Printing methods
DTF printing for custom t-shirts
DTF (direct to film) printing is how we print our online orders. It gives bright, hard-wearing full colour prints, from one t-shirt to hundreds.
What is DTF printing?
In DTF printing, we print your design onto a special film and then heat-press it onto the garment.
The printer lays down a solid white base under the colours. That means your design stays bright on black and coloured garments, not just white ones.
DTF works on cotton, polyester and many blends, so we can use it on t-shirts, hoodies, sportswear and bags. Since we moved to DTF we have been able to lower our prices and turn orders around more quickly.
Why DTF
Why we use DTF printing for online orders
- No minimum order and no setup costs, so a single t-shirt is good value
- Vibrant colour with strong opacity on light and dark garments
- Resistant to fading, so it suits garments that are washed often
- Works on a wide range of fabrics, including polyester sportswear
- A basic white t-shirt printed on one side starts from £10
Free halftoning for a softer print
A large, solid block of DTF print can feel papery or plastic. To avoid that, we check your design and apply a halftone where it helps.
Halftoning uses tiny dots of different sizes to recreate colours and fades. It breaks up solid areas of ink, so the print feels softer and lets the fabric breathe. We do this for free.
Artwork tips
How to get the best DTF print
Follow these points and your print will look sharper, feel better and last longer.
- Use a high resolution image, ideally 300 DPI at the size you want it printed
- Send a PNG on a transparent background. We remove white backgrounds automatically
- Keep colours 100% solid. Fades, glows and drop shadows can print as a chalky halo
- Avoid very thin lines and very small text, which may not stick to the fabric
- Let the garment show through. Around 60% garment visibility feels and washes best
- For a full photo print, choose a heavier t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie
Bright neon colours you see on a monitor print slightly more muted in ink. See our full design guidelines.
Recent DTF prints
DTF prints from our Portishead shop
Real orders, printed by DTF. Large, bold designs like these get a free halftone, so the print feels soft and lets the fabric breathe.
DTF printing questions
Is there a minimum order for DTF printing?
No. You can order a single garment, and bulk discounts apply from 10 items if you contact us before ordering.
Does DTF work on dark garments?
Yes. A white base layer goes down under your colours, so designs stay bright on black, navy and other dark colours.
Will a DTF print feel like plastic?
Large solid areas can feel heavier. Leave gaps in your design where you can, and we will add a free halftone to soften big prints.
Can DTF print fades and neon colours?
DTF works best with hard edges and solid colours, so soft fades may not print smoothly. We may add a free halftone to help a fade or photo blend into the fabric. DTF cannot reproduce fluorescent colours.
How do I look after a DTF print?
Wash at 30 degrees or below, avoid tumble drying and do not iron directly on the print.
Start your DTF printed design
Choose a garment, upload your artwork and see the price straight away.