Direct to Film

Best for printing on stretchy material like active wear and tight fitting tees.

What is Direct to Film (DTF) printing? 

We specialize in Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, a cutting-edge technique that delivers vibrant, high-quality prints on almost any fabric. Unlike traditional printing methods, DTF involves transferring designs onto a specialized PET film using high-performance inks. The design is then coated with a premium adhesive powder and heat-cured, ensuring exceptional durability, flexibility, and wash resistance.

DTF printing allows us to print on a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, fabric blends, and even leather, making it perfect for custom t-shirts, workwear, activewear, and unique apparel. This method produces rich colors, fine details, and a soft, long-lasting finish that won’t crack or fade. Whether you need custom logos, intricate designs, or bold full-color artwork, DTF printing ensures flawless results every time.

For ultimate convenience, DTF printing is the default method used when you place an order through our online design tool—ensuring fast, professional, and reliable prints with every purchase.

Direct to film process

Step 1 - Design Preparation

We prepare the artwork for printing by adding a white channel and mirroring the design to ensure it transfers correctly onto the fabric. This step ensures that the print maintains its color integrity and precision when applied to the material.

Step 2 - Print 

The design is printed onto a special transfer film using a high-quality DTF printer. Our printer uses vibrant, durable water-based inks to ensure accurate and vibrant colors. 

Step 3 - Adhesive Powder

The film moves down into the powder unit, where the powder coats the wet ink. Excess powder is shaken off as the film moves up into the over to cure. The powder in the DTF printing process is crucial because it acts as an adhesive that ensures the printed design bonds securely to the fabric

Step 4 - Pressing

Once the adhesive is set, the transfer film is carefully cut around the design for precise application. The cut film is then placed on the fabric, and a heat press is used to apply the design. The combination of high heat and pressure activates the adhesive, ensuring the design bonds securely to the fabric, creating a smooth, durable, and long-lasting print.

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Direct to film examples

Direct to film tips and tricks

Correct file types for direct to film:

Image

.jpg

Image

.png

Image

.gif

Image

.tiff

How to save a specific file type:

Photoshop & Paint

FILE > SAVE AS > PNG

Illustrator & Draw

FILE > EXPORT > PNG

Perks of direct to film  ✔️

  • Large range of fabrics that can be printed on
  • Vibrant, detailed prints
  • Great durability
  • No minimum order requirements

Downers of direct to film  ❌

  • Heavier print feel
  • DTF printing can struggle with transparency and smooth gradients due to the solid white ink underbase, limited gradient control, and adhesive powder residue, which can affect delicate or see-through parts of the design. 
  • Finished product is only as good as the design

More questions? Call 07 3846 1008

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