How It Works
From file to finished product.
The DTF process is simple. You send art, we print transfers, you press them onto garments. Here is everything you need to know to get professional results on your first try.
The DTF process is simple. You send art, we print transfers, you press them onto garments. Here is everything you need to know to get professional results on your first try.
Send a PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI, or a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF). We review every file for print quality and confirm size and quantity before printing.
Your design is printed on DTF film using CMYK plus white ink. Hot-melt adhesive powder is applied and cured in a conveyor dryer. The result is a ready-to-press transfer that ships flat.
Place the transfer face-up on the garment. Press at 300°F for 10-15 seconds at medium pressure. Peel hot or cold depending on the finish you want. Re-press 5 seconds to seal.
Wait 24 hours before the first wash. The print is permanent after that — 50+ wash cycles with no cracking, peeling, or fading. Sell it, wear it, gift it.
Following these specs ensures the best possible print. If your file does not meet them, we can fix most issues for a small fee.
Send it anyway. We review every file before printing and will let you know if anything needs adjusting. Most issues we can fix in-house for a small fee. Upload your artwork.
Your artwork resolution directly affects print quality. Here is what to aim for:
Maximum file size: 50MB per file. Send larger files via Google Drive or Dropbox link. Color mode: RGB (we convert to CMYK using ICC profiles for accurate color reproduction). Do not convert to CMYK yourself — our printer's ICC profile produces better results from RGB source files.
Your artwork resolution directly affects print quality. Here is what to aim for:
Maximum file size: 50MB per file. Send larger files via Google Drive or Dropbox link. Color mode: RGB (we convert to CMYK using ICC profiles for accurate color reproduction). Do not convert to CMYK yourself — our printer's ICC profile produces better results from RGB source files.
Settings vary slightly by heat press and garment. These are starting points that work for most setups. Always test on a scrap piece first.
Our transfers support both. Cold peel gives a flatter, more durable finish and is recommended for most applications. Hot peel gives a slightly more textured, vintage feel and is faster for production. Try both and see which you prefer.
DTF transfers bond to a wider range of materials than any other decoration method. Here is what works and what to watch out for.
| Fabric | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | Excellent | Best overall results. No special prep needed. |
| 100% Polyester | Excellent | No dye migration on standard polyester. Use lower temp (280°F) for sublimated polyester. |
| Cotton/Poly Blends | Excellent | Works on all blend ratios including tri-blends. |
| Nylon | Good | Use 270°F and 8 seconds. Test first — some nylon coatings react to heat. |
| Leather | Good | Use 280°F and 8 seconds. Genuine leather only. Synthetic leather may melt. |
| Denim | Excellent | Press longer (15 seconds) for heavy weight denim. |
| Canvas | Excellent | Tote bags, aprons, pouches. Press at 300°F for 15 seconds. |
| Mesh / Screen Fabric | Good | Use a pressing pad underneath for even pressure. |
| Spandex / Lycra | Fair | Works but print may crack if stretched beyond 20%. Avoid for compression garments. |
| Waterproof / DWR | Fair | DWR coating can interfere with adhesion. Test first. |
DTF transfers are engineered for commercial-grade durability. Here is what to expect over the life of your print.
Crack-free, peel-free, fade-free after 50+ wash cycles with proper care. The print typically outlasts the garment.
Unlike HTV which cracks after 10-20 washes, DTF ink bonds with fabric fibers. Stretch it, fold it, wash it — no cracks.
Prints withstand dryer heat up to 300°F. Tumble dry low recommended, but occasional hot dryer will not damage the print.
Pigment-based inks resist UV fading. Sun exposure over months will not wash out colors like cheaper dye-based prints.
We test every ink batch using a standardized wash protocol: machine wash cold, inside-out, with mild detergent, tumble dry low. We inspect at 10, 25, and 50 wash cycles for cracking, peeling, fading, and adhesion. Every batch must pass all three checkpoints before shipping.
DTF prints stretch with the fabric. Pull the printed area 180 degrees — the ink flexes without splitting. This is what makes DTF ideal for athletic wear, leggings, and form-fitting garments where HTV would crack at the seams.
A side-by-side breakdown of how DTF compares to every major apparel decoration method.
Standard DTF uses CMYK plus white for full-color prints. We also offer specialty options for premium applications.
Real gold-flake ink for premium branding, luxury apparel, and high-end merchandise. Adds a reflective shimmer. +$2/sheet.
Sparkling flake particles in silver, gold, red, blue, and holographic. Great for dancewear and event merch. +$3/sheet.
Rainbow holographic effect that shifts color with viewing angle. Eye-catching for streetwear and festival gear. +$4/sheet.
Phosphorescent ink that charges in light and glows in darkness. Perfect for nightlife, safety gear, kids apparel. +$3/sheet.
Glass-bead reflective ink that bounces light back. Ideal for workwear, running gear, and safety apparel. +$4/sheet.
UV-cured DTF for non-fabric surfaces: phone cases, tumblers, glass, metal, plastic, wood. Request a quote.
Need an exact Pantone or brand color match? We offer custom ink mixing for $40 per color per order. Send us your Pantone code and we will match it within a Delta-E of 2.0 or better.
Sometimes reading is not enough. These quick video tutorials walk you through every step of the process.
Walkthrough of temperature, pressure, timing, and peeling. Everything you need for a perfect first press.
How to create a clean PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI. Covers Photoshop, Canva, and Illustrator.
How to arrange multiple designs on one sheet to maximize value. Layout tips and cost-saving strategies.
How to keep your prints looking new for 50+ washes. Temperature, detergent, drying, and what to avoid.
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