How DTF works
DTF stands for direct to film. A printer similar to a DTG printer lays down the colours of the design onto a PET film, then a layer of white ink over them. While the ink is wet, a hot-melt adhesive powder is shaken over it and sticks only to the printed areas. The powder is cured with heat, and the finished transfer can be pressed straight away or stored.
How a DTF transfer is made
1. Print
The design is printed in colour onto a PET film, then a white layer is printed over it.
2. Powder
Hot-melt adhesive powder is shaken over the wet ink and sticks only where there is ink.
3. Cure
Heat melts the powder into an even adhesive layer, and the finished transfer can be stored.
4. Press
A heat press bonds the transfer to the garment, and the film is peeled away.
To apply it, the transfer is placed on the garment and pressed with a heat press, then the film is peeled off. The print sits on the surface of the fabric as a thin, flexible layer. Because it is pressed rather than printed onto the garment, DTF works on cotton, polyester and blends, and on places that are awkward to print, such as sleeves and pockets.
How screen printing works
Screen printing makes a mesh screen for each colour of the design, then squeegees ink through the open areas of the mesh onto the garment. The ink is cured in a dryer. Plastisol ink sits on the surface and gives bright, opaque colour; water-based and discharge inks soak into cotton for a softer feel.
Each screen has to be made and set up, so the setup cost rises with the number of colours, but the cost of each extra print is low. Our screen printing vs DTG guide shows how that changes the price per piece as the quantity grows.
DTF vs screen printing at a glance
| DTF | Screen printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | None; the design is printed from a file | One screen per colour |
| Price per piece | About the same at any quantity; rises with print size | Falls as the quantity rises |
| Colours and detail | Full colour, gradients and photos at no extra cost | Best with a few solid colours; each colour adds a screen |
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester and blends | Most fabrics; polyester needs suitable ink |
| Feel | Smooth layer on top; large solid areas feel heavier and breathe less | Plastisol sits on top; water-based ink is very soft |
| Stretch | Flexible, but can crack if overstretched | Good with stretch additives |
| Special effects | Limited | Puff, metallic, glitter, high-density and discharge |
| Best for | Small runs, full-colour art, mixed fabrics | Larger runs of one design |
Other heat transfers
DTF is one kind of heat transfer. The others are worth knowing, because they are often the best answer for one part of an order:
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV): a coloured film cut by a plotter, weeded and pressed on. Ideal for names and numbers on team kits, and for one or two solid colours on very small runs. Puff and metallic vinyls exist too.
- Plastisol transfers: a design screen printed onto transfer paper and pressed on later. They feel like a screen print and suit repeat orders of the same design.
- Sublimation: dye is printed onto paper and turned to gas by heat, bonding into polyester fibres. It has no feel at all and allows all-over prints, but only on white or light polyester.
- Silicone transfers: raised, rubbery logos often used on activewear, because they flex with stretch fabrics.
Which should you choose?
- A full-colour design, gradient or photo on a small run: DTF, or DTG on cotton.
- One design in a few solid colours, 50 pieces or more: screen printing.
- One order across cotton tees and polyester jerseys: DTF, which works on both.
- A large print on a lightweight tee: screen printing, ideally water-based; a big DTF block feels heavy.
- Names and numbers: heat transfer vinyl or DTF.
- Puff, metallic or other special effects: screen printing; see our puff print guide.
- A stitched logo on caps, polos or hoodies: embroidery; see embroidery vs screen printing.
Durability and care
Both methods last when they are done properly. A DTF print that was pressed at the wrong temperature, pressure or time can peel at the edges, and a screen print that was under-cured can crack or fade early. Ask for the sample to be made by the same method as the bulk, then wash it several times before you approve it.
For customers, the same care advice suits both: wash inside out, cool or warm rather than hot, and avoid a hot tumble dryer and ironing directly on the print.
Planning your print
Send your artwork as a vector file or a high-resolution image, with the print size and position for each garment, and say which colours must match exactly. Pantone references help with screen printing.
At Nevear the minimum is typically 50 pieces per item, and we confirm the print method that suits your design and quantity in your quote. Samples take 2–3 weeks, and bulk orders usually arrive 3–4 weeks from the order date, shipping included. See our t-shirt and hoodie pages for the garments.