Getting Started with DTF Transfers
New to DTF transfers? This guide covers everything from how they work to placing your first order.
What is DTF printing?
DTF (Direct to Film) is a transfer printing method where designs are printed onto a special PET film with white ink backing, then coated with a hot-melt adhesive powder. The result is a ready-to-press transfer that bonds to almost any fabric when heat-pressed.
Unlike sublimation — which only bonds to polyester fabric or polymer-coated substrates and generally needs a light background to show up — DTF transfers sit on top of the fabric and work across cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, tri-blends, nylon, denim, canvas, and most other textiles. They print in full CMYK plus a white underbase, so the design looks vibrant and opaque on both light and dark garments.
How DTF transfers work
The process is straightforward. We handle the printing and curing; you handle the pressing.
Upload your artwork
Use our gangsheet builder or upload a single design. We accept PNG, SVG, JPEG, PSD, TIFF, and WebP.
We print & cure
Your design is printed in CMYK + white onto PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and cured for a ready-to-press transfer.
You receive your transfers
Transfers arrive rolled or flat, ready to apply. They can be stored for months at room temperature.
Heat press onto garments
Pre-press the garment, apply the transfer with firm pressure at the right temp/time, hot peel, and re-press for maximum durability.
What equipment do you need?
To apply DTF transfers, you need very little equipment — which is one of the biggest advantages of the format.
Essential
- Heat press — clamshell, swing-away, or auto-opening. 38×38cm is a sensible minimum for T-shirt work; larger (40×50cm+) makes life easier for hoodies and adult back prints.
- Parchment paper or Teflon sheet — protects the transfer during pressing
- DTF transfers — from Transfer Foundry
Recommended
- Laser temperature gun — verify actual platen temp vs. display
- Lint roller — remove debris before pressing
- Pressing pillow — helps with seams, zippers, and uneven surfaces
Placing your first order
There are two ways to order DTF transfers from Transfer Foundry:
Gangsheet builder
Pack multiple designs onto a single sheet for maximum value. Ideal for production runs, multi-design orders, and trade customers.
Open gangsheet builderSingle transfers
Order individual transfer products. Upload your artwork, choose your size, and add to cart. Simple and fast for one-off jobs.
Browse productsGangsheets vs single transfers
Understanding the difference helps you pick the right ordering method for each job.
| Feature | Gangsheets | Single transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Volume, multi-design orders, production runs | One-off jobs, sampling, simple orders |
| Pricing | Per metre of sheet — best value at scale | Per item — simple and predictable |
| Layout | You arrange designs on the sheet in the builder | We handle layout |
| Reorders | Saved layouts in your account for fast reordering | Saved designs in your account |
Next steps
Now that you understand the basics, here's where to go next: