DTF Printing

What is DTF Printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a revolutionary printing method that produces vibrant, detailed transfers that can be applied to virtually any fabric. At Houston Print Company, we use state-of-the-art DTF technology to create durable, high-quality custom designs that work on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and more.

How DTF Printing Works

The DTF process combines digital printing precision with heat transfer durability:

• Digital Printing: Your full-color design is printed directly onto a special film using specialized DTF inks
• Powder Application: Hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink, creating a bond that will adhere to fabric
• Curing: The transfer passes through a curing oven that melts and sets the adhesive
• Transfer Application: The finished transfer is applied to your garment using a heat press
• Peel and Finish: Once cooled, the film is peeled away, leaving your design permanently bonded to the fabric

Why Choose DTF Printing?

DTF printing offers unique advantages that make it ideal for many applications:

• No Minimums: Perfect for small orders or even single pieces - no setup costs like screen printing
• Full Color Capability: Print photo-realistic images, gradients, and unlimited colors with ease
• Works on Any Fabric: Unlike other methods, DTF works on cotton, poly-blends, nylon, leather, and more
• Soft Hand Feel: The finished print is smooth and flexible, not thick or rubbery
• Excellent Durability: Properly applied DTF transfers withstand repeated washing without cracking or fading
• Fine Detail: Capture intricate designs, small text, and complex artwork with clarity

What Are Gang Sheets?

Gang sheets are an economical way to print multiple designs or sizes on a single transfer sheet. Instead of printing each design separately, we arrange multiple transfers efficiently on one sheet, reducing waste and cost. This is perfect for:

• Printing the same design in multiple sizes (adult and youth sizes)
• Creating a collection of related designs
• Testing multiple design concepts before committing to large runs
• Small boutique or resale inventory
• Personalized items with different names or numbers

What We Can Print with DTF

DTF technology works on almost any textile product:

• T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
• Athletic wear and performance fabrics
• Hats and caps
• Bags, totes, and backpacks
• Aprons and workwear
• Specialty items: socks, sleeves, accessories

DTF vs. Other Printing Methods

DTF vs. Screen Printing: Screen printing excels for large bulk orders with simple designs, but DTF requires no setup costs and handles complex, multi-color artwork better. For orders under 24 pieces or designs with lots of colors, DTF is typically more cost-effective.

DTF vs. Vinyl: Heat transfer vinyl is great for single-color designs, but DTF handles full-color graphics, gradients, and photographic images that vinyl can't achieve. DTF also has a softer feel and better durability than most vinyl.

DTF vs. Sublimation: Sublimation only works on polyester and light-colored fabrics. DTF works on any color and any fabric type, making it far more versatile.

Ideal DTF Projects

DTF printing is perfect for:

• Small business starter inventory (boutiques, resellers)
• Custom one-off items and personalized gifts
• Testing designs before committing to bulk production
• Complex artwork with photos, gradients, or many colors
• Projects requiring printing on dark or colored fabrics
• Quick turnaround orders

Pricing and Minimums

One of the biggest advantages of DTF printing is flexibility - we can print a single transfer or hundreds. Pricing is based on the size of your design and quantity. Gang sheets offer additional savings by combining multiple designs. Contact us for a quote tailored to your specific project.

Turnaround Time

Standard DTF orders take 3-5 business days from proof approval. For gang sheets or larger quantities, allow 5-7 business days. Need it faster? Ask about rush options when you request your quote.