Full Color.
No Limits.
Direct-to-film transfers deliver photo-quality, full-color prints on virtually any fabric. Lower minimums, unlimited colors, and zero compromise on quality.
Why DTF?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) is one of the most versatile decoration methods available today. Your design is printed in full color onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed directly onto the garment. The result is a vibrant, detailed, soft-hand print that works on virtually any fabric.
DTF is the perfect complement to screen printing — it fills the gaps where screen printing isn't the best fit, like small runs, complex multi-color designs, or when you need prints on polyester and performance fabrics that are tricky to screen print.
Products For DTF
DTF works on almost anything — including fabrics that are difficult to screen print. Here are the most popular products.
T-Shirts
Cotton, polyester, tri-blend, performance — DTF prints on all of them
Hoodies & Sweats
Full-color prints on fleece, French terry, and heavyweight sweats
Performance Wear
Moisture-wicking jerseys, athletic tees, and dri-fit fabrics
Hats & Headwear
Full-color transfers on hats, beanies, and headbands
Bags & Totes
Canvas, nylon, and polyester bags with vivid full-color prints
Youth & Infant
Small-run kids apparel with soft, flexible prints
Shorts & Pants
Athletic shorts, joggers, and sweatpants
Specialty Items
Aprons, blankets, pillows, and other unique substrates
How DTF Printing Works
A look at the DTF process from digital file to finished garment.
Your design is prepared as a full-color digital file. Unlike screen printing, there's no color separation required — DTF prints every color in a single pass. We'll optimize your file for the best possible output.
Your design is printed in full color (CMYK + white) onto a special PET film using specialized DTF inkjet printers. The white ink layer goes down first, allowing vibrant colors to show on any garment color.
A fine thermoplastic adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink on the film. This powder is what bonds the transfer to the fabric when heat is applied. The film is then cured in an oven to set the adhesive.
The prepared film is placed on the garment and pressed using a commercial heat press at a specific temperature and pressure. The adhesive melts and bonds the ink permanently to the fabric fibers.
After pressing, the film is peeled away, revealing the finished transfer. Each piece is inspected for color accuracy, adhesion, and print quality before moving to packing.
Finished pieces are folded, counted, and packed for shipping or local Portland pickup. DTF orders often have faster turnaround times than screen printing due to simpler setup.
Who DTF Is For
DTF is the smart choice when you need color freedom, fabric flexibility, or lower minimums without sacrificing quality.
Startups & New Brands
Testing a new design or launching a small collection? DTF's lower minimums let you test the market without committing to a massive first run.
Test runs • Sample batches • Pop-up merch • Soft launches
Complex & Colorful Art
Designs with gradients, photographs, or dozens of colors that would be impractical or expensive to screen print. DTF handles unlimited colors at no extra cost.
Photo prints • Gradients • Illustrations • Full-color logos
Performance & Polyester
Athletic wear, moisture-wicking jerseys, and polyester blends that can be tricky with traditional screen printing. DTF adheres beautifully to these fabrics.
Jerseys • Athletic tees • Dri-fit • Team uniforms
DTF Print Examples
Common DTF
Questions
Everything you need to know about DTF printing. Got a question we didn't cover? Call us.
Ready To Go
Full Color?
Tell us about your project and we'll let you know if DTF is the right fit — or if another method might work better. No pressure, just honest guidance.
Or call us directly at 971.200.5002