What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?

Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a cutting-edge technology that involves printing designs directly onto a special film, which is then transferred onto fabric. Unlike traditional methods like screen printing or heat transfer vinyl, DTF printing offers several key advantages for custom apparel printing, including vibrant colors, durability, and fast turnaround times.

DTF printing is quickly becoming a popular choice for apparel decorators, designers, and businesses due to its versatility and ability to produce high-quality prints on a wide range of fabrics. Whether you’re creating custom t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or other wearable items, DTF printing provides an efficient and cost-effective solution.

How Does DTF Work?

The DTF printing process involves several steps, each of which plays an essential role in ensuring a flawless finished product:

1. Design Creation
   Firstly, our knowledgable art team will prep the artwork to your specifications (See our proofing process timeline below). Once your artwork is ready, it is printed onto a special type of film using a DTF printer. This printer uses high-quality inks that produce vibrant colors and detailed images.
2. Applying Powder Adhesive
   After the design is printed, a layer of powder adhesive is applied to the back of the printed film while the ink is still wet. This powder helps bond the design to the fabric when it is transferred.
3. Curing the Print
   The printed film with adhesive is then cured in a curing oven. This step ensures that the ink and powder adhesive bond properly, creating a durable print that will last through washes and wear.
4. Heat Transfer to Fabric
   Finally, the printed film is placed onto the fabric, and heat is applied using a heat press. The heat activates the adhesive, transferring the design onto the fabric in a permanent way.

Benefits of Direct to Film Printing for Apparel

1. Vibrant and Detailed Prints
   DTF printing produces vibrant, high-resolution designs with fine details. The colors are rich and crisp, ensuring that your artwork pops on apparel.
2. No Need for Pre-Treatment
   Unlike Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, which often requires fabric pre-treatment, DTF printing can be applied to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends, without any special preparation.
3. Cost-Effective for Small and Large Runs
   DTF printing is ideal for both small batches and large production runs. Whether you’re printing a handful of custom t-shirts or thousands of items for a retail line, DTF allows you to maintain affordability while ensuring quality. That’s right! Direct to Film order do not require a minimum quantity!
4. Durability and Flexibility
   DTF prints are known for their durability, withstanding multiple washes and wear without fading or cracking. The prints are soft to the touch, making them suitable for comfortable, everyday wear.
5. Quick Turnaround Times
   DTF printing allows for faster production compared to traditional methods. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that require quick delivery times or those looking to fulfill on-demand orders.
6. Eco-Friendly Option
   DTF printing uses less water and energy than some traditional methods, making it an environmentally friendly choice for custom apparel printing and adding to Phelps’ list of commitments to eco-friendly processes.

Applications of Direct to Film Printing for Apparel

DTF printing is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of apparel items, including:

• T-Shirts
• Hoodies
• Sweatshirts
• Jackets
• Caps and Hats
• Tote Bags
• Sportswear
• Baby Clothing

It is ideal for both custom designs for personal use and larger-scale production for businesses. Whether you’re creating merchandise for your business, or simply printing a batch of custom apparel for an event or promotion, Direct to Film printing can help you bring your designs to life. Start browsing for apparel ideas HERE!

Get Started with DTF Printing Today

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your printing method, Direct to Film printing offers a reliable, efficient, and high-quality solution for all your custom apparel needs. Contact us today to learn more about DTF printing or get a quote for your next project.

Direct to Film Order Timeline

STEP ONE: CONTACT YOUR SALES REP

PHONE: 1 (800) 344-7043

EMAIL: [email protected]

Need help picking out a product? Maybe you are ready to start your order? Awesome!
Phelps is ready to help. Contact your Phelps Representative and let us know your vision!

STEP TWO: APPROVING YOUR ARTWORK
Our in-house designers will bring your ideas to life! Just provide your sales representative
with your vision and/or examples of the art you would like to see and receive a proof in
48 hours or less! Used Phelps Custom Image Wear before? Great! You may elect to use a
design that is already in our system for your team or organization. When submitting your
artwork, please submit the highest quality images that you possibly can for the highest
quality proof (preferred file types include .eps and .ai files. If you do not have these file
types, submit the highest resolution image you have).
On your artwork proof, your artwork will be shown on your preferred garments and
garment colors. Once you receive your proof, look it over closely and let us know any
changes you may have. If you do have changes, we’ll edit the proof and send it back to
you free of charge! Once the proof looks perfect, please approve the proof so we can get
started on your order.

STEP THREE: WE’LL TAKE IT FROM HERE!
Once you have approved your artwork proof, we can place your order, produce your
items, and either ship to you or notify you when your order is ready for pick-up! Keep in
mind that turnaround time will start at the time of artwork approval. Turnaround time for
heat transfer orders is 10-12 business days based on the availability of your garments.