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IQ Ink · Chicopee, MA

Direct to
Film Printing

Our newest technology. Full-color, photo-quality prints on virtually any fabric, with no minimum order. DTF opens up design possibilities that screen printing and vinyl simply can't match.

Direct to Film printing at IQ Ink Chicopee

What Is DTF Printing?

Full color,
no limits.

Direct to Film printing works by printing your full-color design onto a special film using water-based inks, applying a hot-melt adhesive powder, and then heat-transferring the finished design onto your garment. The result: photo-quality, full-color prints that are vibrant, detailed, and flexible on the fabric.

DTF is a strong choice for designs with many colors, gradients, fine details, or photographic elements. It also works on fabrics that traditional screen printing struggles with: polyester, nylon, blends, and dark fabrics. It's one of the most versatile decoration methods we offer.

No minimum order and no color surcharges.

Minimum Order

No minimum

Colors

Unlimited

Fabric Types

Almost any fabric

Detail Level

Photo quality

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Why DTF?

Six reasons to choose DTF

01

Unlimited Colors

Screen printing charges per color. DTF doesn't. Your 12-color gradient design costs the same as a 2-color logo. Complex artwork is finally affordable.

02

Small Orders Welcome

No 20-piece minimums. Order one shirt or a hundred, the quality is the same. Perfect for small businesses, one-offs, samples, and limited runs.

03

Works on Dark Fabrics

DTF includes a white ink underbase, so colors pop on black, navy, and any dark garment. Screen printing often struggles here. DTF doesn't.

04

Virtually Any Fabric

Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, performance fabric. DTF transfers bond to almost any fabric type, giving you far more garment options than screen printing alone.

05

Photo-Quality Detail

Gradients, shadows, fine lines, photographic images. DTF handles them all with sharp clarity. Bring us artwork you thought was too complex to print.

06

Durable & Washable

DTF transfers are flexible and durable. They move with the fabric, resist cracking and peeling, and hold up through regular washing when cared for properly.

How DTF Stacks Up

DTF vs. other methods

FeatureDTFScreen PrintingVinylEmbroidery
Minimum OrderNone20 piecesNoneNone
Full Color✓ UnlimitedSpot colors onlySolid colors onlyThread colors
Photo/Gradient Designs✓ Yes✗ Difficult✗ No✗ No
Works on Dark Fabrics✓ YesRequires extra setup✓ Yes✓ Yes
Works on Polyester/Blends✓ YesLimited✓ Yes✓ Yes
Cost-Effective for Large RunsGood✓ BestModerateModerate
Premium/3D FeelFlatFlatSlightly raised✓ Yes

Still not sure which method is best for your project? Give us a call and we'll walk you through it.

Common Questions

DTF Printing FAQ

What does "Direct to Film" actually mean?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. Unlike screen printing (which pushes ink through a screen directly onto fabric) or DTG (Direct to Garment), DTF prints your design onto a special PET film, coats it with adhesive powder, and then transfers it to the garment using heat and pressure. The result is a finished, full-color transfer that bonds firmly to the fabric.
How durable is DTF printing?
DTF is quite durable when cared for properly. We recommend washing inside-out in cold water and avoiding high heat in the dryer. With proper care, DTF prints hold up well through many wash cycles without cracking or fading.
Can you DTF print on dark colored shirts?
Yes, and it's one of DTF's biggest advantages. Because the design is printed with a white underbase on the film before it's transferred, your colors show up vividly even on black or dark garments. This is something standard screen printing often struggles with.
Is DTF the same as DTG (Direct to Garment)?
They're related but different. DTG prints ink directly onto the garment (like a printer on fabric). DTF prints to a film first, then transfers it. DTF tends to be more versatile because it works on almost any fabric, while DTG works best on 100% cotton. Both produce full-color prints.
What file type should I send for DTF printing?
PNG files with a transparent background are ideal for DTF, since the transparent areas won't print. High-resolution files (300dpi or higher) work best. We can also work with AI, PDF, or PSD files. If you're unsure, bring what you have and we'll take a look.
Can I use DTF for a single item?
Absolutely. We can do one shirt, one hoodie, one hat, whatever you need. The per-piece price goes down as quantity goes up, but we never require a minimum to get started.

Complex designs are welcome.

DTF handles complex artwork that other methods struggle with. Bring us your gradients, photos, and fine details and let's get it printed. Call or stop by the shop.

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