the Powder

After printing onto the PET film, hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet white ink side to ensure strong fabric adhesion. Excess powder is removed, and the film is then cured in an oven at 160–180°C for 2 to 5 minutes, activating the adhesive and preparing it for transfer.

3. Pre-Press

This process helps the fabric to be well prepared for the transfer of the design, smoothes the fabric and ensures dehumidification, the process usually takes between 2 to 5 seconds.

4. Transfer

This is the most important step in DTF printing. This is where the film is transferred to the garment. First the film with the design is laid on the pre-pressed fabric inside the heat press to achieve a strong pressure so that the design is transferred correctly. This process is called “curing” and takes about 15 to 20 seconds at a temperature of 160 to 180 degrees Celsius.

5. Separate

It is very important to allow the fabric and film to cool to room temperature before separating and removing the film. Here it is important to check that the quality of the pattern, framing and adhesion to the fabric are optimal before proceeding with the rest.

6. Post-Press

This step is optional but gives a better finish and durability to the print. Basically it is to perform a second final pressing on the print and the fabric for about 10 to 15 seconds. A thin kraft paper should be used to ensure that the print is not damaged.

Advantages of DTF printing

1. No pre-treatment required on the garment.

2. Colourful, saturated designs and unlimited colours.

3. Application on cotton, polyester, blended fabrics and more.

4. Versatility in printing position and placement of the design in difficult locations.

5. Pure, solid colour printing compared to DTG. Sharper white.

6. High level of detail.

7. The best result on complicated garments such as sweatshirts, technical T-shirts, etc.

Disadvantages of DTF printing

1. Soft touch but can feel like soft plastic on the fabric.

2. It is not possible to make gradients to the garment colour. It is possible to work with dot weft.

3. DTG can be more pleasant to the touch.

4. Longer production time, therefore more expensive than DTG.

Not Sure Yet? Try a Sample - DTF Printing

At Garment Printing, we understand that choosing the right print method can be tricky—especially when you haven’t seen the final result. With DTF (Direct to Film) printing, you get bold, vibrant colours and incredible detail on almost any fabric. It’s ideal for full-colour designs, logos, and artwork with gradients or fine lines.

But we also know that when you're investing in custom garments, quality and accuracy matter. That’s why we offer DTF print samples and blank garments —so you can feel the fabric, inspect the finish, and be confident you’re making the right choice.

No more guesswork. Just real results, upfront. Try a sample first and move ahead with total peace of mind.

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