How to Do DTF Transfers
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is revolutionizing custom garment decoration. If you're wondering how to do DTF transfers, the process is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the steps. This method allows you to create full-color designs on various fabrics without pre-treatment.
Step 1: Design Your Artwork
Use design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Photoshop to create your artwork. Ensure high resolution (300 DPI) and export as a transparent PNG. Mirror the image before printing to ensure it appears correctly on the fabric.
Step 2: Print on PET Film
Load DTF-specific PET film into your printer. Use DTF-compatible inks (CMYK + white). First, print the color layer, then apply the white ink as a base. The white ink ensures opacity and vibrant results on dark fabrics.
Step 3: Apply Adhesive Powder
While the ink is still wet, apply adhesive powder evenly across the design. Shake off the excess. The powder will later act as the bonding agent between the ink and the fabric.
Step 4: Cure the Film
Cure the printed film using a heat press (hovering) or a curing oven. This melts the powder into a tacky layer without touching the film. Ensure full curing for strong adhesion later.
Step 5: Pre-Press the Garment
Before applying the transfer, press your garment for 5 seconds. This removes moisture and wrinkles, helping the transfer adhere smoothly and evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the Design
Position the film (design side down) on your fabric. Press using a heat press at 160–170°C for 15–20 seconds with medium pressure. Be consistent with time and temperature for clean results.
Step 7: Peel the Film
Allow the garment to cool fully if using a cold peel film. Then peel the film slowly. If the design lifts, press again with a Teflon sheet and more pressure.
Step 8: Optional Repressing
For a softer finish and added durability, repress the design using a protective sheet for another 5 seconds. This helps bond the design more deeply with the fabric fibers.
Tips for Best Results
Keep humidity controlled around the printer
Clean printheads regularly
Store films flat and dust-free
Don’t skip pre-pressing the garment
Always test settings before full runs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Printing with incorrect ink types
Using low-quality PET film
Not curing the powder fully
Pressing at incorrect temperature or time
Peeling too early
Avoiding these mistakes ensures better prints, fewer re-dos, and more satisfied customers.
Learning how to do DTF transfers properly helps you produce vibrant, durable designs on a wide range of fabrics. It’s a versatile and accessible technique for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
Mastering the process of film-based garment printing opens the door to high-quality, professional results without the complexities of older methods. Once the steps are understood and practiced, the workflow becomes efficient, repeatable, and reliable. From creating high-resolution artwork to using the correct type of film and ink, every stage contributes to the overall success of the finished product.
Learning how to do DTF transfers correctly is essential for anyone entering the custom garment printing world. Once you understand how to do DTF transfers step by step, you unlock the ability to create vibrant, durable designs with minimal setup. Many small businesses and creators benefit from knowing exactly how to do DTF transfers efficiently—because it saves time, reduces errors, and improves print quality. From the initial design phase to powder application and heat pressing, each step plays a vital role.
The more consistently you apply these steps, the better your results become. Mastering how to do DTF transfer also opens the door to working with a wider variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. Unlike sublimation or vinyl, DTF does not limit your creativity or require complex equipment.
