DTF transfers for custom tees
DTF (direct-to-film) is a full-color transfer that we heat-press onto the shirt. No screens, no color limit, and it works on cotton, blends and polyester. Transfers are produced by a Carson City partner and pressed in our Yerington shop. It is the right answer for most orders under 48 pieces and for photo-style or many-color art. Pricing is quoted per job.
When DTF is the right choice
- 12 to 47 shirts, where $20 per screen per color makes screen print expensive
- Full-color logos, gradients and photos
- Mixed garment types in one order (cotton tees, poly performance tees, hoodies) with the same art
- Orders where every shirt gets a different name or number
How we price it
Quoted per job, usually the same business day. The quote is the blank at our published price plus the transfer and pressing, and there is no setup fee. For 48 and up with one or two ink colors, screen print is usually cheaper; we check both and tell you.
How it holds up
A DTF transfer pressed at the right temperature and time is durable through normal washing, with a slightly more rubbery hand than a screen print. Wash inside out, warm or cold, no bleach, and skip the high-heat dryer. We press on a commercial heat press, not a craft press. For settings background, see how to press DTF transfers on the main site.
Artwork for DTF
- A 300 dpi PNG with a transparent background at print size is ideal; vector is fine too.
- No white outline around the art unless you want one printed.
- Tell us the finished size: left chest 3.5 to 4 inches, full front 10 to 12 inches.
Turnaround
Standard turnaround is 28 days from proof approval like every other job. Because our partner is in Carson City, DTF jobs rarely wait on supplies. Rush is quoted per job.
Questions
Do you print DTF in-house?
No. Transfers are produced by DTF Tribe in Carson City, NV and pressed in our Yerington shop on a commercial heat press.
Is DTF cheaper than screen print?
Under 48 pieces or with many colors, usually yes. At 48 and up with one or two colors, screen print is usually cheaper. We quote both when it is close.