What is a DTF Transfer?
Direct to Film transfers, or DTF transfers, have created an innovative printing technique that is easy to use, cost-effective, and provides high-quality, colorful images for customizing apparel and many other products. DTF transfers produce vibrant and durable single or full-color images for use on garments of just about any size or material. Read on to learn more about what DTF transfers are and what makes them unique.
What is a DTF Transfer?
DTF transfer is a garment transfer technique that allows you to customize and print designs to transfer them to apparel or products of just about any size a printer can manage or material. The DTF transfer process prints designs to a film using water-based inks and a special powder adhesive. After the adhesive has been applied, the DTF transfer cure for a short period of time. Once the film cures, you can transfer the design to t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, or any material or surface.
What Makes DTF Transfers Unique?
The entire DTF transfer process creates remarkably sharp images with vibrant colors. DTF transfers can be applied to a wide range of materials, from cotton to polyester to nylon and more. The transfers can be applied to light and dark fabrics and even to different surfaces such as luggage, glass, and metal if they can withstand the recommended heat settings. The versatility of the materials that the DTF transfers can be applied to opens the door to a wider range of merchandise or apparel for businesses of all kinds.
Printing designs using DTF transfers are more cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses with a smaller merchandise budget. The supplies are significantly less expensive than other printing alternatives. The supplies are less expensive, and the materials do not need to be pretreated, allowing for faster production times for your products.
How Does a DTF Transfer Work?
Direct to film transfer printing only involves a few steps from start to finish. It varies, but unless you own a professional printer, you’ll likely be outsourcing the task of ordering the DTF transfers from a business like ours. The only step you need to take is to create the artwork using a software program like Canva or Photoshop. Once you’ve created the image you’d like, all you have to do is submit your print through our website by selecting the size of your image and the quantity and placing your order. Once your order is placed, we’ll create the DTF transfer and have it shipped to you within 72 hours.
Learn More: How to save a High-Resolution image in CANVA
How to Apply DTF Transfers
Once you receive your DTF transfer, apply them to your desired apparel or materials. The instructions will vary based on the material slightly, and whether you’re using a heat press or an iron, but generally, it’s a simple application process. The process is easy, and anyone can follow these steps to create beautiful custom apparel and products.
Prepare the Material – Ensure the material you transfer to is clean and wrinkle-free.
Place the Transfer – Carefully place the transfer where you want the design to sit on the material. If you need precision, a placement tool can help you line it up to create consistency across all your products.
Apply Heat – Once you have perfected the position, using a heat press, iron, or a Cricut EasyPress, apply heat to the DTF transfer. You’ll be provided instructions on the temperature and length of time to apply heat for each type of material.
Peel the Design – After the design has been pressed and cooled, peel the film gently away from the material to reveal your perfectly pressed, high-quality design.
Final Thoughts
DTF transfers have changed the way the apparel industry and businesses can produce high-quality, personalized products and merchandise. Whether you’re a business owner or looking to create custom gifts, DTF transfers offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Shop our website to browse our selection of premade DTF transfer designs, or use our resources to learn how to build custom gang sheets. Submit your designs, and we’ll have them shipped back to you within 72 hours. Shop now at www.teddytransfers.com
Learn More: How to make a custom DTF Gang Sheet in CANVA
