Print techniques in detail
DTF (Direct to Film)
Design is printed onto a film and heat-transferred onto fabric with hot-melt adhesive. Photo-real detail, almost no setup, works on practically any cloth — including dark colors and synthetics.
Direct to Film prints a digital design onto transfer film, then heat-presses it onto the garment with hot-melt adhesive. No screens to make, no MOQ, no fabric restrictions — DTF prints onto cotton, polyester, blends, and even leather with the same vibrant result. The right call for short runs, custom designs, multi-color graphics, and anything that needs photo-realistic detail.
Why pick this
DTF (Direct to Film)
01
Full-color printing, gradients and photos
02
No minimum order — start at 10 pieces
03
Works on cotton, poly, blends, dark fabrics
04
Fast turnaround
Direct to Film (DTF) prints your artwork onto a special film, then heat-presses it onto the garment using a hot-melt adhesive. There's no screen to burn, no color separation, and no fabric you can't print on — DTF works equally well on cotton, polyester, blends, dark colors, and even leather, holding photo-grade detail across every surface. At our family-run factory in the Bangkok area, DTF is the workhorse we reach for whenever a brand needs short runs, custom one-offs, or multi-color designs that silk screen can't match cost-effectively at low volumes.
The reason most brands choose DTF with us is that it removes the minimum-quantity barrier entirely. With an MOQ of just 10 pieces — the lowest of any technique we offer — you can test a new design, run a small premium drop, or fulfill a one-time event order without committing to a large batch. Full-color prints with gradients and photographic detail come out in a single pass, with no per-color setup fees, and the technique pairs cleanly with cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics across our standard range — from Combed 20s tees to microfiber sportswear.
DTF turnaround is faster than traditional screen printing — most t-shirt orders ship within 7-14 days after sample approval, with one real sample included in the price. Express options are available for event work at +15-25%. Backed by 27 years of in-house production since 1999 and over 200+ brands produced for — including Toyota, Mama, ThreeManDown, and Lemon Curd — we return every quote within 24 hours.
When DTF is the right call
- Short runs of 10-30 pieces where silk screen isn't economical
- Photographic, gradient, or multi-color artwork
- Streetwear brands releasing limited drops
- Dark-colored sportswear where sublimation can't reach
- Event tees, premium gifts, and corporate giveaways
Frequently asked questions
- How durable is DTF? Will it peel after washing?
- Washed inside-out without harsh bleach, DTF holds up through dozens of cycles without peeling. The hand-feel is a thin film layer sitting on the fabric — distinct from DTG, which soaks into the fibers.
- DTF vs silk screen — which one should I pick?
- DTF fits 10-100 piece runs with multi-color or photographic art. Silk screen starts at MOQ 30 and becomes more economical at higher volumes, with denser, more opaque color. Our team advises based on your design and quantity.
- Is the per-piece cost very high at MOQ 10?
- Per-piece cost runs higher than at the 300+ break point (price tiers fall at 30 / 100 / 300 / 1,000+), but there are no hidden screen-setup fees, and one real sample plus free design are already included. Quote within 24 hours.
Not sure which technique fits?
Send us your design and run size; we'll come back with the right technique and a quote within 24 hours.