DTF Frequently Asked Questions – Five Star DTF
Your complete guide to DTF Transfers, Glitter DTF, UV DTF Stickers, Sublimation Prints, Artwork requirements, heat press settings, gang sheets, and starting your own shirt business.
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General DTF Transfer FAQs
What are DTF transfers?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are full-color heat transfers printed on PET film with CMYK+White ink, coated in adhesive powder, cured, and ready to press onto any fabric. Learn more on our What Is DTF Printing? page.
What fabrics do DTF transfers work on?
DTF transfers work on cotton, polyester, blends, spandex, nylon, canvas, denim, and more. They also work on both light and dark colors because we print a white underbase.
Do DTF transfers crack or peel?
Not when pressed correctly. Our transfers last 100+ washes. Press at 300–325°F for 10–15 seconds and cold peel. See Press Instructions.
How long do DTF transfers last?
With correct pressing and washing, most transfers last over 100 washes with no fading, cracking, or peeling.
Are DTF transfers soft?
Yes, our transfers have a soft, flexible, stretchy feel. They do not feel like vinyl or thick plastic.
Do you offer same-day printing?
Yes — all DTF Transfer orders placed before 1 PM MST usually print the same day.
Do you offer local pickup?
Yes — local pickup is available in Tempe, Arizona. We also offer fast statewide and nationwide shipping.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes — we ship everywhere in the United States with tracking and fast delivery.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — Free Shipping on all orders over $100. No code required.
Do you require minimum orders?
No minimums. Order 1 or 1,000+. No setup fees.
Can I order large quantities?
Yes — we can print large commercial quantities with consistent quality.
How do I place a DTF transfer order?
Upload your artwork directly on our DTF Transfers page, choose your size, and complete checkout.
Are your transfers printed in the USA?
Yes — all transfers are printed in Tempe, Arizona.
Can I press DTF transfers with an iron?
No. You need a heat press for consistent temperature and pressure.
Do your transfers stretch?
Yes — they stretch naturally with the fabric without cracking.
Can I wash DTF transfers normally?
Yes. Wash inside-out in cold water and tumble dry low for longest life.
Do you offer custom sizes?
Yes — all transfers are sized to the exact inch you choose.
Can you help with artwork prep?
Yes — we offer Artwork & Design Services for cleanup, vectorizing, background removal, and custom design.
Where can I learn how to start my own apparel business?
Visit our full guide: Start Your Own Shirt Business.
Gang Sheet FAQs
Are gang sheets cheaper?
No — not in most cases. Individual transfers are cheaper because you only pay for the exact width and height of each design. With gang sheets you pay for the full sheet, even if half is empty.
When does a gang sheet actually make sense?
Only when you have many different small designs that can be laid out together efficiently. If you’re printing multiples of the same design, individual pieces are still cheaper.
Are gang sheets faster?
No. Individual designs are faster because you don’t need to build a layout file.
Do you provide gang sheet templates?
Yes — templates are available on request. Contact us on our Contact Page.
Can I upload a completed gang sheet?
Yes — upload your file in PNG, TIFF, EPS, or AI format.
Do gang sheets peel the same as individual prints?
Yes — same cold peel process.
Does a gang sheet save money for event merch?
Only if the designs are small and varied. Otherwise individual prints are cheaper.
Should beginners use gang sheets?
No — individual prints are easier, cheaper, and far less confusing.
Is there a maximum gang sheet size?
Yes — typically 22″ width. Height varies: 24″, 36″, or 60″.
Can I mix Glitter DTF and Standard DTF in a gang sheet?
No — Glitter DTF must be ordered separately. See: Glitter DTF Transfers.
Glitter DTF Transfer FAQs
What is Glitter DTF?
Glitter DTF uses a glitter-coated film to add sparkle to all printed areas. Learn more: Glitter DTF Transfers.
Is Glitter DTF the same as standard DTF?
Yes — same inks and process, but with a glitter-enhanced film.
Does the entire design glitter?
Yes — all printed areas sparkle.
Is Glitter DTF thicker?
Slightly. It has a premium textured feel.
How do I press Glitter DTF?
320°F, 8–10 seconds, cold peel, then repress for 15 seconds.
Is Glitter DTF durable?
Yes — 50–75 washes with proper care.
Can Glitter DTF be layered?
Yes — press Glitter DTF first, then layer standard or puff prints.
Do you offer same-day Glitter DTF printing?
Usually yes — order before 1 PM MST. Order Glitter DTF.
Can I use Glitter DTF for kids clothing?
Yes — it’s safe and wash-friendly with no loose glitter.
Which colors glitter most?
Light colors (white, pastels) shine brightest.
UV DTF Sticker FAQs
What are UV DTF stickers?
UV DTF stickers are full-color, waterproof, commercial-grade decals printed with UV ink and adhesive. Learn more: UV DTF Stickers.
Are UV DTF stickers waterproof?
Yes — waterproof, scratch-resistant, and outdoor safe.
What do UV DTF stickers stick to?
Cups, tumblers, bottles, laptops, windows, helmets, metal, acrylic, plastics, and more.
Do UV DTF stickers need sealing?
No. Peel and stick.
Do you offer custom UV DTF designs?
Yes — upload your artwork here: UV DTF Order Page.
Sublimation Print FAQs
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation uses heat to dye polyester materials permanently. Learn more: Sublimation Transfers.
Can sublimation work on cotton?
No — sublimation requires high polyester content.
Is sublimation better than DTF?
No — sublimation is only for polyester. DTF works on all fabrics.
Do sublimation prints fade?
They can fade over time, especially on lower-poly blends.
Do you offer sublimation printing?
Yes — Order Sublimation Transfers.
Artwork & File Upload FAQs
What file types do you accept?
PNG, TIFF, EPS, and AI.
Should my file be RGB or CMYK?
Both are accepted. Avoid Pantone.
Can you remove my background?
Yes — select “Remove Background” during checkout.
What resolution should my artwork be?
300 DPI recommended.
Do you offer vectorizing or cleanup?
Yes — see Artwork & Design Services.
Heat Press & Equipment FAQs
What heat press do you recommend?
A 15×15 clamshell or swing-away press. See our beginner recommendations on Start Your Own Shirt Business.
Can I use a Cricut EasyPress?
Not recommended — inconsistent pressure.
What are the correct press settings?
300–325°F, firm pressure, 10–15 seconds, cold peel.
Why is my transfer not sticking?
Usually low pressure or low temperature.
Why is my print looking dull?
Under-curing or over-pressing. Follow our Press Instructions.
Start Your Own Shirt Business FAQs
How do I start a shirt business with DTF?
Follow our full guide here: Start Your Own Shirt Business.
Do I need a DTF printer?
No — we print everything. You only need a heat press.
How much does it cost to start?
Most beginners start for under $500 including heat press and blanks.
Can I sell DTF shirts online?
Yes — Shopify, Etsy, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and local events.
What designs sell best?
Events, holidays, teams, small businesses, spirit wear, monograms.
Can I bulk order for events?
Yes — we specialize in fast-turnaround event printing.
Troubleshooting FAQs
Why is my transfer lifting?
Apply firmer pressure or repress for 5–10 seconds.
Why is my design cracking?
Over-pressing or incorrect washing.
Why does my transfer look hazy?
Peeling too early. Always cold peel.
What if glitter is outside the design?
Remove with a lint roller; leftover glitter washes out.
Why is my film not peeling?
Let it cool completely before peeling.