DTF stands for direct to film. The design is printed onto a transfer film, coated with adhesive powder, then heat pressed onto the garment. It is the newest method in the workshop and it has quietly solved a lot of problems the older ones could not.

Where it wins

Full colour artwork on short runs. Because there are no screens, there is no per colour setup, so a photograph and a single colour logo cost the same to produce. If your design has a long colour list and your order is modest, this is almost always the answer.

It works on fabrics printing struggles with

Polyester, blends, waterproof shells and high visibility fabric all take a DTF transfer, and several of those are difficult or impossible to screen print cleanly. For sports kit and hi vis in particular it has become the default.

What to expect from the finish

The print sits on the surface of the fabric rather than soaking into it, so you can feel it. On a large solid design that is noticeable. It is durable and washes well, but if you want a print you cannot feel at all, screen printing on cotton is the softer result.

Common questions

Is it cheaper than screen printing?

On small runs and multi colour work, usually yes. On large runs of a simple design, screen printing wins clearly. The crossover depends on colours and quantity, and we are happy to price both.

How should it be washed?

Inside out, cold, and no hot dryer. That advice suits any decorated garment but matters more for a surface transfer.

Can you do small orders?

This is the method that makes small orders sensible, because there is no setup to spread across the run.

• Screen Printing
• Embroidery
• DTG Printing
• Hi Vis & Workwear
• Custom T-Shirts