DTF (direct-to-film) printing is one of the fastest-growing ways to decorate apparel in Australia — and for good reason. It produces vivid, full-colour prints, works on almost any fabric, and has no minimum order. Here's a plain-English guide to how it works and when to use it.
How DTF printing works
Your design is printed onto a special film, then coated with a heat-activated adhesive powder and cured. It's shipped to you as a ready-to-press "transfer." To apply it, you position the film on your garment, press it with a heat press, and peel away the backing. The design bonds to the fabric — soft to the touch and built to last.
Why people choose DTF
- Full colour — gradients, photos and fine detail print with no extra cost per colour.
- Works on most fabrics — cotton, polyester, blends, denim, canvas and more.
- No minimums — print one or thousands, with no screens or setup fees.
- Durable — a good DTF print resists cracking, peeling and fading through many washes.
- Soft hand feel — modern DTF sits lighter on the fabric than older transfer methods.
DTF vs other methods
DTF vs screen printing: Screen printing is cost-effective for large runs of one or two colours, but it needs screens and setup. DTF wins for full-colour designs, photos, and small or mixed runs.
DTF vs vinyl (HTV): Cut vinyl suits simple one-colour text and logos, but multi-colour designs need weeding and layering. DTF handles complex, full-colour art in a single press with no weeding.
DTF vs sublimation: Sublimation only works on light polyester. DTF works on cotton and dark garments too, making it far more versatile.
What can you press DTF onto?
T-shirts, hoodies, activewear, tote bags, caps, aprons and most fabrics. For care and pressing settings, see our Care & Application guide.
Getting started
Upload a 300 DPI PNG with a transparent background, then build a gang sheet or order a custom transfer. Want to see and feel the quality first? Order a free sample pack — you only pay shipping.