DTF printing on textiles, from 1 piece
DTF (Direct To Film) prints your design onto a film, then transfers it onto the garment with heat. Result: all colours, gradients and fine details, on light or dark textiles, with no minimum quantity. It's the technique we use most for t-shirts and sweatshirts in small runs.
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Ideal for
- Multicolour logos, gradients, illustrations and photos
- Single items, prototypes and small runs
- Large designs on the back of a sweatshirt or jacket
- Textiles in cotton, polyester or blends
Less suitable for
- Very large runs of the same simple design (screen printing becomes cheaper)
- Looking for a premium 'thread' finish (choose embroidery)
Not sure about the technique? We advise you for free in the quote.
How it works in the workshop
The file
Your design is prepared in high definition, on a transparent background.
Printing onto the film
The colours then a white underbase are printed onto a special film.
Powder and curing
An adhesive powder is applied and fixed: the transfer is ready.
Pressing
The transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment, then the film is removed.
The principle in a diagram
- Film printing The printer lays down the colours and then a layer of white on a transparent film.
- Adhesive powder A heat-reactive powder is sprinkled onto the still-wet ink.
- Curing The film passes through an oven: the powder melts and forms the adhesive layer.
- Heat press The transfer is hot-pressed onto the garment, then the film is removed.
In pictures: DTF printing
Examples of branding with this technique, on items available in our catalogue.
Example of brandingBusiness trolleySee the product
“Example of marking”: demonstration photo supplied by the product manufacturer, with a fictitious logo.
Why DTF changed textile customisation
Before DTF, printing a full-colour design required either a lot of preparation (screen printing) or compromises on dark textiles. DTF allows printing any CMYK design, with a white layer that guarantees vivid colours even on a black sweatshirt, and from just a single piece.
The transfer is flexible and slightly elastic: it follows the movement of the fabric and withstands washing well when care instructions are followed.
Which items?
- T-shirts, vests and long-sleeve shirts.
- Sweatshirts and hoodies: large design on the back, logo on the front.
- Tote bags et sacs en coton.
- Jackets, softshells and windbreakers (depending on the material).
- Sports jerseys in polyester: club and sponsor logos.
Common print sizes
| Placement | Indicative size |
|---|---|
| Chest (heart side) | 8 to 10 cm wide |
| Centre chest | 20 to 28 cm wide |
| Full back | up to about 30 × 40 cm |
| Sleeve | 6 to 9 cm |
The right file for successful DTF printing
- A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF) or a PNG at 300 dpi at the actual print size.
- A transparent background: anything that isn't transparent will be printed.
- Avoid semi-transparent areas and very light drop shadows.
Details in our guide prepare a perfect textile print file.
Care instructions
Wash the garment inside out, at 30 or 40 °C, without fabric softener, and avoid ironing directly over the print. This keeps your design's colours lasting longer.
Models ready to personalise
A selection from our catalogue, ready for your logo.
Sublima t-shirt sublimation
from 4,70 € excl. VAT
Regent v v-neck t-shirt
from 4,48 € excl. VAT
Imperial v women t-shirt
from 7,58 € excl. VAT
Nino vintage sports t-shirt
from 7,62 € excl. VATCompare textile techniques
The right technique depends on your design, the quantity and the material.
| Technique | Quantity | Colours | Finish | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | From 1 piece | Multiple thread colours | Raised, premium | Polo shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps |
| DTF printing | From 1 piece | Unlimited, gradients and photos | Soft, vivid colours | T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, jackets |
| Flex | From 1 piece | 1 to 2 colours | Smooth, opaque, effects | Jerseys, t-shirts, jackets |
| Screen printing | Medium to large runs | 1 to 4 solid colours | Soft, very durable | T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags |
| Transfer 1 colour | Small to medium runs | 1 colour | Fine, mat, flexible | Jackets, softshells, bags |
| Multicolour transfer | Medium to large runs | 2 to 4 colours | Sharp, faithful | Polos, jackets, sweatshirts |
| Patches | Small to large runs | Multiple thread colours | Raised, patch effect | Uniforms, jackets, bags |
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? See the full FAQ
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