Custom DTF Transfers | No Minimums
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Custom Apparel Service DTF Transfer PrintingFull-color, photo-realistic prints on any fabric color. No minimums. No screen setup fees. The perfect method for small runs, complex artwork, and designs that push past the limits of traditional screen printing.
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TL;DR: When to Choose DTFDTF (Direct to Film) is your best option when you need fewer than 48 pieces, your design has more colors than screen printing can handle cost-effectively, or you need photo-realistic detail on dark garments. No screen setup, no color limits, no minimums. It's not a replacement for screen printing at volume (screen printing wins on cost per piece at 48+), and it doesn't have the premium texture of embroidery. But for the right job, it's the fastest, most flexible print method we offer. |
The Basics
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. Instead of pushing ink through a mesh screen (like screen printing), DTF prints your full-color design onto a specialized PET film using CMYK + white ink. A powdered adhesive is applied to the wet ink, cured, and then the finished transfer is heat-pressed directly onto your garment.
The result is a vibrant, full-color print with fine detail that works on virtually any fabric color, from white cotton tees to black polyester performance shirts. Because there are no screens to set up, there's no setup cost per color. A 12-color photo-realistic design costs the same to print as a 1-color logo.
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HOW IT WORKS
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Best Use Cases
When DTF Is the Right Call
DTF isn't the answer to everything, but it's the best answer for a lot of situations that screen printing and embroidery can't handle efficiently. Here's where it wins:
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Small Runs (Under 48 Pieces) Screen printing has a standard minimum of 48 pieces because of screen setup costs. DTF has no minimums. Need 6 custom tees for your team? 12 event shirts? One sample? DTF makes it cost-effective. |
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Complex, Multi-Color, or Photo-Realistic Artwork Screen printing charges per color (each color = one screen). A 6-color design on 24 shirts can get expensive fast. DTF prints unlimited colors at the same cost. Photographs, gradients, and fine detail all come through cleanly. |
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Promotional Giveaway Hats We don't screen print hats. For hat decoration, your options are embroidery (ultra-premium), leather patches (premium), or DTF (standard/promotional). DTF on hats is ideal for event giveaways and trade show swag where full color matters more than tactile premium feel. |
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Mixed Fabric Orders DTF adheres to cotton, polyester, poly-blends, nylon, and most other fabrics. If your order mixes garment types (some cotton tees, some poly performance shirts, some nylon bags), DTF handles them all with the same transfer. |
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Fast Turnaround / Rush Orders No screens to burn, no film positives to expose, no registration to dial in. DTF goes from file to finished print faster than any other method. If you're up against a deadline, this is your best shot. |
Compatibility
What Can You DTF Print On?
DTF transfers work on almost anything you can run through a heat press. The adhesive bonds mechanically to the fabric surface, which means it's not limited to cotton like some traditional methods.
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Method Comparison
DTF vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery
Every print method has a sweet spot. Here's how they stack up. For a deeper dive, read our full comparison guide.
| DTF | Screen Print | Embroidery | |
| Minimum Order | None | 48 pieces | None |
| Colors | Unlimited | Up to 8 | Up to 15 |
| Setup Cost | None | Per screen | $25 digitizing |
| Photo Detail | Excellent | Limited | N/A |
| Best For | Small runs, complex art | High volume (48+) | Hats, polos, workwear |
| Texture | Smooth film feel | Ink on fabric | Raised thread |
| Durability | 50+ washes | 100+ washes | Lifetime |
Not sure which method fits your project? Read our DTF vs Screen Printing breakdown or just call us. We'll recommend the right method based on your artwork, quantity, and budget.
Working With Us
How a DTF Order Works at Battle Born
DTF is one of the fastest paths from idea to finished garment. Here's what to expect when you place a DTF order with us:
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01 Send Us Your Artwork High-resolution PNG, AI, or PSD files work best. Don't have artwork yet? We offer free design setup. Email files to sales@battlebornclothing.com or describe what you need in the quote form below. |
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02 We Quote and Proof Same-day quote on most requests. We'll send you a digital proof showing placement, size, and color. Revisions are free until you approve. |
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03 Print, Press, Inspect We print the transfers, heat-press each piece at the right temperature and dwell time for your specific garment, and manually inspect every single item before packing. |
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04 Ship or Pickup Local pickup in Yerington or delivery throughout Northern Nevada. We also ship nationwide. Standard turnaround is 7 business days; rush (3 days or fewer) is available. |
Durability & Care
How Long Do DTF Prints Last?
A properly applied DTF transfer will hold up through 50+ wash cycles with proper care. That's not as durable as a well-cured screen print (which can go 100+ washes) or embroidery (which essentially lasts the life of the garment), but it's significantly better than iron-on transfers or cheap heat-transfer vinyl. For a deeper breakdown, check out our DTF wash durability guide.
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Care Instructions for Maximum Lifespan Wash inside out on cold. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the print. Do not dry clean. Following these steps will keep your DTF prints looking sharp for years. |
What Customers Say
4.62 ★ Average · 21+ Verified Reviews
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★★★★★ "Amazing company! Had an issue and the owner went head over heels to make everything right. Five stars all the way." Alex K. · Verified Buyer |
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★★★★★ "High quality, good prices, great people. Thanks for the great products!" Anthony F. · Verified Buyer |
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★★★★★ "Very good quality! Bought as a gift and he really liked it. Thanks for the extras!" Missy H. · Verified Buyer |
Common Questions
DTF Printing FAQ
What does DTF stand for?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. Your design is printed in full color onto a specialized PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the garment. It's a digital process with no screens, no plates, and no color limits.
Is there a minimum order for DTF printing?
No. We'll print a single piece. That's one of the biggest advantages of DTF over screen printing, which has a standard minimum of 48 pieces due to screen setup costs.
How does DTF compare to screen printing on quality?
Different strengths. Screen printing produces a thinner, softer hand feel (especially with discharge ink) and lasts longer at 100+ washes. DTF produces sharper detail and unlimited colors but has a slightly more noticeable film texture. For runs of 48+, screen printing is usually the better value. Under 48 pieces, DTF wins on cost and flexibility. Read our full DTF vs screen printing comparison.
Can you DTF print on hats?
Yes. DTF works on the front panel of structured and unstructured hats. It's ideal for promotional giveaway hats where full-color artwork matters more than a premium tactile feel. For higher-end hats, we recommend embroidery or laser-engraved leather patches.
What file format do you need for DTF printing?
High-resolution PNG files with transparent backgrounds are ideal. We also accept AI (Adobe Illustrator), PSD (Photoshop), PDF, and high-res JPG. Minimum 300 DPI at print size. If your file isn't print-ready, we'll set it up for you at no charge. Check our artwork guide for more detail.
How much does DTF printing cost?
DTF pricing depends on transfer size and quantity. Because there are no per-color charges or screen setup fees, it's typically cheaper than screen printing for orders under 48 pieces or designs with 4+ colors. For larger runs, screen printing becomes more cost-effective per piece. The best way to get an exact price is to request a free quote or call us at (775) 230-0211.
Get Started
Request a DTF Printing Quote
Tell us about your project. Most quotes go out the same business day.