What is DTF? The New Standard for Custom Apparel
If you’ve been looking for a way to get high-quality designs onto clothing, you’ve likely run into the term DTF. It stands for Direct-to-Film, and it has quickly become the standard for both local brands here in Dallas and the wider apparel industry.
At Ink Nest, we’ve embraced DTF because it offers a level of detail and durability that makes custom gear look and feel professional. Here is a straightforward look at what it is, why it's affordable, and why it works so well.
The Process: How a DTF Print is Made
Unlike traditional methods where ink is applied directly to the fabric, DTF is a specialized transfer process:
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The Print: Your design is printed onto a specialized clear film. We use professional-grade inks to ensure colors are vibrant and backed with a solid white base.
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The Bond: While the ink is still wet, a specialized adhesive is applied. This is what eventually fuses the ink to the fabric fibers.
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The Cure: The film goes through a heating process that sets the ink and prepares the transfer for the heat press.
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The Transfer: Using a heat press, the design is transferred from the film to the garment. Once the film is peeled away, the design is permanently bonded to the shirt.
Why DTF is Perfect for Modern Apparel
We use DTF at the Nest for a few specific reasons that benefit our customers directly:
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Commercial-Grade Durability: When applied correctly, these prints are built to last. They are rated for 50+ laundry cycles, meaning the design will stay sharp and colorful through regular wear and tear.
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Flexibility & "Snap-Back": One of the best features of DTF is its stretch. Because the print is flexible, it moves with the fabric. If you stretch the shirt, the design stretches with it instead of cracking.
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Incredible Detail: DTF allows us to print small text, fine lines, and complex gradients that are often impossible with other methods.
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Works on Almost Any Fabric: DTF is versatile. Whether you want a design on a 100% cotton heavyweight tee, a polyester jersey, or a canvas bag, the bond is just as strong.
💡 Pro-Tip from the Nest:
The secret to a retail-quality DTF finish is the "Second Press." After you peel the film, press the shirt again for 5 seconds with a finishing sheet (like parchment or Teflon). This softens the feel and ensures the ink is fully embedded into the fabric fibers.
Pro-Quality at an Affordable Price
One of the main reasons our customers are switching to DTF is the cost-effectiveness. Traditionally, getting a multi-color design on a shirt required expensive setups or high minimum orders. DTF changes that.
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No Setup Fees: Because there are no screens to prep, we can jump straight to printing. This makes even a single custom shirt significantly more affordable.
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Lower Cost for Full Color: Usually, more colors mean more money. With DTF, whether your design has two colors or twenty, the price stays the same. You get photographic detail without the "per-color" upcharge.
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Bulk Savings via Gang Sheets: Using a Gang Sheet is the ultimate way to lower your "cost-per-print." By fitting multiple logos onto one roll, you’re getting professional-grade transfers for just a few dollars each.
Maximizing Value with Gang Sheets
For our customers looking to scale their own brands, we offer DTF Gang Sheets. This is where we "gang up" multiple designs onto one long roll of film. It’s the most efficient way to get pro-grade transfers because you’re making the most of every inch of the print.
Visit the Nest in Dallas
We believe in "Our Ink, Your Vision." Whether we are finishing the shirts for you or providing you with the transfers to press yourself, we use the same commercial-grade materials. If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, stop by our shop to see the quality in person and talk to a print pro about your next project.
Contact us
Address: 2525 Royal Ln. Suite #310, Dallas, TX 75229, United States
Email: sales@inknestshirts.com
Phone: +1 (817) 881-7881
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10 A.M - 5 P.M
Saturday: 10 A.M - 3 P.M
Sunday: CLOSED
