DTF Heat Transfers
Transfer Process
DTF Heat Transfers
Full-color direct-to-film heat transfers for garments, bags, and accessories. No color limits, low minimums, and strong adhesion on cotton, polyester, and blends.
- Color
- Full Color
- MOQ
- 100 pcs
- Peel
- Hot Peel
- Stretch
- High
What Are DTF Transfers?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers print full-color designs onto a special PET film with white ink backing, then bond them to fabric using a heat press. Unlike traditional screen printing, custom DTF transfers require no color separation — gradients, photographs, and complex artwork all transfer in a single application.
This makes DTF ideal for brands that need small batch DTF transfers with fast turnaround, or larger runs where artwork complexity would make screen separation impractical. The result is a soft-feel, high-stretch transfer that bonds well to cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics across fashion, activewear, and promotional apparel.
Technical Specifications
- Print Method
- Digital inkjet on PET film + powder adhesive
- Color Capability
- Unlimited — full CMYK + white ink
- Minimum Order
- 100 pieces per design
- Fabric Compatibility
- Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, canvas
- Application
- Heat press at 160 °C, 15 sec, medium pressure
- Peel Type
- Hot peel or warm peel
- Wash Durability
- 50+ cycles (ISO 6330)
- Stretch
- High — suitable for activewear
- Max Print Size
- 60 × 90 cm (gang sheet available)
- Lead Time
- 5–7 business days
Why Choose DTF Heat Transfers
-
Unlimited Colors
No screen or plate count — print any number of colors, gradients, and photo elements in one pass.
-
Low Minimums
MOQ from 100 pieces makes DTF practical for small runs and test batches.
-
Broad Fabric Range
Works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and most woven/knit fabrics.
-
Soft Hand Feel
Thin film layer produces a smooth, breathable finish that moves with the fabric.
-
Fast Turnaround
Digital workflow with no pre-press setup — from artwork to finished transfer in days.
-
Wash Durable
50+ wash cycles with proper press conditions; no cracking or peeling.
DTF Heat Transfers — Frequently Asked Questions
A DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfer is a full-color heat transfer method. The design is digitally printed onto PET film with white ink backing, then applied to garments using a heat press. It produces vibrant, durable results without the setup costs of screen printing.
DTF transfers adhere to cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blends, nylon, and most woven or knit fabrics. They also work on some non-textile substrates like canvas bags and caps.
Our minimum order quantity for DTF transfers starts at 100 pieces. This makes it a practical option for small-batch production, sampling, and test runs before committing to larger volumes.
With correct press temperature (160°C) and pressure, DTF transfers withstand 50+ standard wash cycles without cracking or peeling. We recommend inside-out washing and avoiding bleach for best longevity.
DTF works on both light and dark fabrics and any material, while sublimation requires white or light-colored polyester. Choose DTF for versatility and cotton-blend fabrics; choose sublimation for all-over prints on polyester performance wear.
Yes. DTF transfers have good elasticity and move with stretch fabrics. For high-performance activewear, we recommend our High Stretch DTF Transfer which is specifically formulated for yoga wear, leggings, and sportswear.
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