DTF uses full-colour printing with a white ink layer, allowing designs to be applied to white, coloured and dark fabrics. It works with cotton, polyester and blended fabrics, making it suitable for T-shirts, hoodies, workwear, tote bags and many other textiles.
See DTF in action
Book a free demonstration of the xTool WonderPress at Print Me Makerspace in Bell Green, Lewisham. See how DTF transfers are applied and explore whether heat pressing could work for your own creative project or side hustle.
BOOK A FREE xTOOL WONDERPRESS DEMOApplication
Fast heat-press application
Applied using our xTool WonderPress dual-station heat press.
Our Makerspace Heuristic
Two presses for a consistent finish
Through our own testing and day-to-day use, we use a two-press process. We use the chosen pressing sheet during both the first and second press. A silicone sheet gives a softer, more matt finish; Teflon gives a smoother, more glossy finish. Different DTF films and suppliers can behave differently, so settings may be adjusted when required.
DTF is our Tier One training level for garment personalisation: an accessible starting point for learning positioning, heat pressing and finishing before progressing to more involved printing processes.
Art File Prep
Supply a transparent CMYK PNG
For best results, supply artwork as a CMYK PNG at 150–300 dpi at the actual size you want it printed. The closer the artwork is to 300 dpi at its final print size, the better the print quality and fine-detail reproduction will generally be.
Absolute rule — transparent means transparent
The artwork must be supplied as a PNG with a transparent background wherever nothing should print. DTF prints white ink, so any white left in the artwork will be printed. If the garment colour should show through, that area must be transparent, not white.
Workflow
From artwork to finished garment
- Artwork
- Trade DTF print
- Next-day delivery
- 150°C / 15 sec
- Second press
- Finished garment