Direct to film, bright on any fabric

What Is DTF Printing?

Direct to Film printing, known as DTF, is a versatile, high quality technique that prints your design onto a specialised film using water-based inks. The printed film is coated with an adhesive powder, cured, and then heat pressed onto the garment. The result is a vibrant, durable print with a soft feel.

Because the design is transferred rather than printed straight into the fibres, DTF works on cotton, polyester and blends alike, which makes it one of the most flexible ways to add full colour branding to clothing.

Our team has over 25 years of experience branding clothing, and with print houses around the UK, including London, we produce custom DTF transfers for everything from 8 hoodies for a small team to full colour kit for whole clubs and events.

Why Choose DTF?

DTF is often chosen for intricate, multi colour designs that would be limited by traditional methods. We recommend it for full colour logos with gradients, detailed illustrations and photographic images, particularly on fabrics that other digital methods cannot print.

The colours stay bright on both light and dark garments, fine lines and small text reproduce cleanly, and the print is flexible enough to move with the fabric.

What DTF Is Best For

DTF really earns its place on jobs other methods find awkward. It is ideal for player names and numbers on sportswear and team kit, small logos with very fine detail, full colour designs on tote bags, and branding on polyester and poly cotton workwear where printing straight into the fabric is not an option. Our DTF team also handles vinyl and heat transfer printing, so whichever transfer method suits your design, it is done in one place.

From Artwork to Delivery

Recent DTF Orders

A matching t-shirt and cap set for MOBA, with the green logo printed by DTF on white AS Colour t-shirts and on the front panel of a cream cap. DTF is a great fit for jobs like this, because one transfer can be pressed onto garments and headwear so the colour matches across the whole order.

Garments for DTF Printing

DTF can be applied to a wide range of clothing, including custom t-shirts, hoodies and polo shirts. Its ability to print onto polyester and blends makes it a strong option for sportswear, performance fabrics and workwear. You can browse styles in our clothing catalogue, or see our guide to the best hoodies and hoodie brands for printing.

Artwork for DTF Printing

For the sharpest results, send a high resolution PNG with a transparent background, ideally at 300 DPI. Vector files also work well. If your artwork has fine detail or soft edges, our team will check it and let you know if anything needs adjusting before it is printed.

Prices, Minimum Order and Turnaround

DTF printing starts from just 8 units per design. There are no set up fees, so it is a cost effective solution for short runs and designs with lots of colours. For bulk orders with one or two solid colours, screen printing usually offers a lower price per garment.

Standard DTF orders are ready six to seven business days after you approve your proof. If your date is tight, our express printing service can turn DTF printed garments around in 48 hours, with next day available on request.

DTF or DTG?

Both are digital techniques with no set up fees that handle full colour artwork. Direct to Garment prints into the fabric for the softest feel on cotton, while DTF gives you more freedom on polyester and mixed fabrics. Read our full comparison in DTF vs DTG printing, For a stitched finish on polos and workwear, look at embroidery, or compare every method on our printing techniques page.

Direct to Film: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order for DTF printing?

DTF printing starts from 8 units per design, with no set up fees, so small teams and short runs are easy to order.

How long does DTF printing take?

Standard DTF orders take six to seven business days from proof approval. When the date is tight, express printing can have garments with you in 48 hours, with next day on request.

Can DTF be printed on polyester?

Yes. DTF works on cotton, polyester and blends, which is one of its biggest advantages over Direct to Garment printing.

Is DTF good for small orders?

Yes. There are no set up fees, so DTF is a cost effective way to produce short runs, even with full colour designs.

Does a DTF print feel heavy on the garment?

No. The finished print has a soft feel and is flexible enough to move with the fabric, while still giving bright, vibrant colour.

How should I wash DTF printed clothing?

Wash inside out at a low temperature and avoid ironing directly over the print. Our wash care guide has more advice on keeping printed garments looking their best.

What is the difference between DTF and DTG?

DTG prints ink directly into the garment and works on fabrics with at least 80% cotton. DTF prints onto film that is heat pressed onto the garment, so it can be used on cotton, polyester and blends.