DTF Transfers
$0.04
Premium DTF Transfers for Cotton, Polyester & Blends
Order Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers of your artwork — ready to heat press on shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
DTF is a cutting-edge heat transfer technology that delivers vibrant, durable, full-color prints on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends. Unlike vinyl or screen printing, DTF requires no weeding or cutting — just press and peel for professional results.
Why Choose DTF Transfers from Five Star DTF?
- ✅ Works on Any Fabric – Cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, and blends.
- ✅ Highly Durable – Tested for 100+ washes without cracking or peeling.
- ✅ Soft Feel & Vibrant Color – Smooth, flexible, and brilliantly colorful.
- ✅ No Weeding or Cutting – Press-ready to save you time and labor.
- ✅ Fast & Easy Application – Press at 300–325°F for 10–15 seconds; cold peel.
- ✅ Printed in Tempe, AZ – Local pickup or fast shipping across Arizona.
How DTF Printing Works
- Design Printing: Your artwork is printed on PET film with high-quality DTF inks (CMYK + white underbase).
- Adhesive Powder: Heat-activated adhesive is applied for strong bonding.
- Curing: Film is cured to lock in color and adhesive.
- Heat Press: Apply to your garment; peel and (optionally) post-press for added durability.
Recommended Heat Press Settings
| Temperature | 300–325°F (149–163°C) |
|---|---|
| Pressure | Medium–High (firm, even pressure) |
| Press Time | 10–15 seconds |
| Peel Type | Cold Peel (allow to cool fully) |
| Post-Press | Optional 5–10 seconds for extra wash durability |
File Submission Agreement
- Accepted: .png, .tiff, .eps, .ai
- Color: RGB or CMYK only (no Index, Pantone, or Greyscale files)
- No exact Pantone matching
- No backgrounds needed — choose “Remove White/Black Background” if required (art fee)
- Standard turnaround: 1–2 business days (Rush available at checkout)
- You confirm rights to reproduce submitted artwork
- Five Star DTF / Cybertech Designs LLC is not liable for copyright claims on submitted designs
DTF vs. Screen Printing
| Feature | DTF Printing | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Instant — no screens or setup fees | Slow — each color requires its own screen, setup, and cleanup |
| Color & Detail | Full-color, photo-quality prints with smooth gradients | Limited to spot colors — fine detail and gradients often lost |
| Minimum Orders | No minimums — order one or hundreds | Requires bulk orders to justify setup cost |
| Durability | 100+ washes without cracking or fading | Excellent initially, but ink can crack and fade over time |
| Fabric Compatibility | Works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon & spandex | Best only on cotton or cotton blends |
| Design Changes | Easy — upload a new file anytime | Expensive — every change needs new screens and setup |
| Speed | Ready in 1–2 business days | Slower turnaround due to prep and drying times |
| Feel & Finish | Soft, flexible, breathable, and stretchable | Thicker ink layer — heavier feel on fabric |
| Cost Efficiency | Affordable even for small batches | High cost for small runs due to setup and materials |
| Environmental Impact | Water-based inks with minimal waste | Uses chemicals, emulsion, and water for cleaning screens |
| Best For | Custom, full-color short runs, small businesses, and fast production | Large bulk orders with simple, one-color logos |
Skip the mess and delays of traditional screen printing — experience faster turnaround, richer color, and lasting quality with Five Star DTF Transfers.
Top DTF Transfer FAQs
What is DTF printing?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints on PET film, applies adhesive powder, then heat presses to fabric for durable, full-color results.
Do I need my own DTF printer?
No. Upload your art and order press-ready transfers from Five Star DTF.
Which fabrics does DTF work on?
Cotton, polyester, blends, spandex, nylon, and dark fabrics with a white underbase.
What are the ideal press settings?
300–325°F, 10–15 seconds, medium-high pressure, cold peel, optional 5–10s post-press.
How long do DTF prints last?
100+ washes when pressed correctly and laundered per care instructions.
Do I need pretreatment?
No pretreatment. Pre-press the garment to remove moisture/wrinkles.
Can DTF do gradients and photos?
Yes — excellent for full-color CMYK photos, gradients, and fine detail.
Is there a minimum order?
No minimums — order one or hundreds. Perfect for short runs and samples.
What file types do you accept?
.png, .tiff, .eps, .ai (RGB or CMYK). Convert Pantone to process color.
How should I wash DTF-printed apparel?
Turn inside out, wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low. Avoid ironing directly on prints.
My transfer didn’t stick — what now?
Increase pressure, confirm temp with a thermometer, ensure cold peel, and post-press. See our DTF Troubleshooting Guide.
Why did part of the design lift?
Usually early peeling or low pressure. Let it cool fully; increase pressure evenly.
Are DTF transfers stretchy?
Yes — flexible and stretchable without cracking when applied properly.
Can I use a home heat press?
Yes. Consistent temperature/pressure is key; a clamshell or swing-away works great.
Can I press on hats and bags?
Yes — use a cap/curved platen or firm pad for even pressure.
What’s the turnaround time?
Typically 1–2 business days; Rush is available at checkout.
Do you offer local pickup?
Yes — pick up in Tempe, AZ or choose fast shipping across Arizona.
Do you color match Pantone?
We don’t guarantee Pantone matching. Use RGB/CMYK and avoid Index color mode.
Can I order pre-cut transfers?
Yes — choose cutting service when ordering for trimmed, ready-to-press pieces.
How should I store unused transfers?
Flat, cool, dry, away from sunlight/humidity for up to 6 months.
Is DTF better than vinyl (HTV)?
For most jobs, yes — no weeding, softer hand, finer detail, better durability.
How does DTF compare to screen printing?
DTF has zero setup, excels at full color and short runs; screen rules for bulk spot-color.
What if my press reads cooler than actual?
Use a surface thermometer. Many presses run ±10–20°F off the display.
Can I layer DTF transfers?
Possible, but design as a single print for the cleanest result.
Are DTF transfers waterproof?
After pressing, they resist water and abrasion. For hard surfaces, see UV DTF Stickers.
Can I press on performance fabrics?
Yes — DTF bonds to poly/spandex. Test heat-sensitive items at lower temps/longer time.
Do you offer wholesale/reseller pricing?
Yes — contact us for bulk pricing or recurring orders on our contact page.
What’s your reprint policy?
Defective prints are reprinted within 7 days. Application errors are not covered.
Where can I learn more?
See DTF Instructions & Troubleshooting or browse Glitter DTF, Sublimation, and UV DTF Stickers.
Need special effects or hard-surface labels? Try our
Glitter DTF Transfers,
Sublimation Transfers, or
UV DTF Stickers.