DTF transfer: definition, benefits and application

How does DTF work?

DTF is a digital printing process:

1. The design is printed in high definition on a transparent film (PET).
2. A layer of white ink is added for opacity, including on dark textiles.
3. A hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the still-wet ink, then cured in a drying tunnel.
4. The transfer is delivered ready to apply: all that remains is to press it onto the textile with a heat press.

Benefits

• Unlimited colours, gradients and photos, with a high-opacity white.
• Fine details down to 0.3 mm, with no outline or adhesive overflow.
• Soft, stretchy feel: the design moves with the fabric without cracking.
• No set-up costs and no minimum order: cost-effective from the first piece, ideal for small and medium runs.
• Versatile: cotton, polyester (sports jerseys), poly-cotton, light or dark textiles — T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, tote bags…
• Standards: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class 1 certified, flame retardant to EN ISO 15025, washable at 60 °C.

How do I apply a DTF transfer?

• Heat press set to 160 °C for 15 seconds.
• Hot peel: the film is removed immediately when the press opens, with no need to wait for it to cool — a real productivity gain in the workshop.
• A household iron is not suitable: it provides neither even heat nor sufficient pressure. See our heat press guide.

On an unusual material, run a test first: free samples on request.

DTF, silkscreen or Die-Cut: which one?

• DTF: colourful, detailed designs, small and medium runs, short lead times.
• Silkscreen transfer: outstanding durability, many options (glitter, fluo, stop colour-bleeding, low temperature), regular runs.
• Laser Die-Cut: material effects (3D relief, reflective, flock, metal…).

See the detailed comparison of techniques.

Not to be confused: DTF and UV DTF

UV DTF is a sticker for rigid objects (water bottles, mugs, notebooks…): printed with UV inks and a varnish that gives it a slight relief, it is applied cold, by hand or with a squeegee. It is available from the PrintMyTransfer online shop. Textile DTF, on the other hand, is heat-applied to garments.

Formats and lead times

Sheets from A6 to A2, or by the linear metre. Production in 1 to 4 working days; same-day dispatch available as an option (at a surcharge) on PrintMyTransfer.