DTF printing for full-colour designs
DTF prints your full-colour artwork onto a special film, coats it with adhesive powder and heat-presses it onto the garment. It reproduces fine detail and gradients on almost any fabric, with no minimum colour count, which makes it ideal for small runs and personalisation.
- Minimum order
- 10 pieces
- Colours
- Unlimited, including gradients
- Fabrics
- Cotton, poly-cotton, polyester
- Durability
- Very good, 40+ washes
How dtf printing works
- 1
Film printing
Artwork is printed in CMYK plus white ink onto PET film.
- 2
Powder and cure
A hot-melt adhesive powder is applied and cured onto the wet ink.
- 3
Heat transfer
The film is heat-pressed onto the T-shirt and peeled to leave the print bonded to the fabric.
Best for
- Full-colour logos and illustrations
- Individual names and numbers
- Small runs from 10 pieces
- Dark and light garments alike
Good to know
- Large solid areas feel slightly heavier than screen print
- Very large prints cost more per piece than screen printing in bulk
DTF vs screen printing vs embroidery
DTF suits full-colour designs and small runs; screen printing is cheapest for large runs of simple designs; embroidery is the premium choice for small logos on polos.
Does DTF print crack or fade?
Quality DTF stays flexible and bright for 40 or more washes. Wash inside out in cold water and skip the dryer to make it last longer.
Best fabrics for DTF
DTF bonds to cotton, poly-cotton and polyester, including dri-fit, which makes it the most versatile method we offer.
DTF printing: common questions
What is the difference between DTF and DTG?
DTF transfers a printed film onto the garment and works on most fabrics; DTG prints ink directly into cotton for a softer, no-edge feel.
Is DTF good for names on the back?
Yes. DTF is the most practical way to print a different name or number on every piece.
Does DTF work on polyester dri-fit?
Yes. DTF bonds well to polyester, unlike most direct printing methods.
Tell us what you need. Get a mockup and a fixed price.
Free digital mockup, a physical sample before bulk, and delivery anywhere in India. See prices per piece