Please reach us at sales@southernthreadworks.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
DTF is a printing method that prints ink directly onto a transfer film which can then be applied to a garment or item of your choosing with a heat press.
DTF has several advantages
No Minimum Order Requirements
Like DTG, DTF allows us to print one shirt just as easily as many shirts
Turn Around Times
DTF printing can allow fast turn around times in comparison with traditional screen printing. Potentially same day printing if you bring your own shirt and already have your design ready to go.
"Picture Perfect"
Similar to DTG, we are able to print pictures and images more accurately than traditional screen printing. DTF also has slightly bright coloring than DTG
Water-based Ink
Water-based ink makes this printing method eco-friendly as well as gives the end result a softer feel than traditional screen printing.
Fabric Variety
Unlike DTG, DTF prints can be placed on almost any fabric, from 100% cotton, to 100% polyester, to tri-blends and more. We have even applied a DTF print to wood!
We Accept Outside Images!
You are welcome to come in and see what images we have available for DTF or if you would like you can send your own! We gladly print images purchased from etsy and other sites. We ask that all customer supplied images be a high quality png file with a transparent background.
Picture Quality Matters
We print all images as they are sent to us. If they have a white background, are grainy, etc those qualities will print. We can sometimes remove a white background if requested however our program is not 100% and we do not quarantee a perfect removal. If you send a tiny logo and request it in a larger print, it WILL print out grainy and pixilated. We do offer clean up services starting at $15 per hour on non-photograph images. Clean up services are not available for same day print requests.
Thin Lines
Please keep in mind, if your design has really thin lines, tiny text, etc, it may not come out in DTF. DTF requires white ink be printed on top of color, this white ink is what allows the curing powder to be applied to the print. On super thin lines or tiny text there may not be enough surface area for a white print to be overlayed and if that happens the powder will most likely not stick. This Powder is required for the DTF print to be applied to your garment.
Transparency
DTF does not print transparency. Since DTF uses white ink to create a base for the powder to adhere to it is unable to effectively print any kind of transparency. In some cases the powder may stick to the transparent section without the white but we cannot guarantee it will adhere to your garment or how it will come out. In most cases transparent sections will be printed with a halftone effect to help create that shaded look.