DTF printing — short for Direct-to-Film — has become one of the most versatile and reliable ways to decorate garments. If you’ve ever wondered how brands achieve vivid, durable prints on cotton, polyester and blended fabrics without worrying about fabric type or pre-treatment, the answer is often DTF. It’s a flexible, modern print method that suits everything from one-off samples to full production runs, making it a popular choice for start-ups, independent labels and growing brands.
At Print Blanc, we use the Brother GTX Pro to produce exceptionally sharp DTF transfers, offering consistent colour and crisp detail whether you’re printing a single piece or a full batch. Here’s how it works — and why so many brands rely on it.
How DTF Printing Works
Although DTF technology sounds technical, the process is straightforward once you understand the stages:
1. Your design is printed onto a specialist film
Instead of printing directly onto the garment, the design is printed onto a PET film using high-quality CMYK and white inks. The white ink forms a solid base, helping colours appear bold and accurate on any fabric shade.
2. Adhesive powder is applied
A fine hot-melt powder is added while the ink is still wet. This powder is what allows the design to bond securely to the garment during heat pressing.
3. The print is cured
The film is gently heated so the adhesive melts and sets. This creates a ready-to-press transfer that can be applied to almost any fabric.
4. The design is heat-pressed onto the garment
Once positioned on the garment, the design is pressed at a controlled temperature and pressure. When the film cools and is peeled away, the print is left clean, vibrant and fully bonded.
This method produces long-lasting, detailed prints with excellent colour reproduction — ideal for brands with complex artwork, gradients or highly stylised illustrations.
Why Choose DTF Printing?
DTF offers several advantages that traditional methods can’t match. These are the main reasons brands and creators choose it for their collections:
- Works on virtually any fabric: Cotton, polyester, blends, fleece, canvas — even items where DTG traditionally struggles. Because DTF prints sit on top of the fabric rather than soaking in, you’re not limited by fibre content.
- No pre-treatment required: With DTG, darker garments must be pre-treated for the ink to bond correctly. DTF removes that step entirely, keeping production simple and efficient.
- Durable and wash-resistant: A well-applied DTF print resists cracking, peeling and fading. The adhesive layer helps the design flex with the fabric, making it suitable for everyday wear, workwear and merchandise.
- Excellent detail and colour intensity: Fine lines, tiny text, soft gradients and full-colour illustrations all transfer cleanly. The Brother GTX Pro’s Innobella inks produce particularly vivid results with a wide colour gamut.
- Ideal for small batches and samples: DTF has minimal setup. Whether you need one T-shirt to test a design or a small drop for your brand, the cost per item stays manageable.
DTF vs DTG: Which Should You Choose?
DTF and DTG each have strengths, so the choice depends on your artwork and garment.
- DTG is best when you want an ultra-soft print that sinks into natural fibres (e.g. on premium cotton tees).
- DTF is the better all-rounder for mixed materials, darker garments, or artwork with heavy block colours and fine detail.
At Print Blanc, we use both methods and advise on the best option for your artwork before printing. Some designs print beautifully with DTG; others achieve better consistency through DTF. Choosing the right method ensures you get the colour, feel and durability your customers expect.
Who Is DTF Printing Best For?
DTF suits a wide range of creators and businesses, including:
- Streetwear and start-up brands testing new ideas without committing to large minimums.
- Coffee shops, gyms, clubs and small businesses needing uniform runs in varied sizes and fabrics.
- Artists and illustrators producing detailed designs that must reproduce accurately.
- Brands wanting the freedom to print on cotton, polyester and blends using one consistent method.
Because there’s no minimum order, it’s ideal for brands that prefer on-demand or small-batch drops.
DTF Printing at Print Blanc
Our Manchester studio prints DTF transfers using the Brother GTX Pro, renowned for its accuracy, detail and eco-friendly Innobella inks. Every print — whether a single sample or a bulk run — is produced to the same high standard. UK-wide delivery makes it easy to order online, upload your artwork and launch your next collection with confidence.
If you're unsure whether DTF or DTG is the right method for your artwork, our team is always on hand to help.