Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a versatile full-color printing method that works especially well for smaller orders, detailed artwork, and garments that may not be ideal for DTG printing.

The artwork is printed onto a special transfer film and then heat-applied to the garment. Because the design is transferred rather than printed directly into the fabric, DTF works on a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and many performance fabrics.

At Pork Chop, we often recommend DTF for orders below our traditional screen printing minimums, particularly when the artwork has multiple colors or the garment is not a good candidate for DTG.

Why Choose DTF?

DTF is a great option for:

• Full-color artwork and detailed graphics
• Small and medium-sized orders
• Cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics
• Many performance garments and synthetic fabrics
• Light or dark-colored garments
• Designs with multiple colors that would require several screens to traditionally screen print
• Garments that are not suitable for our DTG printing process

DTF printing is not priced by the number of colors in your design, which makes it particularly useful for colorful or detailed artwork in smaller quantities.

We generally use DTF for orders of up to approximately 72 pieces, depending on the artwork and garment. At higher quantities, traditional screen printing will often be more economical.

DTF Artwork Requirements

DTF artwork can be any shape, but the printed areas need to be solid. Transparent backgrounds are fine, but fades, semi-transparent areas, or soft transparent edges may need to be adjusted before printing.

High-resolution artwork is important for a clean transfer. We recommend artwork at approximately 300 DPI at the final print size whenever possible.

Vector files such as AI, EPS, or PDF are also welcome.

Setting Up a DTF Order

To provide an accurate quote, please send us:

• Your artwork – High-resolution PNG, AI, EPS, PDF, or other print-ready files.
• Print size and placement – Let us know where you’d like the artwork and approximately how large it should be.
• Garment type and color – We’re happy to make recommendations, or you can browse garments at SanMar.com and SSActivewear.com.
• Quantity – Let us know the total number of items receiving the same print.

Our maximum standard print area is approximately 15″ wide by 18″ tall, depending on the garment and placement.

Pricing is based primarily on the transfer size, artwork coverage, garment, and quantity rather than the number of colors in the design.

The DTF Printing Process

With DTF printing, the design is first printed in full color onto a special film. A white ink layer and powdered adhesive are added to create the transfer.

The transfer is then cured and heat-pressed onto the garment. Once the carrier film is removed, the printed design remains bonded to the fabric.

Because DTF uses an adhesive layer, it sits more on the surface of the garment than DTG ink. The feel of the finished print will vary depending on the size and density of the artwork—a small or open design will generally feel lighter than a large solid print.

DTF and Polyester Garments

One of DTF’s biggest advantages is its ability to decorate polyester and other synthetic garments.

Polyester can be more challenging to decorate because heat can sometimes cause garment dyes to migrate into the printed artwork. Application temperature and garment construction matter, so some polyester or performance items may require testing before production.

Not every coated, waterproof, or heat-sensitive garment is printable, so we’ll review the specific item before recommending DTF.

DTF vs. DTG or Screen Printing

Each printing method has its own strengths.

• DTF is especially useful for small multi-color orders, polyester and blended garments, and full-color artwork.
• DTG is ideal for very small orders and detailed or full-color artwork printed directly onto cotton and cotton-rich garments.
• Screen printing is generally the best choice for larger quantities and offers excellent durability and pricing as quantities increase.

Not sure which method your project needs? Send us the artwork, garment information, and quantity and we’ll recommend the printing process that makes the most sense.

Depending if DTF, DTG or traditional screen printing will suit your needs best, will pick the best printing process for you based on the shirt color and graphic provided by you! Request a quote today!