Add instant sparkle to your apparel without sacrificing softness or stretch. Whether you run an Etsy shop, a small apparel brand, or a local print shop, glitter dtf transfers for tshirts give you the high-impact look customers love, with fast turnaround and press-ready convenience.
This guide covers why glitter DTF is a top pick for t-shirts, how the process works, best fabrics and heat-press settings, design tips to get maximum glitter pop, and how to order same-day from Five Star DTF in Tempe, Arizona.
Why choose glitter DTF transfers for your t-shirts
Glitter DTF combines direct-to-film printing with a glitter finish that keeps prints soft, durable, and flexible. Here’s what makes it great for sellers and makers:
- Visual impact, without the heaviness of some specialty vinyls.
- Works on cotton, polyester, and blends, so you can print across many garment types.
- No weeding for complex designs, faster production for small runs and on-demand orders.
- Press-ready transfers arrive pre-cured, which reduces setup time and waste.
If you want bright, eye-catching merch that still feels comfortable, glitter DTF hits the sweet spot.
How glitter DTF transfers work
Glitter DTF is a two-part process. First, your artwork is printed onto a special film using DTF inks. A glitter layer is applied selectively or across the design, then cured and powder-coated with adhesive. The result is a transfer film you heat-press to the garment, bonding color and glitter into a soft, flexible print.
Key advantages over screen printing and flock or heavy glitter vinyls include faster setup, fewer minimums, and easier customization for one-off orders or small batches.
Best fabrics and care for glitter DTF t-shirts
Fabrics that work best
- 100% cotton, cotton blends, and polyester all take DTF glitter transfers well.
- For athletic wear, polyester and blends hold color and stretch nicely.
- Avoid extremely textured knits and heavy terry fabrics, they can reduce adhesion.
Washing and care tips
- Turn garments inside out before washing.
- Use cold or warm water, gentle cycle.
- Tumble dry low or hang dry to maximize longevity.
- Avoid harsh bleach and high-heat ironing directly on the print.
Recommended heat press settings (general starting point)
Here are tested starting parameters, but always run a test press first and reference the specific transfer instructions. For most glitter DTF transfers try:
- Temperature: 310 to 325°F (155 to 163°C)
- Time: 12 to 18 seconds
- Pressure: Medium to firm, even across the platen
- Peel: Warm peel for best glitter adhesion, unless the transfer instructions state otherwise
If you need exact specs for a particular transfer, check our detailed press guide at the Five Star DTF instructions page.
Design tips to make glitter pop
- Use contrast, bold shapes, and minimal fine lines where glitter is applied.
- Reserve glitter for highlights or focal areas, not full-coverage halftones.
- When designing for multiple garments, create adaptable colorways to keep costs down.
- For multi-layer glitter effects, separate layers logically so the press workflow stays efficient.
Production workflow for small businesses
Here’s a simple workflow to keep orders moving fast:
- Receive artwork and check file specs, or use our artwork services for cleanup.
- Approve proof and choose glitter placement and color.
- Print transfers and apply glitter coating, then cure and quality-check.
- Ship or hold for local pickup, or press in-house using our instructions.
Five Star DTF offers same-day printing for local customers in Tempe, and nationwide shipping with free shipping on orders over $100.
Ordering, turnaround, shipping, and pickup
Need transfers fast? Five Star DTF prints in Tempe with same-day options and local pickup. We support small runs, one-offs for Etsy sellers, and gang sheets for bulk production. Benefits you’ll notice:
- No minimum order quantities
- Same-day printing available for local pickup in Tempe
- Free shipping for orders over $100
- Fast nationwide fulfillment for ecommerce sellers
Order online or get specific product details here: DTF Transfers, Glitter DTF Transfers, and UV DTF Stickers.
FAQs
What makes glitter DTF different from glitter vinyl?
Glitter DTF is printed, then coated with glitter and adhesive on film. It yields softer, more flexible prints than layered glitter vinyl, and better handles complex or multi-color artwork.
Can I press glitter DTF onto cotton and polyester the same way?
Yes, both fabrics work well. You may need a slightly different press time or pressure for thick polyester blends, so test before final runs.
Are glitter DTF transfers durable in the wash?
When applied correctly, glitter DTF is durable and resists cracking or flaking. Follow care instructions like cold wash and low tumble dry to extend life.
Do you offer same-day glitter DTF printing in Tempe?
Yes, Five Star DTF offers same-day printing and local pickup in Tempe for many orders. Contact us to confirm availability and lead times.
Can I get custom placement and gang sheets for wholesale orders?
Absolutely. We offer gang sheet layout for efficient printing and can handle custom placement for each garment. Ask about pricing and turnaround.
How do I prepare artwork for glitter areas?
Supply layered artwork with glitter areas on a separate layer, use solid vectors when possible, and follow our artwork requirements for optimal print results. See our instructions page for file specs.
Ready to add sparkle to your product line?
We make it easy to order high-quality, press-ready glitter DTF transfers with fast turnaround and reliable results. Order online to get started, or stop by for local pickup in Tempe and see samples in person.
Order online: https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/
📍 Local pickup: 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281
Conclusion
Glitter DTF transfers for t-shirts let you add shimmer and retail-ready appeal without complicated production or heavy prints. They are flexible, vibrant, and ideal for creators who need low minimums, fast turnaround, and consistent quality. If you want to scale custom glitter merch with professional finish and quick shipping, Five Star DTF in Tempe is set up to deliver.
About Five Star DTF
Five Star DTF is Arizona’s leading provider of
DTF transfers, Glitter DTF prints, UV DTF stickers,
and Sublimation transfers — offering same-day printing, fast nationwide shipping,
and convenient local pickup in Tempe, Arizona.
We proudly serve Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and all of Arizona,
helping creators, apparel brands, small businesses, and print shops produce premium, press-ready transfers with
vivid color, soft stretch, and long-lasting durability.
There are no setup fees, no minimum orders, and turnarounds are always fast.
Our Top Products
- DTF Transfers
- Glitter DTF Transfers
- UV DTF Stickers
- Sublimation Transfers
- Press Instructions & Tips
- Contact & Local Pickup
Artwork Help
Need your artwork cleaned, fixed, resized, or made print-ready? We offer background removal, vectorizing, color correction, and gang sheet layout.
Ready to Print?
Order DTF Transfers or
Upload Your Artwork to get started today.
All orders over $100 ship free — printed in Tempe, AZ and shipped statewide and nationwide.