DTF printing (for Direct To Film, i.e. printed directly on film) is a textile printing technique in which a design is printed on a special film and then transferred onto a garment with a heat press. Simple, fast and with no minimum quantity, it has established itself in just a few years with brands, customisation workshops and creators. Here is everything you need to know to choose it and use it well.
How does DTF printing work?
The process takes place in four steps:
- Printing on film: the design is printed in colour (CMYK) on a PET film, then covered with a layer of white ink that serves as a base and guarantees opacity.
- Powdering: an adhesive powder is applied to the still-wet ink.
- Curing: the film goes through an oven that melts the powder and fixes the ink. The transfer is then ready to be shipped and stored.
- Pressing: you place the transfer on the textile and heat-press it. The film is then removed: the design is now fixed on the garment.
At Imprime Ton DTF, we carry out the first three steps in our workshop in Noisy-le-Sec (93): you receive your transfers ready to press.
The advantages of DTF
- No minimum: a single piece or a full run, costs stay under control, and you can group several designs on the same sheet.
- All textiles: cotton, polyester, blends, softshell, denim… light or dark, thanks to the white underbase.
- Unlimited colours: gradients, photos, small details and fine text are reproduced at no extra cost.
- No cutting or weeding, unlike flex vinyl: the transfer is ready to press.
- Good wash resistance when the transfer is applied correctly.
- Flexible stock: transfers keep well and can be pressed as orders come in.
DTF, screen printing, DTG, flex, sublimation: what are the differences?
| Technique | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| DTF | No minimum, all colours, all textiles, light or dark | Requires a heat press for application |
| Screen printing | Very economical for large runs | Set-up costs, poorly suited to small quantities and very colourful designs |
| DTG (direct to garment) | Very soft feel on cotton | Mainly on cotton, pre-treatment required, slower |
| Flex / vinyl | Ideal for plain names and numbers | Cutting and weeding, poorly suited to complex designs |
| Sublimation | Print integrated into the fabric | Only on light-coloured polyester |
To go further, see our comparison DTF and other textile printing methods.
Which items can DTF be pressed onto?
Textile DTF is suitable for the vast majority of garments and accessories: T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, tote bags, denim, sports jerseys and even canvas shoes. See the details by fabric in our textile compatibility guide.
For rigid objects (glass, metal, plastic, varnished wood), UV DTF is used: a sticker applied by hand, without a press. Discover the difference in our guide textile DTF or UV DTF.
How do you apply a DTF transfer?
The settings we recommend for our transfers:
- Cotton and denim: 150 °C, 12 seconds, medium pressure
- Polyester, softshell and blends: 135 °C, 20 seconds, medium pressure, with a pre-press of a few seconds
Remove the film right after pressing, then press again for 4 to 6 seconds with a protective sheet to reinforce durability. All the steps are detailed in our guide textile DTF preparation and application.
How much does DTF printing cost?
The price depends on the format and the quantity. At Imprime Ton DTF, prices are degressive and add up even if your designs are different: DTF by the metre (56 × 100 cm) ranges from €19.90 to €6.21 excl. VAT per metre, the A3 sheet from €6.50 to €2.93 excl. VAT and the A4 sheet from €4 to €1.80 excl. VAT. For regular orders, our prepaid plans (50 to 500 m) set the metre price from €13.80 to €8.50 excl. VAT depending on the plan, on every order, even for a single metre. The full price grid is on our DTF prices page.
How do you order your DTF transfers?
- You have a ready file (PNG with a transparent background, 300 dpi at actual size): send it directly in A4, A3 or by the metre.
- You don't have a ready sheet: build one for free with our online editor, no software needed.
- You want to test first: request a free DTF sample.
Textile DTF ordered before 11 am (business days): printed the same day, then delivered by Chronopost in France the next business day before 1 pm, with free delivery in France from €130 excl. VAT. Free collection from our workshop in Noisy-le-Sec (93).
Frequently asked questions about DTF
Does DTF withstand washing?
Yes. Our transfers are tested up to 50 washes at 40 °C when properly pressed. Preferably wash inside out and avoid tumble drying at high temperature to extend their life.
Do you need a heat press?
Yes, for textile DTF a press provides consistent temperature and pressure. Discover our Transmatic presses.
Does DTF work on dark textiles?
Yes. The white ink underbase makes the design opaque and vibrant, even on a black T-shirt.
What is the difference between DTF and UV DTF?
Textile DTF is heat-pressed onto garments. UV DTF is a sticker for rigid objects, applied by hand without a press.
