What is DTF and are there different types?

Ah, DTF — a phrase that can raise eyebrows or spark interest depending on context, but I’m guessing you’re not referring to the cheeky slang.

In the world of printing, DTF stands for Direct to Film — a rising star in garment printing, celebrated for its vibrancy, versatility, and the way it dances easily from film to fabric.

🌟 What is DTF (Direct to Film) Printing?

DTF printing is a method where designs are first printed onto a special PET film using water-based and plastisol inks. That film is then coated with a powdered adhesive, cured with heat, and finally transferred onto fabric using a heat press. Unlike screen printing or DTG (Direct to Garment), DTF doesn’t require pretreating the fabric and works on a wide variety of materials — not just cotton.

🎨 Why People Love It

• Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
• No need to pretreat fabrics.
• The colors are bold, detailed, and stretchy.
• Easy to stockpile prints ahead of time.