DTF Printing in
Westlake Village
Direct to Film (DTF) printing transfers a full-color design from film directly onto fabric using heat and pressure. No screens, no color limits — just your artwork on the garment.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. The design is printed in full color onto a special transfer film, a hot-melt adhesive powder is applied, and the film is then heat-pressed onto the garment. The result is a vibrant, flexible print that sits on top of the fabric rather than being dyed into it.
Because the process uses film as an intermediate step, it works on a wide range of fabrics and garment colors — including dark shirts — without the fabric-type restrictions of dye sublimation or the color-count limits of screen printing.
- Full-color artwork and photographs
- Small runs and mixed-size orders
- Cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics
- Light and dark garments
- Bags and other fabric items
We print finished DTF apparel and also sell DTF transfers ready for you to press.
DTF Printing Capabilities
Full-Color Artwork
DTF handles photographs, gradients, and complex multi-color designs without the color-count limits of screen printing.
Cotton, Poly & Blends
Unlike dye sublimation, DTF works on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics — and on both light and dark garments.
Small & Mixed-Size Runs
No screens to set up means you can order a small quantity or mix sizes in one run.
Durable Finish
The heat-pressed transfer bonds firmly to the fabric and holds up to regular washing when cared for correctly.
DTF vs Screen Printing, DTG & Embroidery
Screen printing applies ink directly through a mesh screen and is well suited to simple designs with a small number of spot colors on large runs. Each color requires its own screen, so it is less economical for complex artwork or short quantities. DTF has no screen setup and handles unlimited colors, making it the better choice for detailed or photographic artwork in smaller runs.
DTG (Direct to Garment) prints ink directly onto the fabric and works well on 100% cotton. DTF uses a film transfer instead, which means it works on a broader range of fabrics — cotton, polyester, and blends.
Embroidery stitches thread into the fabric for a textured, premium look that suits logos and text. It is not suited to photographic images or fine gradients. DTF is the better choice when you need full-color artwork or a design with many colors and fine detail.
We offer all of these methods at Candu Graphics. See the T-Shirts & Dye Sublimation page for a full comparison of decoration options, or request a quote and we will recommend the best method for your project.
DTF Printing FAQ
What file formats should I send for a DTF print?
Send a high-resolution PNG or PDF with your artwork at the intended print size. PNG files with a transparent background work best. If you have an AI or PSD source file, we can work from that too — just include all linked assets.
Can each shirt in my order have a different design?
Yes. Because DTF requires no screen setup, each piece in a run can carry a different design or personalization. Let us know when you request a quote.
How should I care for a DTF-printed garment?
Turn the garment inside out and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Avoid ironing directly on the print — iron inside out or use a pressing cloth.