DTF Printing: Revolutionize Your Business with This Game-Changing Technique

Why DTF is a game-changer

No colour limits
Photographic detail, gradients and tiny text — no extra colour fees.
Works on more fabrics
Cotton, polyester, blends, fleece — and tricky placements (sleeves/hoods).
Fast & flexible
Great for short runs, on-demand drops and last-minute event stock.

Who uses DTF?

  • Brands & creators: Sample rapidly, test multiple colourways, then scale.
  • Gyms & teams: Names/numbers + sponsor logos with vivid colour.
  • Workwear & uniforms: Left-chest logos + large back prints in one job.
  • Print shops & trade: White-label sheets for pressing in-house.

DTF vs Screen vs DTG vs Vinyl

MethodBest forProsWatch-outs
DTF transfersFull colour on cotton & polyester; sleeves/hoodsNo colour fees, high opacity white, great detail, quick press finishFeel is slightly “ink film” vs water-based screen; good pressing is essential
Screen printing50–5,000+ with 1–3 spot coloursClassic soft feel, Pantone matched, lowest unit cost at volumeSetup per colour, less efficient for small multi-colour runs
DTGShort-run cotton with complex artSoft hand on cotton, good for single piecesPolyester can be tricky; pretreat/whites need care; slower for volume
VinylSimple logos/namesDurable spot colours, player names, numberingNot ideal for photographs/gradients; labour on weeding

How to buy DTF from Brandum

Not sure which route is cheaper? Send your artwork — we’ll calculate the most economical option.

Artwork specs (for perfect results)

  • Format: PNG or PDF at 300 DPI at print size (transparent background if needed).
  • Colour: sRGB. Include any brand colour references if critical.
  • Minimums: Fine lines ≥ 0.3–0.4 mm; small text ≥ 2.5–3 mm stroke.
  • Bleeds: Add 2–3 mm where graphics butt up to edges (e.g., badges).

Need help? Our Graphic Design team can tidy files, create mock-ups, and vectorise logos (£25).

Pressing guide (quick)

Press: follow your film’s recommended temp/time/pressure
Peel: as instructed (hot/warm/cold)
Post-press: 5–10 s for durability

See the full step-by-step: How to apply DTF transfers.

Durability & care

  • Wash inside-out at 30–40 °C; avoid bleach/fabric softener.
  • Line-dry where possible; do not iron directly on the print.
  • With correct pressing and care, DTF prints maintain colour and adhesion through regular washes.

Trade & white-label

We supply white-label DTF sheets for print shops and creators. Keep pressing in-house while outsourcing the print stage. Ask about trade pricing and same/next-day options.

Find Answers to your Questions

Yes. DTF adheres well to polyester and blends with vivid colour and opaque whites when pressed correctly.

For small, multi-colour runs and complex art, DTF is typically faster and cheaper. For 50–5,000+ with 1–3 spot colours, screen printing can be more economical and has a classic feel.

London depending on capacity — ask when you request your quote.

Often yes. We’ll check fibre content and seams to ensure suitability. Bringing a spare or two is helpful.

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