DTF Printed T-Shirts
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is the newest revolution in custom garment decoration, combining the full-colour capability of sublimation with the versatility to print on any fabric colour — including black, dark, and coloured garments. The design is first printed onto a special PET film, coated with hot-melt adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the garment, creating a smooth, flexible, and durable transfer.
At Perklets Print, our DTF printing delivers photographic-quality results with unlimited colours, fine detail reproduction, and excellent wash durability. Unlike screen printing, there are no setup costs per colour, making DTF the most cost-effective option for complex multi-colour designs, small batches, and mixed-design orders. You can print different designs on every garment without any additional setup charges.
DTF transfers work on cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-textile surfaces. The finished print has a soft, flexible hand-feel with a slight sheen that gives designs a premium, professional appearance. From personalised one-offs to bulk orders of 1000+, DTF printing offers unmatched versatility and quality for modern custom apparel production.
Product Specifications
Summary Options
Design Guidelines
Provide artwork at 300 DPI or higher in CMYK colour mode.
- Bleed area: Not required — transfer is cut to the exact outline of the design.
- Crop area: Maximum print area: 33 x 45 cm (front), 33 x 45 cm (back).
- Safe area: Maintain 2 cm clearance from garment edges. Fine lines below 0.5pt may not transfer cleanly.
Accepted formats: AI, PSD, PDF (300 DPI, CMYK), PNG (transparent background preferred)
Quantity
FAQs: DTF Printed T-Shirts
What does DTF stand for?
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. The design is printed onto a special PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the garment. It is one of the newest and most versatile garment printing technologies available.
Can DTF print on dark-coloured garments?
Yes, DTF excels on dark and coloured garments. A white ink layer is automatically printed beneath the colours, ensuring vibrant, opaque results on any fabric colour — including black, navy, red, and more.
How does DTF compare to screen printing?
DTF offers unlimited colours with no setup costs, making it more cost-effective for small orders and complex designs. Screen printing is more economical for large runs (500+) with few colours. DTF prints have a slightly different hand-feel — smooth and flexible vs. the thicker texture of screen print.
Is DTF printing durable?
Yes, DTF transfers are highly durable and can withstand 60+ washes at 30°C without cracking, peeling, or significant fading. We recommend washing garments inside out and avoiding tumble drying on high heat for maximum longevity.
What is the minimum order for DTF t-shirts?
There is no practical minimum — we can print as few as 10 pieces. Because DTF has no screen setup costs, it is the most cost-effective option for small orders, personalised garments, and mixed-design batches.