A Step-by-Step Guide to DTF Printing

A Step-by-Step Guide to DTF Printing

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has rapidly become a favourite in the custom apparel and promotional products industry, thanks to its ability to produce high-resolution, vibrant, and durable designs. Whether you’re a business looking for DTF transfers in bulk, or a creative wanting to bring your artwork to life on garments, understanding how custom heat transfers work will help you achieve the best results.

This guide explains how DTF printing works, who uses it, and how our services at DTF Now can help — from DTF gang sheets UK to individual custom DTF transfers.

Step 1: Design Creation

Every great DTF custom transfer starts with a high-quality design. Using software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, prepare your artwork at a minimum of 300 DPI to ensure crisp, detailed results. This is especially important when using DTF gang sheets to get multiple designs printed on one sheet.

👉 Need help getting your artwork ready? We also offer Logo Vectorisation Services to make sure your files are print-ready.

Step 2: Printing Onto Film

Your artwork is then printed onto a specialist DTF transfer film using a heat transfer printer. At DTF Now, we use industry-leading equipment to ensure your colours are vibrant and consistent. The film is coated with adhesive powder, which is heat-cured to prepare it for pressing.

Looking for DTF printing near me? Our Medway, Kent facility provides fast, professional DTF printing services UK-wide with quick delivery.

Step 3: Heat Pressing

The final stage is transferring your design onto the garment with a heat press. Once applied, your custom DTF transfers bond firmly to the fabric, creating a soft, flexible, and durable print that can withstand regular washing and wear.

No matter if it’s for custom workwear, fashion brands, or promotional products, our DTF gang sheets UK make the process simple and cost-effective.

Tips for Preparing Your Artwork

✅ Use CMYK colours – DTF printing works best when artwork is designed in CMYK mode.
✅ Go high-resolution – Always use 300 DPI files for professional results.
✅ Think about fabric – DTF is versatile, working on cotton, polyester, blends, and more.

👉 Check out our full range of DTF Gang Sheets — available in A4, A3, and A2 — perfect for maximising your print runs.

Common Challenges (and Fixes!)

  • Colours not matching? Ensure your design uses CMYK, not RGB.

  • Film not transferring? Double-check your heat press settings for time, pressure, and temperature.

Our DTF custom transfers are tested for durability, so when applied correctly, they’ll always deliver vibrant, professional results.

Who Uses DTF Printing?

One of the strengths of DTF printing is its versatility. We work with:

👕 Workwear & Trades – Builders, electricians, plumbers, and more use DTF transfers for branded uniforms.
🎨 Fashion Brands & Creatives – Independent labels love how custom DTF transfers handle detailed artwork and bold colours.
🏢 Corporate & Promotional Companies – Businesses use DTF gang sheets for bulk branded merch like tote bags, hoodies, and caps.
🏫 Schools, Clubs & Events – From sports kits to leavers’ hoodies, DTF makes personalisation easy.

Why Choose DTF Now?

  • ✅ UK-based — perfect if you’re searching for DTF near me

  • ✅ Fast turnaround — same-day or 24-hour DTF printing UK available

  • ✅ High-quality films and powders — for long-lasting durability

  • ✅ Options for embroidery, screen printing, and DTF custom transfers

Whether you need bulk DTF gang sheets UK or one-off custom DTF transfers, our team can help.

👉 Explore our DTF Transfers and start your order today.

Final Thoughts

DTF printing is transforming the way businesses, designers, and individuals customise apparel and products. From heat transfer printers to DTF custom transfers, this technology makes it easier than ever to create professional, vibrant, and durable prints.

If you’re ready to take your branding, fashion, or promotional items to the next level, explore our full range of DTF gang sheets and order with confidence from DTF Now — your trusted UK supplier for DTF printing near me.

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