DTF Printing
DTF printing service for your business or brand.
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DTF printing (Direct to film printing)
We're specialists when it comes to DTF printing. We use the latest technology, right here in the UK, to deliver the best print quality and finish. Here are some of the reasons why you can trust us with your brand.
What is DTF printing?
DTF, or direct to film, is a process that involves printing designs onto a specialised film using commercial print machines. These prints are then directly transferred onto the garment using a heat press, ensuring high precision and accurate replication of the original design on various fabric types.
The DTF printing process involves several steps. First, the design is printed on the film, with a white layer serving as the base and vibrant colours layered on top to achieve optimal vibrancy and accuracy. A powder is then applied to the printed film, acting as an adhesive during the transfer process. After a matter of seconds in a heat press, the film is firmly attached to the clothing. Once cooled, the film can be peeled off, leaving behind a flawless DTF application.
DTF Printing offers exceptional versatility, allowing printing on a wide range of fabrics. It addresses the challenges faced by alternative print methods when customising polyester garments, as it can deliver complex, high quality prints even on traditionally difficult materials. Furthermore, it's lightweight and soft to touch compared to alternative application methods and traditional transfers.
DTF printing is perfect for...
Very colourful designs
One off or small quantity orders
Merchandise and retail products
Logos designs with complex details
The benefits of DTF printing
We use some of the most advanced DTF print technology in Europe, ensuring high quality prints that stand the test of time. Other advantages include:
Provides greater flexibility over colours and quantities
Multiple colours can be used, without limitation
Won't crack or fade over time
Quality results on light or dark fabric
Works on sportswear and other challenging fabrics, removing traditional limitations.
The disadvantages of DTF printing
Like all decoration methods, DTF printing does have its disadvantages. They include:
Not as economical on bulk order volumes
Cannot Pantone match colours
Fewer print location options
Heavier than DTG printing
Unsure of which decoration method to choose? Don't worry, our experienced team will ensure you get the appropriate print method for your order.
Quality and feel of DTF printing
With DTF printing, you can expect a high-quality finish that’s soft to the touch compared to typical heat press transfer prints. This ensures a lighter weight feel which is perfect for sports products and mixed blend products where standard DTG printing isn't suitable.
Direct to film printing removes the design and colour restrictions typically associated with heat transfer printing. With DTF printing you can print complex designs like photographs, the process is also well suited for simple designs like logo's or text.
Products that can be DTF printed
DTF printing works best on polyester, recycled polyester and other synthetic materials.
We can DTF print onto a wide range of clothing items, however, our most popular products include the following:
Ready to create your DTF printed clothing?
Frequently asked questions about DTF printing
How long does DTF printing last?
Our DTF prints should last as long as the garment itself if cared for appropriately. DTF prints are highly durable so they shouldn’t fade or wash out, nor should they crack.
What can you print with DTF?
Products we can print with DTF printing
The most popular products for DTF printing are technical T-shirts, sportswear and workwear. This print method is perfect for products that have traditionally been hard to print due to their fabric composition.
We’ve got lots of other items that can be DTF printed, so if you’re unsure if your preferred product can be DTF printed, just let us know and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
DTF printing on black shirts
DTF printing onto black T-shirts or T-shirts of any other colour is no problem, as DTF is a transfer process, it doesn’t require any specialist processes when printing onto coloured items.
DTF printing onto polyester
DTF printing is perfect for polyester garments, and is arguably one of the best print processes for synthetic fabrics.
Which is the best print method? DTF compared to other print methods
DTF printing vs sublimation printing
Sublimation is best suited for all-over print coverage and sportswear. DTF printing is best suited for placement prints onto sportswear and can be far more economical that sublimation printing.
DTF printing vs heat transfer and vinyl prints
The DTF print process does involve a heat press, however, it’s slightly different to digital transfer prints and vinyl printing, as it has fewer limitations and allows for a lighter and softer feel compared to these traditional transfers.
DTF printing vs screen printing
One of the most frequent questions we get is, “should I go for DTF printing or screen printing”.
When it comes down to quality, DTF is a great option, and in some circumstances better than screen printing. However, when it comes to choosing the right print method, it’s less about which is ‘better’ and more about which is most suitable.
Many print companies try to argue that one method is better than the other but, generally, this is because they only offer one option. The reality is that both serve different purposes and work best in different situations.
If you’re bulk printing large volumes with a simple design, then screen printing may actually be the best option for you. However, if you want smaller volumes or have a very complex design, DTF is likely the best option.
DTF printing vs embroidery
There are a few elements that come into play when deciding between DTF and embroidery, the first is the fabric type and design size.
If the fabric is light (such as a T-shirt), but the design is large, then we’d generally recommend DTF print. A large embroidery can be very heavy, especially on something like a T-shirt. This is particularly pertinent in sportswear where you want any design work to be light and breathable, so it doesn’t impede on your performance.
On sweatshirts, hoodies, coats and other heavier items, a large embroidery wouldn’t be a problem and might actually be the best option. With fabrics like fleece, DTF isn’t possible, so embroidery is the only choice.
The second element to consider is design complexity. For complex designs, DTF printing is generally the best option as the ink pigments are far smaller than threads. With threads being a lot thicker than ink pigments, it’s harder to get the same level of detail. So if you have small intricate text or design elements it’s likely best to opt for DTF printing.
The last factor to consider is personal preference. In some instances, like a simple design on a cotton hoodie, both print or embroidery would work well. In that case, it’s entirely down to which one you prefer, as both decoration methods are highly durable and look great.
Oversized DTF printing - how big can I print?
Our maximum DTF print size is 300mm x 400mm. However, smaller sizes and women’s T-shirts typically don’t allow such large coverage, with this in mind we always recommend keeping your design at 297mm x 300mm as this will likely fit on any T-shirt, regardless of gender or size.
When it comes to large front or back prints on T-shirts, most brands choose to keep their design at the advised 297mm across the board.
DTF Printing near me
We have DTF print locations up and down the UK and in Europe, ensuring we’re always local to you.
We deliver nationwide and internationally; so whether you’re in Manchester, London, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Wales or somewhere else in the UK, Europe or the world, we’ve got your back.
Is DTF printing the same as screen printing?
DTF printing is totally different to screen printing and is not the same. You can find out more about our screen printing here.
Do you offer a DTF printing service, or just transfers?
We offer a complete DTF printing service, whereby we print onto your chosen garments. We do not sell DTF transfers as a standalone service for you to apply to your own garments at home.
How do I get my artwork ready for DTF printing?
Not sure what format your artwork needs to be in for DTF Printing? Find out more here.
Need some design advice? Our Design Resources section is filled with lots of tips and tricks.
Don’t worry, we make things easy. Our team of experts will select the most appropriate print method for your logo or design (unless specified otherwise).
Can DTF printing be used on black or coloured T-shirts?
Yes, DTF printing works onto T-shirts and clothing of any colour.
Will the print quality be the same with every DTF printing company?
DTF print quality can vary greatly depending on the print company you choose.
Quality is often dependent on technology. This is why we use some of the leading DTF print technology available in Europe, ensuring unrivalled precision and quality. Your brand is everything and first impressions count, so when it comes to your printed clothing, don’t settle for second best.
Not sure if we’re right for you? Take a look at some of our recent customers and what they had to say here.
You can also find out more on what makes us a little bit better than your average DTF printer here.
With print facilities in Chester, London, Manchester, Glasgow & Wales we can help, whether you’re in the UK or international.
Where can I get DTF printing online?
The internet makes it much easier to find DTF printing services. In the past you may have had to search for a “DTF printing service near me”, but there’s no longer a need to traipse across town with a box of T-shirts. With A.M. Custom Clothing. Our online shop allows you to pick your product, upload your design, and checkout in just a few clicks.
Behind the scenes
You can get a behind the scenes look at all of our market leading print technology in the video below.
How many products do you need?
We keep things simple, just select the quantity you need below, and our experienced team will ensure you get the appropriate print method for your order.
1-49 items
For print, embroidery and blank garments, our Online Shop is the fast and easy way to order. Every order (of any size) is checked by our print experts ensuring the best results every time.
50-999 items
If you require a quote for 50 or more items, head this way. Whether it's for bulk T-shirt printing, or embroidered workwear we can help.
1000+ items
Need commercial volumes? Get in touch with our team, and join some of the world's biggest brands who rely on us for their branded clothing.
Print On Demand
Whether you're a startup brand, or a charity looking to sell merchandise, we provide an easy, risk free way to sell t-shirts online. Fulfilment on bulk orders also available.
Featured In:
"The go-to supplier for ethical and environmentally sound custom clothing & branded uniforms."
"Leading the way in Fairtrade with A.M. Custom Clothing"
"Another business with a canny growth strategy is Chester based, A.M. Custom Clothing, which provides personalised, printed garments."
"What sets this company apart is their option of fair-trade, organic and recycled garments to choose from"