DTF (or direct-to-film) is the process of printing your design onto a film. That film can then be transferred onto a variety of items using an iron or heat press. [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers "DTF transfers") allow you to customize everything from their size and shape to their placement on your products. This makes them the ultimate way to personalize anything from backpacks to blankets and sportswear to swag bags. The vibrant, full-colour print ensures your unique design catches the eye.

![DTF transfer being applied to a hoodie](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8b3ff80d-faab-4597-972c-5cd3d34e023b)

__Related article:__ [How can I use my DTF transfers?](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/support/how-can-i-use-my-dtf-transfers)

DTF transfers are printed directly onto a film that can then be transferred onto a variety of items using heat. Learn more in this FAQ! 

What are DTF transfers?

1. __Prepare the press__
Preheat your heat press to approximately 150°C.

2. __Prepare the garment__
Lay the garment flat, ensuring there are no wrinkles.
Press the garment for 10 seconds to smooth the fabric and remove any moisture.

3. __Position the transfer__
Place the DTF transfer with the smooth side facing up onto the garment.
Ensure the transfer is correctly aligned before proceeding.

4. __Apply heat and pressure__
With the transfer in place, press for 20 seconds using firm, even pressure.

5. __Cool the transfer__
Remove the garment from the press and allow it to cool until it feels slightly warm to the touch.
Test with your fingers to ensure it is no longer hot but retains mild warmth.
Do not proceed if the transfer is too warm or completely cold, as this may affect the results.

6. __Peel the transfer__
Starting from one corner, slowly peel the transfer backing away.
Ensure the print adheres to the garment as you peel.

__What to do if the transfer lifts__
If the transfer lifts off the garment while peeling:
Reposition the transfer and ensure it is flat.
Re-press for a few seconds with firm pressure.
Wait for the transfer to cool to lukewarm and try peeling again.

__Using an iron?__
If you're using an iron, [check out this article for detailed instructions](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/support/how-to-apply-dtf-transfers-with-an-iron).

Learn how to apply DTF transfers with a heat press in this FAQ!

How to apply DTF transfers with a heat press

__What is DTG?__

DTG (or direct-to-garment) is when the design prints directly onto the garment. This requires the fabric to be pre-treated, which allows the ink colours to pop. A major advantage is that the ink integrates into the fabric, creating a soft, breathable feel. DTG uses digital printing technology, so there is no limit to the colours or details in the print itself.

DTG prints can withstand gentle wash cycles while retaining their colour and quality. We recommend turning your garment inside out to help preserve the print. For reference, we use DTG printing on our [custom t-shirts.](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts")

__What is DTF?__

DTF (or direct-to-film) is when the design prints onto a film, which can then be transferred to a garment. DTF is also a digital printing process, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to colours and design details. Garments with [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers) can also withstand gentle wash cycles with the fabric turned inside out.

A huge benefit of DTF transfers is their versatility. They can be printed in any shape and size and placed anywhere on a wide variety of products, such as branding t-shirt sleeves, customizing canvas bags, or adding logos to backpacks.

DTG stands for direct-to-garment while DTF stands for direct-to-film. Learn about the differences in this FAQ!

What's the difference between DTF and DTG?

What is the difference between DTF and DTG?

The biggest benefit of [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers "DTF transfers") is their customizability. They can be any size from 25 mm x 25 mm to 381 mm x 381 mm, custom cut to fit the shape of your design, and printed in full, vibrant colour. This allows you to transfer them nearly anywhere on nearly any fabric. Here are some fun ways you can use your custom DTF transfers:

__Clothing:__ The most obvious use for heat transfers is on clothing, like t-shirts, hoodies, denim jackets, and jeans. Whether you want to include a small and subtle sleeve logo or bright and bold band merch, the options are endless when it comes to customizing your closet, products, and merchandise.

__Totes and backpacks:__ Bags don't have to be boring. Personalize gift bags with names and dates, create custom totes for your business, or decorate your kid's backpack or lunch bag with their favourite cartoon characters.

__Home decor:__ Heat-activated designs can be used for more than clothing and accessories. Decorate your home by adding them to throw pillows, blankets, table runners, or a framed fabric canvas.

__Apparel:__ Show some team spirit by creating custom jerseys, hats, and sports bags with your players' names, numbers, and mascots.

__Accessories:__ Create custom koozies for your party or festive bandanas for your pets!

If you need some inspiration or help setting up a design for your DTF transfers, check out [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/studio), our free online design tool, to help you get started.

DTF transfers are highly customizable and can be used for clothing, totes, backpacks, home decor, apparel, and accessories. Learn more in this FAQ!

How can I use my DTF transfers?

[DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers) work best on smooth fabrics with a high melting point. Cotton is the most popular choice for DTF transfers. This natural, breathable fabric is typically the easiest to work with. Polyester, a smooth, synthetic fabric, is also a top choice for heat transfer applications.

On the other hand, textured fabrics such as linen, and fabrics with a low heat tolerance, such as nylon, may affect adhesion and appearance. Custom DTF transfers can work great on these fabrics; however, it helps to ensure they are smoothed and adjust your heat accordingly.

Also, consider your fabric's stretch properties. Applying custom heat transfers to ribbed materials, like knit hats, or elastic materials, like spandex, may cause them to stretch and become cracked or distorted.

Finally, DTF transfers will always apply best to clean fabrics, so ensure your materials are free of any dirt or debris prior to application.

__Related article:__ [How to apply DTF transfers with an iron](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/support/how-to-apply-dtf-transfers-with-an-iron)

DTF transfers work best on smooth fabrics with a high melting point such as cotton and polyester. Learn more in this FAQ!

What types of fabric work best for DTF transfers?

Yes! To help increase the lifespan of your custom [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers "DTF transfers"), we recommend turning your garment inside out before washing it. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air drying or drying on the lowest heat setting is ideal, as high heat can cause fading and dye migration. If your fabric is wrinkled after washing, keep your garment turned inside out and iron on low heat to keep your design looking nice and smooth.

Yes! Learn the proper way to wash, dry, and maintain your DTF transfer in this FAQ!

Can DTF transfers go through the wash?

Our [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers) are designed for easy application with an iron. We've included a quick how-to video, as well as illustrated instructions below. Here are some helpful things to keep in mind:

1. Ensure the iron isn't too hot. We've found that the cotton/wool setting works best. If the iron is too hot, you may get dye migration or burnt materials. 
2. On the flip side, make sure your iron isn't too cool. Not enough heat will prevent the DTF transfer from adhering well. 
3. Prep is key! Make sure your garment is clean of any dirt or debris and free of any wrinkles. Heating up the garment with the iron before applying your DTF transfer will make for a smoother application. 
4. Use consistent pressure with constant movement. Keep moving the iron over your DTF transfer for the full 20 seconds with a smooth, slow, steady motion.

<WistiaVideo videoId="fn4zjfdfrj" />

![iron-on transfer instructions ](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9c5f8a30-fd7e-4a90-b81e-73c588226a5c)

__Using a heat press?__ 
If you're using a heat press, [check out this article for detailed instructions](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/support/how-to-apply-dtf-transfers).

DTF transfers are designed for easy application with an iron. Learn how to apply them correctly in this FAQ!

How to apply DTF transfers with an iron

You can apply your [DTF transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/products/dtf-transfers) using an iron or a heat press. Both are easy, beginner-friendly options. Using an iron is great for the at home DIYers, while the heat press is more popular for larger scale operations.

__Using an iron__

If you're using an iron, we've found that the wool/cotton setting works best. Prepare your garment by ironing it without the DTF transfer first. Make sure you do not have the steam setting on! This will prep your surface. Then, position the transfer print side down and iron for about 20 seconds, using consistent smooth movement the entire time. Allow your garment to cool for about a minute, and then gently peel the DTF transfer backing off. 

For more detailed instructions and images, check out [How to apply DTF transfers with an iron](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/upport/how-to-apply-dtf-transfers-with-an-iron). 

__Using a heat press__

If you're using a heat press, the idea is similar to that of an iron. You'll preheat the press to about 150°C. Lay the garment as flat as possible and press it for about 10 seconds to smooth the fabric. Place the transfer print side down and press again for about 20 seconds with firm, even pressure. Then, remove the garment and allow it to cool until it's slightly warm to the touch. Finally, slowly peel the transfer backing away. 

For step by step instructions on using a heat press, check out [How to apply DTF transfers with a heat press. ](https://www.stickermule.com/ca/support/how-to-apply-dtf-transfers)

You can apply DTF transfers using an iron or a heat press. Learn how to use these methods in this FAQ!

DTF transfers