How is DTF different from DTG?

DTF prints onto PET film then heat-presses it onto fabric, unlike DTG which prints directly onto fabric; this lets DTF print on more fabric types, including dark fabric with no separate white base needed.

Yes — high color fastness and adhesion after pressing, holding up to repeated washing when pressed at the right temperature and time.

Does DTF work on dark fabric?

Yes — DTF gives good color on dark fabric without a separate white pre-treatment step like DTG needs.

Printing Technology

DTF Printing (Direct to Film / PET)

DTF (Direct to Film) prints a design onto an intermediate PET film layer, dusts it with adhesive powder, then heat-presses the printed film onto the fabric. Unlike DTG, which prints directly onto fabric, DTF creates a complete transfer layer first — allowing print-now, press-later production — and it works on a wider range of fabrics, including dark colors, without a separate pre-treatment step.

DTF delivers high resolution with sharp fine detail, including gradients and photographs.

DTF printing process at the Startee workshop — The DTF process at Startee — printing the design onto film, then heat-pressing it onto the shirt.

Why choose DTF

Prints on many fabric types — cotton, polyester, blends, and some non-stretch materials that don’t suit DTG.
Good color on dark fabric without a separate white pre-treatment step like DTG needs.
Designs can be pre-printed onto film in batches and pressed on demand later — flexible for made-to-order production.
High color fastness and adhesion after pressing, holding up to repeated washing when pressed at the right temperature and time.

Best fit: orders that need to print on several fabric types or shirt colors in the same batch, or medium quantities that need fast turnaround — a common need for custom uniform orders.

DTG

Screen Printing